The City Council's Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee held a hearing focused on early childhood education and child care in Baltimore City, highlighting the critical challenges of affordability, accessibility, and quality in the child care system. Key discussions centered on the state's Child Care Scholarship program, which has seen increased demand but faces a funding freeze due to budget constraints, impacting thousands of families. Presenters emphasized the importance of early childhood education as foundational for long-term academic and economic success, noting the decline in child care capacity and the need for sustainable funding models. The hearing also addressed workforce challenges, including low wages for early childhood educators, and explored innovative approaches such as mixed delivery pre-K systems, intergenerational programs, and potential employer partnerships to improve affordability and quality. The committee acknowledged the urgency of these issues and expressed commitment to continued collaboration and action to support families, providers, and the early childhood education ecosystem in Baltimore.

City Council Hearing:Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee; January 29, 2026