High-quality child care prior to kindergarten has well-known academic, social, and economic benefits. In the short-term, early childhood care and education increases school readiness and academic success. It also helps parents to fully participate in the workforce. In the long-term, it increases children’s lifelong achievement and attainment; promotes their health and well-being; and contributes to economic success for families and communities.
There is an urgent need to increase equitable access to high-quality early childhood care and education in Frederick County.
To address this need, the Frederick County Office for Children & Families (OCF), together with the Frederick County Interagency Early Childhood Committee (IECC), is working with Public Policy Associates and Solomon Evaluation to:
- Identify existing capacity and gaps in regulated child care.
- Define the economic drivers and educational impact of early childhood care and education quality in the county.
- Collect the community-driven insights to guide the development of local solutions.
Your Voice Matters
Over 2023, there will be many opportunities for residents to contribute. The project plans include:
- Community Advisory Board
- Family survey and focus groups
- Provider survey and interviews
- Community input/information sessions
Check back for new information and project updates regularly. Notices will also be shared on the social media pages for the project.
News
Community Advisory Board
We are currently seeking participants for the Community Advisory Board (CAB). This group is limited to 10 members. The group will meet remotely 4 times.
Great board members are those who:
- Are members of the Frederick County community.
- Are interested in supporting children’s futures and families’ financial success.
- Can participate regularly to share their perspectives.
Please apply for the CAB by completing this form.
The OFC and Public Policy Associates will select board members and confirm membership in the next several weeks. If you have any questions about the CAB, email FrederickCoStudy@publicpolicy.com.
Public Policy Associates and Solomon Evaluation
This study is being conducted by Public Policy Associates and Solomon Evaluation.
Public Policy Associates was founded in 1991 and is located in Lansing, Michigan. We serve clients in the public, private, and nonprofits sectors at the national, state, and local levels by conducting research and evaluation that supports informed decision-making. In addition to a wide range of research expertise, the staff have experience in early childhood care and education, K-12 educational outcomes, workforce and economic development, and strategic planning.
Solomon Evaluation has served the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area since 2015. Led by Dr. Shira Solomon, Solomon Evaluation advances learning outcomes in schools and social services agencies.