Childcare Task Force – Established January 21, 2025 by Resolution 25-R-04

The Mayor and Council have discussed issues surrounding the costs and availability of childcare providers in College Park.  The Mayor and Council wish to identify existing programs and proposed legislation that may reduce costs and expand childcare availability.  The Mayor and Council believe that current childcare providers may provide important recommendations for actions the City could take, and therefore wish to receive feedback from providers regarding childcare operations and challenges to lower costs and expand availability. 

1. Charge: The City’s Childcare Task Force is charged with the following duties and responsibilities: 

1. In coordination with the City lobbyist, review and monitor state legislation during the 2025 General Assembly and report to the Council bills the City may wish to comment on.  
2. Interview existing childcare providers in or near College Park to find out what changes they believe would help lower costs and expand access. 
3. Research federal, state, county, and non-profit programs and reports that may assist families access and afford childcare. 
4. Provide updates as needed to the Council during the legislative session and provide a report on the other findings before September 30, 2025.

2. Composition and Term: 

1. The Childcare Task Force shall be comprised of nine voting members appointed by the Mayor and Council.
   1. Each district shall have at least one member and preferably two members who reside in the district.  
   2. One member will be a member of the Education Advisory Committee.
2. The Mayor and Council shall endeavor to appoint members with experience and interest in childcare programs, and who reflect a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds.
3. Each appointee shall commit to a high level of attendance and engagement at meetings.
4. The members of the Task Force shall select a Chair from among the appointed members.
5. Task Force members shall serve until the Task Force is dissolved, which is anticipated to be approximately five months but may be extended. 
6. The City Manager shall assign a staff member to be the Childcare Task Force liaison.  The liaison is not a member of the Task Force.

3. Other: 

It is expected that the Task Force will solicit presentations and other contributions from experts and clients in the industry, such as childcare center staff, particularly to fill gaps in   the collective expertise of task force members.  

Members of this Task Force are not compensated.

The Task Force must comply with the Maryland Open Meetings Act. 

The City Clerk’s office will assign a Contract Secretary to facilitate the recording of meeting meetings.   

Click here to apply.  Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.