FY27 EquiCare: Subsidy Seats Grant Program
Forecasted
FY27 EquiCare: Subsidy Seats Grant Program supports child care providers with funding for full-day infant and toddler care seats to expand Montgomery County families’ access without tuition or co-pays.
Funder: Montgomery County Government
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Submission deadline) | May 2027 (Application end date)
Funding Amounts: $25,870 per child annually; minimum awards of $51,740 for family care and $206,960 for centers; three-year proposals with conditional continuation
Summary: Funds high-quality, full-day infant and toddler child care seats for eligible Montgomery County families without tuition or co-pays.
Key Information: Providers must hold Maryland EXCELS Level 3 or higher and meet accreditation and staff credential requirements.
Description
Montgomery County’s EquiCare: Subsidy Seats Grant Program supports licensed child care providers offering high-quality, full-day care for children ages six weeks through three years. The Department of Health and Human Services Early Childhood Services administers the program in partnership with the Office of Grants Management. Funding pays for designated seats in family child care, large family child care, centers, and Letter of Compliance programs.
The program aims to increase infant and toddler care availability for Montgomery County families at or below 400% of the federal poverty line who do not qualify for existing early childhood public programs. Award priorities reflect local shortages identified in the county’s FY25 Supply and Demand Study. Participating families pay no tuition or co-pay, although the FAQ assigns program-related fees to families.
