Learn how to apply for State child care vouchers in the Maryland/DC/Virginia area:​

​​Maryland​​​
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​​​Virginia
  
District of Columbia

State Provider Quality Ratings:

Most state quality rating programs are voluntary so not all providers participate.  Find out what the rating means in your state and how to use the online directory to find quality providers.

Virginia is transitioning to a new quality rating system starting 2023/2024, called VQB5.

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DC recently implemented a new rating system: Capital Quality (QRIS)  Use this link to learn more.  To look up a provider's quality rating for DC, use the Online Provider Search to find a provider.  The quality rating will be listed on the provider's profile. 

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Where to find Help with locating Child Care Providers:
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• ​​​Helpful tips for families and Child Care Search ​​provided by Child Care Aware of America​


• Locate: Child Care in Maryland provided by Maryland Family Network
• Virginia Online Child Care Provider Search ​provided by Virginia Department of Social Services
• DC Online Child Care Provider Search provided by My Child Care DC

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Donate to Help Families

General Information for Families:

• ​​Parent Resources and Guides provided by Zero to Three

Parenting Classes and Workshops

Parents Encouragement Program - aka PEP:
​offering workshops for learning positive parenting strategies
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​Mindful Return: support for parents returning from parental leave

Tools for Employers:

Montgomery Moving Forward's Early Care and Education Employer Toolkit

Child Care Statistics and Research:

Provided by the Center for American Progress

• Early Learning DC 2021 
• Early Learning MD 2021
• Early Learning VA 2021​​

Provided by Child Care Aware of America

• 2019 State Fact Sheet MD
• 2019 State Fact Sheet VA
• 2019 State Fact​ Sheet DC

Curious about why child care is so expensive, yet child care teachers earn so little?  Watch this short video by Child Care Aware® of America to learn why.