County Leaders Celebrate New Independent Early Care and Education Coordinating Entity

Led by Council President Albornoz and Councilmembers Nancy Navarro and Craig Rice, the Council unanimously enacted Bill 42-21 in Feb. 2022, which provides the framework to establish an independent Early Care and Education Coordinating Entity. This organization will focus on systemic issues related to accessible, high quality and sustainable early care and education (ECE) in order to empower more parents to participate in the workforce, provide a solid educational foundation for children, help employers attract and retain talented individuals, and ensure a talented future workforce to help spur Montgomery County’s economy, according to the Council’s press release.

Bill 42-21 builds upon the Montgomery County Early Care and Education Initiative (ECEI), which was spearheaded in 2019 by Councilmember Navarro, then serving as Council President, and County Executive Elrich, in partnership with MCPS and Montgomery College. This four-year action plan earmarked $7 million in funding to expand quality early care and educational opportunities for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, according to the Council.

During its Tuesday meeting, the Council is scheduled to confirm the County Executive’s appointments to the Early Care and Education Coordinating Entity Board of Directors.

Today’s action builds on the County’s Early Care & Education Initiative that was led in 2019 by Councilmember @CM_NancyNavarro in partnership with Councilmembers, @MontCoExec, @MCPS & @montgomerycoll. This 4-year action plan earmarked $7 million to expand early care & education. pic.twitter.com/kN4v5xLgNY

— Montgomery Council (@MoCoCouncilMD) July 12, 2022