Montgomery County Launches Campaign to Publicize Child Care Assistance Program

For Immediate Release: Monday, April 1, 2024

Montgomery County’s Working Parents Assistance (WPA) program, part of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, is using ads on Ride On buses, local radio and social media to market the program. The WPA program provides financial assistance to support parents who meet income eligibility criteria to pay their child care costs.

In the current fiscal year, the County has provided nearly $3 million to eligible parents, and additional money is still available to families.

"As a former teacher, I know the value of early childhood education on a child’s development, and quality, licensed child care is essential for working parents,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We are committed to helping eligible residents pay for child care, which allows them to focus on their careers or education while ensuring their children’s safety and well-being. Programs like the Working Parents Assistance program help children and their parents.”

Parents/guardians may qualify for the WPA program if they:

• Are a Montgomery County resident.
• Meet income guidelines.
• Are a parent or guardian of a child from birth to age 13 (up to age 19 if the child has a disability and needs care).
• Are pursuing child support through the court, voluntarily or claim a good cause.
• Must be employed 25 hours or more per week or enrolled in a full-time undergraduate/vocational program or combination of both.

Immigration status is not a requirement for parents or children to participate in the WPA program. The selected child care provider must be licensed by the State of Maryland.

Visit the WPA program website to learn more about eligibility and to complete an application, or call 240-777-1177.

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Release ID: 24-151
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
Categories: Education, Health