Prince George's County - Early Childhood Education Program, High School Child Care Centers, and Fee in Child Support Cases - Established PG 502-25
The bill mandates that the Prince George's County Board of Education implement a career and technical education program in early childhood education at high schools that house these child care centers. This initiative is expected to prepare students for future careers in early childhood education, reinforcing educational pathways for those interested in this profession. The State Department of Education will assist in licensing and ensuring compliance with safety regulations for these centers, promoting a supportive educational environment for students with children.
House Bill 359, concerning Prince George's County, aims to enhance early childhood education by requiring public high schools to establish child care centers. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, each public high school where the student pregnancy rate exceeds 1% must offer a child care center that caters only to the children of currently enrolled students. Additionally, these centers will provide services at no cost to the families of those students, thus promoting education continuity for young parents pursuing their high school education.
Another significant component of the bill introduces a $10 fee in child support cases, specifically in Prince George's County. This fee will be collected by the Circuit Court in child support proceedings and aimed to generate revenue to support the established child care centers. This could be seen as a point of contention, as some may argue that imposing additional fees in child support cases could burden already struggling families while generating funds necessary for educational support.