Unlocking Opportunities: Free and Low-Cost Programs for Young Children in Maryland
January 1, 2025
Raising children is expensive. Even more so for families of children with developmental delays, cognitive variances, physical differences, or neurodivergence. Maryland offers various free and low-cost programs to support families with young children. These programs provide valuable resources and opportunities for early childhood development, ensuring a strong foundation, and providing much needed support for families RIGHT NOW!
Early Intervention and Support
For children with developmental delays or disabilities, Maryland's Infants and Toddlers Program (MITP) offers early intervention services. This program provides evaluations, individualized plans, and therapies to support children's development from birth to age three. https://referral.mditp.org/
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded programs that provide comprehensive services to low-income families with young children. Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers, while Head Start focuses on preschool-aged children. These programs offer education, health screenings, nutrition services, and family support. https://www.louriecenter.org/LC/programs-services/head-start/
Preschool Education
Maryland's Prekindergarten Program provides free or low-cost preschool for four-year-olds from low-income families. This program aims to prepare children for kindergarten by focusing on literacy, math, and social skills. https://www.pgcps.org/offices/early-learning-programs/prekindergarten
Child Care Subsidies
The Child Care Subsidy Program helps eligible families pay for child care. This program provides financial assistance based on income and family size, making quality child care more accessible. https://family.childcareportals.org/s/?language=en_US
Health Care Coverage
The Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) provides free or low-cost health insurance for children and pregnant women who meet income requirements. MCHP offers comprehensive coverage, including doctor visits, immunizations, and prescriptions. https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/eligibility/Pages/apply.aspx
Additional Resources in Prince George’s County
Several other programs and resources are available to support young children and their families in PG County. These include:
Judy Centers: These family support centers offer resources and programs for families with young children: https://www.pgcps.org/offices/early-learning-programs/judy-center-early-learning-hub
Libraries: Libraries throughout PG county and MD offer free story times, early literacy programs, and resources for families.
Recreation Centers: Many recreation centers provide affordable classes and activities for young children.
Prince George’s Child Resource Center: This center offers a variety of programs for children, including early childhood education, family support services, and special needs services. They also have a resource library with free books and toys. You can find more information on their website: http://www.childresource.org/
Prince George’s County Social Services: This agency offers a variety of programs for families in need, including child care assistance, food assistance, and housing assistance. You can find more information on their website: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/
The Arc of PG County: This organization provides case management services for children from birth to age three who have a diagnosed condition, a developmental delay, or atypical development. https://www.thearcofpgc.org/programs/children-youth/infants-toddlers/
Parenting young children requires support and resources. These are just a few of the many free or low-cost programs available for young children in PG County and in Maryland. With a little research, (and a significant amount of patiences . . . let’s be real!!!) you can find a program that supports the needs of your child and family. These programs offer valuable resources and opportunities that promote early childhood development and assist in giving children the skills that they may need as they grow.
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Hi, I’m Kim Parmar, a speech-language pathologist and I’m passionate about teaching parents and caregivers (aunts, grandfathers, neighbors, & play cousins) how to help their toddlers and young children to communicate.
Join the Parent & Preschool PlayGroup https://toddlertalkllc.as.me/preschoolplaygroup
