(5/2024) Study Finds Lack of Access to Affordable Quality Childcare Impacts County’s Economy, Children’s Development

For Frederick County’s economy to thrive, families must be able to find and afford reliable, high-quality childcare. That is one of the findings of a market study recently conducted for the Division of Family Services. Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced the findings today.

"Childcare affects families’ job options, their finances, and children’s development," Executive Fitzwater said. "It is vitally important for our economy and our future that we find solutions so everyone in our community can thrive and reach their full potential."

Through its Office for Children and Families, the Division of Family Services commissioned the study to identify strategic steps Frederick County Government can take to help. Consultants Public Policy Associates and Solomon Evaluations conducted research from February 2023 to February 2024.

Key findings of the study include:

• Demand outstrips supply. The number of licensed childcare slots in Frederick County is not keeping pace with the need. The northern and southeastern parts of the county are experiencing crisis-level childcare shortages. Countywide, three out of four providers reported a six-month waitlist.
• Providers face challenges. Childcare providers struggle with licensing regulations, staffing, and other business challenges that make it difficult to meet the demand. The number of home-based providers has been declining, making it increasingly difficult for families to access affordable, licensed childcare for infants and toddlers.
• The social impacts are real.
• Lost wages and career development: Frederick County’s families miss out on $1 million a year in lost wages due to childcare problems. Women, in particular, lose out on career development. In Maryland, women are returning to the post-pandemic workforce at half the national rate, with childcare being one of the biggest reasons.
• Children’s development: When they arrive at kindergarten, children are not ready to learn. Latino English learners and low-income students show the biggest boost in readiness from formal childcare.
• Investment pays dividends. The study found that after recouping expenses, the county is likely to see an additional $3-$4 in economic benefits for every dollar invested in improving families’ access to quality child care.
• More than 1,600 parents and childcare providers in Frederick County participated in the study, offering feedback through surveys, focus groups, interviews, and community input sessions. Additionally, data was collected from federal, state and county agencies. The study, which is available online, was paid for from Frederick County’s American Rescue Plan Act funding. It was supported by Federal Award number SLFRP16623, awarded to the county by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The next step is to gather community input on how to move forward. A survey is available online at PublicInput.com/childcareforfrederickcounty.

For more information contact Vivian Laxton, Communications Director, 301-600-1315.

Legislation Provides Tools to Address Human Trafficking

Frederick County government agencies are working together to crack down on businesses that support criminal enterprises. County Executive Jessica Fitzwater was joined by law enforcement, code enforcement, and business leaders today to announce legislation that will make it more difficult for illegal activity to occur at massage, spa, or other bodywork establishments.

"Human trafficking happens everywhere, including in Frederick County," Executive Fitzwater said. "We must take action now to prevent these organized criminal enterprises from taking root in our community. This legislation builds on the lessons learned by our investigators and our victim advocacy agencies over the past several months."

Frederick County’s INTERCEPT Task Force (Inter-agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking) formed in October of 2023. The task force includes representatives of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, the Frederick Police Department, as well as other local, state and federal agencies and victim advocacy partners. INTERCEPT addresses crimes such as human trafficking, child sex abuse, and the online exploitation of children.

"I want to thank the Fitzwater Administration for championing this important piece of legislation, and for their unwavering support to launch INTERCEPT," said Joyce King, chief counsel with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office and a member of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force.

The proposed legislation tightens current zoning laws in several ways. It requires a bodyworks business to get prior zoning approval by submitting copies of all licenses and a list of current employees. Licenses and lists must be re-submitted every year. The bill also allows for periodic inspections by the County’s zoning administrator. People will not be allowed to live on site. Anyone instructing unlicensed employees will be required to maintain a higher education certificate. Finally, the bill increases the types of businesses covered by the regulations. The zoning changes do not add any additional licensing requirements or fees to existing businesses that already have zoning approval.

Limited-Time Program Makes Installing Solar Energy Systems More Affordable for Frederick County Residents and Businesses

The Division of Energy and Environment is announcing that the annual Capital Area Solar Switch buyer’s cooperative is open on April. This innovative program leverages group buying power to provide participants with access to solar energy systems at a discounted rate. The program is a regional collaboration with Solar United Neighbors, Frederick County Government, and other local jurisdictions.

The Solar Switch buyer’s cooperative provides resources for homeowners and small businesses to learn about rooftop solar systems, battery storage, and installation processes, then come together to secure group pricing. This program is organized by the nonprofit Solar United Neighbors (SUN), which screens qualified solar installers to compete for the co-op’s business via a program auction to be held on May 8. SUN then assesses the installer’s offers to secure the best, competitively priced, turnkey solar package for customers.

Those interested in participating in the program are urged to register before May 8. The more people who sign up before the auction, the more competitive the selected installer’s bids will be. Once the auction has concluded, recommendations tailored to each property will be emailed to all participants in July. While this program provides the opportunity to get solar panels installed at a reduced cost, anyone can register for free without any obligation to make a purchase.

Utilizing clean, renewable energy sources is one of the most effective ways to make progress toward Frederick County’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from 2010 levels by 2030 and 100% no later than 2050. According to Lindsey Humphrey, Program Administrator for the Division of Energy and Environment, "The ability to access affordable solar energy provides direct benefits to residents and businesses by lowering their overall energy costs. But it also reduces their impact on the grid, contributing to greater energy independence and environmental sustainability for our region."

Solar Switch wholesale prices are made even better when combined with state and federal incentives. During the most recent program, participating households saved an average of $4,115 on a typical-sized solar installation. Residents who would like more information on the array of renewable energy incentives can utilize the County’s new Green Compass program for help navigating the process. Visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/GreenCompass for more information.

For more information about the Solar Switch program, please visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/solarswitch. For updates and notifications on solar information sessions.

Frederick County Health Department and Addiction Policy Forum Launch Anti-Stigma Initiative to Improve Community Responses to Addiction

Frederick County Health Department is honored to have been chosen as one of 100 pilot sites to partner with Addiction Policy Forum as part of a nationwide Anti-Stigma Initiative. This Initiative is focused on reducing stigma and increasing knowledge about addiction in their communities.

Frederick County community members are invited to participate in a survey to gather a better understanding of the attitudes and knowledge people have of addiction. The survey is open to Frederick County community members 18 years or older. It will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and all responses will be anonymous. To take the survey, click here. To take the survey in Spanish, respondents will need to select "EspaZol" under language in the top right corner of the survey. This survey will be open through May.

Addiction is one of the most stigmatized health conditions on earth. Individuals with substance use disorder are often stereotyped and subjected to discrimination. These negative attitudes and behaviors, also known as stigma, prevent people who are struggling from reaching out for help and isolate families affected by the disease who fear being judged by their communities.

"We are excited about bringing this pilot to Frederick County", says Jessica Ellis, Harm Reduction and Diversion Programs Manager. "We want to hear from our community members so that we can reduce addiction stigma in ways that are unique to our community. We want everyone in our community to feel comfortable asking for the help they need."

The survey will help measure addiction knowledge, support for public health responses to addiction, and perceptions around addiction in the community. The results will help inform strategies to better educate, collaborate, and advocate needed resources and strategies to curb the addiction crisis across the community and state.

For more information about Behavioral Health in Frederick County, visit Health.FrederickCountyMD.gov/BHS or call 301-600-1755.

County Executive Appoints Rosano to Lead Division of Emergency Management

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater has appointed Anthony Rosano as Director of the Division of Emergency Management, effective immediately. In this role, he leads the Departments of Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Communications. Mr. Rosano took on the duties as Acting Director in January following the retirement of Jack Markey. The appointment was confirmed by the County Council this evening.

"I am pleased to be able to promote Tony to this critical position," County Executive Fitzwater said. "Tony is experienced in all areas of the division, and I am confident he is the right person to lead Frederick County’s transition to Next Generation 911 and to keep our community safe."

Mr. Rosano joined Frederick County Government in April 2021. Prior to serving as Acting Directory, he served as the division’s deputy director. He brings experience in emergency management, public safety, and homeland security. He is a Certified Emergency Manager. Before coming to Frederick County, Mr. Rosano worked at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and Howard County’s Office of Emergency Management. He also served as a contractor for the U.S. Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia.

A resident of Mount Airy, Mr. Rosano earned his master’s degree in security and safety leadership from George Washington University, and his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland, Global Campus.