Mayor Catherine Pugh might just have Gov. Larry’s number.

A recent press release came down the pike, and I must say Governor Hogan wants all these votes.  And, he might just get them.  As most of you know, all childcare is NOT created equal in the state of Maryland.  I am in a mad dash to find formal care for Sebastian.  Up until this point, my parents have cared for him.  Now that he is approaching two, we all know he would benefit greatly from being around children his age.  But, this is a scary process for me.  The list of people I trust to watch him literally might have 3-4 people on it, and that number shrinks depending on my mood.

You hear me talk about access in just about every post because it literally is one of the most important things to me.  It directly relates to the welfare of my children.  Undoubtedly, cost and convenience are major factors that go into choosing a childcare facility.  But even more important is the quality of care I NEED Sebastian to receive.  This is one of the first important decisions I will make in his life, and I need to get it right in a hurry.

Where are the affordable licensed care facilities that cater to the whole being of a child?  Sebastian needs to be challenged academically, socially, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  He also needs a patient provider that can meet him where he is developmentally.  I am so scared for him.  I am even more scared for the provider that accepts him because I am THAT mom.  No woman, man, child, baby, or building could withstand this wrath if something were to happen to him.  Don’t make Vanesa break out her karate!

I am well aware of my income.  It isn’t upper middle class (yet), but I can provide my little family with necessities.  But when I see monthly daycare prices set at $1200-$1800, I have to wonder are these licensed care providers crazy or are they trying to keep a certain “diaspora” from even booking a tour.  More reasonable centers charge $180 a week, which is still a big chunk of the paycheck, but more feasible than $300+ per week.  Vanesa attends a top private school, and I don’t want it any different for Sebastian.  But good God a mighty y’all… How are you affording daycare?

Access!!  It’s an underlying and overlying theme, but I’m determined to break down the barriers.  It would seem as though Gov. Hogan wants to help us moms with incomes that tow the line as well.  I can dig it Larry!!  Mayor Catherine Pugh looks good on you.  I mean I don’t agree with juvenile prisons, but I am all for social service reform because that place SUCKS!!!  Like literally throw the whole social services away and start over.

So what Governor Hogan wants us Maryland mommies to know is that as of August 1, 2018, he has increased the childcare subsidy income guidelines.  This change in income requirements means that access to quality care is now easier to obtain.  I say easier very, very lightly.  I’ll rephrase that to if you now fall within certain income brackets, you may be eligible to receive assistance with the cost of childcare.  Maryland’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Program annual income eligibility limits have doubled from $35,702 to $71,525 for a family of four.  This is wonderful news!!  Look at Governor Hogan trying to get re-elected!!  You are welcome at the cookout.  You can even take a plate home, but you can’t have none of this aluminum foil.

So Maryland moms, if you want to find quality care (like me) for your little one, first start by printing and completing the application on the Maryland Child Care Subsidy website. Next, your going to want to browse the Maryland Excels site to find a state approved childcare center.  Try looking for places near your home and even your job.  Set up some tours while you are waiting to get everything approved.

And seriously, if you are one of those bougie, bourgeois $2200 a month daycare providers that turn your nose up to participating in programs like Maryland Excels, God’s watching you Sis.  There is a child that could discover the cure for cancer or solve some of the world’s most unsolvable mysteries that needs the opportunity, but can’t afford it because your daycare cost more than his or her parents make in a year.  It’s 2018. . . Ain’t nobody got time for socio-economic disparities.