FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2024
Silver Spring, MD — Easterseals DC MD VA has been awarded ten subsidized seats at the Safeway, Inc. Child Development Center. The seats are for infants and toddlers in Montgomery County families whose income falls at or below the 400% federal poverty line. With these seats funded by Montgomery County’s EquiCare Subsidy Grants Program, Easterseals takes another step in its commitment to equitable programming.
“We appreciate Montgomery County’s $282,720 investment to enroll more children into our accredited Child Development Center in Silver Spring,” says Easterseals DC MD VA Senior Director of Child Development, Dee Dee Parker Wright. “When parents have peace of mind that their child is thriving, they can focus on work or school to build their family’s financial security.”
In the last four years, the number of early childhood education providers in Montgomery County fell 9.21% – a strain on any parent looking for childcare. For parents near or below the poverty line, finding affordable, high-quality child development programs is especially difficult.
“The EquiCare Grant program is designed to support qualified Montgomery County families with children ages 0-3 years old to enroll in high-quality early care and education programs with high-quality Child Care providers. Easterseals has had a prominent presence and longstanding history of providing outstanding services in the Montgomery County child care community,” says Department of Human and Human Services Program Manager of Early Childhood Services, Jennifer Wiedel. “We are thrilled to once again partner with Easterseals to serve children and families with this unique grant opportunity.”
Easterseals inclusive children’s services are also tailored to the local demographics, as part of the ongoing push for program equity. In particular, Easterseals four Child Development Centers reflect the region’s diverse ethnic population with 54% of students being Black, Hispanic, Asian, or multi-racial. Many of their teachers come from similar backgrounds and some are bilingual to better respond to a diverse classroom. Organization-wide, Easterseals works tirelessly to create a hopeful, inclusive culture in which the community can reach its full potential.
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Easterseals DC MD VA – Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through direct and life-changing disability and community services. Since 1945, Easterseals DC MD VA has worked tirelessly to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, and employment. And we won’t rest until each one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. Join us: www.eseal.org. Including Individuals. Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities.℠
Contact: Paula Moore, Vice President of Communications & Marketing, pmoore@eseal.org
