The number of child care providers in Worcester County fell 7.5% between Jan. 1, 2020, and Jan. 1, 2024. That’s the smallest decrease in the state.
Meanwhile, the number of child care slots in Worcester County decreased from 1,423 on Jan. 1, 2020, to 1,283 on Jan. 1, 2024. That’s a 9.84% decrease — the 12th largest in the state.
The number of top-rated child care facilities -- those with a rating of 5 on the state's EXCELS rating system -- in the county increased from seven in early 2020 to nine early this year.
Here’s what Terri Poloney, director and teacher at the Training Station Preschool in Ocean City, had to say about the child care situation in Worcester County:
“"A lot of centers have a lot of staff turnover and you maybe aren’t getting the most qualified people or the most experienced people working in your center because of that.”
– Ryan Kelly