# Sec. 5C-101. Legislative findings

Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.

## Sec. 5C-101. Legislative findings

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5C-101 (2026)

(a) The County Council finds that:

  (1) child care capacity in the County has been declining in recent years, down five percent (5%) between 2022 and 2025;

  (2) the cost of child care in the County has been increasing, going up over 20% between 2017 and 2025

  (3) duplicative State and County inspection requirements can prove challenging for operators of child care programs and before and after-school care programs, delaying or preventing the addition of new child care capacity in the County;

  (4) public buildings can efficiently provide desirable and affordable locations for child care programs and after-school care programs;

  (5) early childhood education in child care is critical in fostering holistic development, establishing a foundation for lifelong learning, and nurturing essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills before kindergarten;

  (6) access to affordable child care boosts local economic stability by enabling parents to join or remain in the workforce, supports healthy childhood development and school readiness while reducing family stress; and

  (7) County investment in expanding the availability of child care will yield high returns through increased productivity and future economic contributions.