Prince George's County launches Childcare Improvement Work Group with Dec. 1 reporting deadline

Dr. Arun Parakin, director of the Education and Workforce Development Committee, opened the first meeting of the Childcare Improvement Work Group on Sept. 9 and said the group's charge is to recommend ways to improve availability, affordability and quality of child care in Prince George's County.

"The enabling legislation is council resolution CR 15 20 26, which established a childcare improvement work group," Parakin said, and he asked members to contribute expertise to a final report and implementation plan due Dec. 1. He told participants the group's work will inform both county actions and recommended state legislative changes.

Councilman Crystal Oriaga, who identified himself as chair of the county council and the work group, said the group must pair ideas with execution: "I wanna pass the legislation. I wanna build the programs. I wanna actualize it so that it really impacts the community," he said.

The group was asked to prepare brief written summaries of their remarks for the next meeting so staff can capture and synthesize input for the Dec. 1 report. Meetings will be virtual on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.; future topics were previewed to align with the legislative session and permitting review timelines.