anchor Description
This project provides for renovation or replacement of child care playground facilities to ensure compliance with new laws pertaining to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and safety concerns. The project provides for the design and construction of ADA compliant playgrounds at existing child care facilities while also incorporating other playground requirements included in State regulations, National Association for the Education of Young Children Early Learning Standards and Accreditation Criteria, and the Maryland Program Accreditation Standards for Implementing Quality Childhood Programs.
anchorEstimated Schedule
Design and construction across multiple projects will take place sequentially. The first two projects, at Shady Grove Metro and Potomac Child Care facilities, are scheduled for completion in FY27.
anchorCost Change
Updated cost estimates based on recent actual project expenditures. Cost increase also reflects the addition of FY31 and FY32 to this ongoing project.
anchor Justification
This project is designed to bring child care facilities and playgrounds into compliance with Federal ADA requirements and child care accreditation standards.
anchorFiscal Note
The department is required to provide notice and information to Council in writing 60 days before construction funding is obligated or spent. The notice must identify each project programmed for construction with the anticipated scope of work, cost estimates, and an expenditure schedule. For administrative and tracking purposes, the appropriation for playground renovations is separated from other types of child care renovation projects, beginning in FY25. Funding for this project is directly shifted from a legacy project (#601901). In 2025, the Maryland General Assembly awarded $850,000 in State Aid.
anchorDisclosures
The County Executive asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.
anchorCoordination
Department of Health and Human Services, Montgomery County Public Schools, Department of General Services, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and child care center service providers