Maryland Phasing in Free Daycare and Universal Pre-K by 2026–2027 School Year

Maryland is moving closer to providing free early childhood education for thousands of families as the state phases in universal, full-day pre-kindergarten under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. By the 2026–2027 school year, the program aims to offer free, full-day pre-K for all 4-year-olds across the state, as well as 3-year-olds from income-eligible households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level. The initiative is designed to reduce childcare costs for working families while expanding access to high-quality early education—an issue that has become increasingly important as childcare expenses continue to rise nationwide. Maryland’s early childhood education system earned national recognition in 2025, ranking among the top early education systems in the United States. State leaders say the universal pre-K expansion is a key part of maintaining and improving that ranking. The program is expected to help children enter kindergarten better prepared while also supporting parents who need reliable childcare during the workday. Maryland will use what officials call a “mixed delivery” model to provide the expanded pre-K services. Instead of relying solely on public schools, the program will combine multiple types of childcare providers, including public school pre-K programs, private childcare providers, and Head Start locations. This approach allows families to choose from a variety of local providers while helping the state quickly expand available classroom space. Childcare costs can rival housing expenses for many families, making early education programs a major financial burden. By expanding free pre-K access, Maryland hopes to ease that pressure while giving children access to structured learning at an earlier age. For families considering relocating to the state, the program may also make Maryland a more attractive place to live, particularly for households with young children. As the 2026–2027 rollout approaches, state officials will continue expanding classroom capacity and partnerships with childcare providers to ensure the program can meet demand statewide.