Thrive By 5 MoCo Resources
Explore the list of programs and services that support children from birth through age 5 in Montgomery County. Browse the full list of resources or use the buttons below to filter by your child’s age or the type of resource you need. You can select or deselect multiple filters at the same time. To reset the filters and your search, select the “Clear All” button.
For other types of local resources, visit the infoMONTGOMERY directory.
Click here to learn more about our types of resources.
Age of Child:
Type of Resource:
Maryland Essentials for Childhood
Search for free and low-cost community resources across Maryland. Families can find programs and services that support health, housing, food, child care, parenting, financial assistance, mental health, and more based on their location and needs.
Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program
The Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program (MCITP) provides free early intervention services for infants and toddlers from birth to 34 ½ months who may have developmental delays or disabilities. The program partners with families to evaluate children's development and provide services and supports that help children reach their full potential.
Montgomery County Public Libraries
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) offer free books, storytime, early literacy programs, and learning resources for young children and families. Libraries also connect families to community information, technology, and activities that support children’s learning.
Montgomery County Recreation
Montgomery County Recreation offers affordable programs and activities that help young children learn, play, and stay active. Families can explore classes, camps, sports, aquatics, and other recreational opportunities that support children's healthy development and provide fun ways to learn together.
Montgomery Perinatal Program
The Montgomery Perinatal Program provides home-based case management services to at-risk pregnant and parenting families. Services include support, guidance, and education during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.
Clients can be uninsured or a recipient of Medicaid.
Parent Encouragement Program (PEP)
The Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) gives parents of toddlers to teens the knowledge to understand the underlying causes of their children’s behavior, and the practical skills and tools they need to address problems right away. PEP programs are offered in English and Spanish and include videos-on-demand, webinars, virtual and in-person classes, and individual support.
Play and Learn Preschool
Play & Learn Preschool is a free school readiness program for preschool-aged children living in participating Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) communities. Through play-based learning, children build early literacy, math, social, and school readiness skills to prepare for Kindergarten.
Available for children living in the following MHP communities:
- Gilbert Highlands
- 7610 Maple
- Glenville Road
- Amherst Square
- Great Hope Homes
Pre-Kindergarten
Prekindergarten (Pre-K) provides eligible 3- and 4-year-old children with free, high-quality early learning opportunities that help prepare them for Kindergarten. Pre-K is offered through both Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and participating community-based child care programs, giving families more choices.
Start More Infants Living Equally Healthy (S.M.I.L.E.)
S.M.I.L.E. provides personalized support for eligible Black or African American pregnant individuals who live in Montgomery County. The program offers nurse case management, home visits, childbirth and breastfeeding education, and connections to community resources to help promote healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
Eligibility:
- African American/Black women who are residents of Montgomery County.
The Basics
The Basics provides parents and caregivers with simple, science-backed tips and activities that support children's brain development from birth to age 5. The program is built around five evidence-based principles that promote learning and healthy development through everyday interactions. Families can also sign up for free text messages with ideas to use during daily routines.
The Judy Center Early Learning Hubs
Judy Centers are a comprehensive hub where families can participate in family learning experiences and receive services and support. Judy Centers empower families by supporting child development and early learning skills for our youngest learners from birth through Kindergarten.
Montgomery County has four Judy Centers. Families who live in the following schools’ catchment areas can participate:
- Summit Hall Elementary School
- Rolling Terrace Elementary School
- Weller Road Elementary School
- Galway Elementary School
You can find your neighborhood school by using the MCPS School Assignment Tool.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy supplemental foods, and health referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under age 5.
Working Parents Assistance Program (WPA)
The Working Parents Assistance (WPA) Program is a county-sponsored program that helps income-eligible families in Montgomery County pay for high-quality child care and early care and education programs. Once enrolled, scholarship payments are paid directly to a qualified child care provider. WPA serves families that have a higher income than the Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program.
Special note: Due to the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program freeze, families who qualify for CCS and are added on the waitlist will be eligible for WPA.
Eligibility:
- Are a Montgomery County resident
- Meet income guidelines
- Are a parent or guardian of a child from birth to 13 years old (up to 19 years old if the child has a disability and needs care)
- Are pursuing child support through the court, voluntarily or claim a good cause
- Must be employed 25 hours or more per week or enrolled in a fulltime undergraduate/vocational program or combination of both
The resources presented on this page are not an exhaustive list. More resources will be added in the future. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Resources to Support Children and Families
Thrive By 5 MoCo is a centralized resource hub created to help families with children – from birth to age 5 – easily understand, navigate, and access the programs and services available to them. Resources fall into one or more categories.
Child Care & Pre-K
Finding the right early learning program is an important step in your child’s development. These resources include information about child care and Pre-K options available in Montgomery County, from infant care through Pre-K. You’ll find resources to help you explore different program types, understand eligibility requirements, compare your options, and learn about financial assistance that can help make early care and education more affordable.
Family Supports
Raising a young child comes with many questions, and every family has different needs. These resources connect you to programs and services that support children and caregivers beyond child care. Whether you’re looking for parenting education, developmental supports, early intervention, libraries, playgroups, home visiting, or other community resources, these programs are designed to help your family thrive during the early years.
Financial Support
High-quality early care and education should be within reach for every family. These resources include scholarships, subsidies, and other financial assistance programs that can help reduce the cost of child care, Pre-K, health care, nutrition, and other essential services. You’ll also find resources to help you understand eligibility requirements and apply for available supports.
Health Services
Healthy children are better able to learn, grow, and thrive. These resources connect families to health care resources that support children from pregnancy through age 5, including health insurance programs, pediatric care, prenatal and postpartum services, developmental screenings, home visiting programs, and other health-related supports. Whether you’re looking for preventive care or specialized services, these resources can help support your family’s health and well-being.
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