Childcare is an essential service, but the pandemic rocked the industry: capacity was restricted and cleaning costs soared.

We speak with Laura Weeldreyer of the nonprofit Maryland Family Network, and ask what President Biden’s ‘American Families Plan’ would mean for the industry. Read the report, "Caring During COVID: The Impact of the Pandemic on Maryland Child Care Providers."

Then, Christina Peusch, who leads the Maryland State Child Care Association, and Imani-Angela Rose, co-owner of a center in Northwest Baltimore, detail hurdles facing providers.

Maryland Family Network underwrites "The First Five Years," a weekly program on WYPR.

Do you have a question or comment about a show or a story idea to pitch? Contact On the Record at: Senior Supervising Producer, Maureen Harvie she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1903 Senior Producer, Melissa Gerr she/her/hers [email protected] 410-235-1157 Producer Sam Bermas-Dawes he/him/his [email protected] 410-235-1472