A 2018 study by the Maryland Family Network revealed a staggering impact on the state’s economy: over $1.28 billion in annual losses due to childcare-related absenteeism and turnover. One of the key drivers of these disruptions is the decline in family childcare (FCC) providers, leaving many unable to find adequate childcare during business hours.
In response to these challenges, FSC First and the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) introduced the MWBC Child Care Business Program in Prince George’s County. The pilot incubator program provided nine small business childcare providers with skills and resources to expand their offerings—helping Maryland families regain their footing and pushing the businesses toward greater success.
Funded by FSC First, the course provided participants with training on foundational business tactics, marketing strategies, operational best practices, and financial management as well as an FSC First-led module on “Access to Capital.” Participants also received hands-on technical assistance from experienced consultants during the five-week program.
“The lack of childcare in our communities is a serious issue impacting families and the business world,” said Dawn Medley, President and CEO of FSC First. “FSC First is proud to be part of a crucial community initiative that supports these much-needed businesses in Prince George’s County, benefiting families and workers alike.”
One of the MWBC Child Care Business Program program’s participants, Mrs. Moore’s Childcare in Mount Rainier, Maryland, is using the knowledge gained from the program to expand her business and help fulfill her life’s calling to nurture the growth of Prince George’s County youth.
As the eighth of twelve children, Mrs. Moore’s Childcare Owner, Aurelia Moore, honed her caregiving skills early on, shaping her passion for supporting children’s growth and development.
“I learned to recognize the uniqueness of each child and their abilities, personalities, needs, and learning styles during the various stages of development,” said Moore. “This formed my belief that each child should be treated according to their unique development.”
Established in 2018, Mrs. Moore’s Childcare combines nurturing practices with a comprehensive understanding of child development, creating a “whole child” care model that supports growth and learning at every stage of a child’s development.
“I have an innate desire to use my God-ordained gift of providing children with someone they can trust. My experience growing up in a large family and calling to this work were some of the factors that influenced my decision to become a licensed childcare provider,” said Moore.
Moore used her personal experience as a launch pad toward fulfilling her purpose. In 2016, Moore graduated Cum Laude from Washington Adventist University, earning her bachelor’s degree in early childhood care and education.
Moore is a strong believer in lifelong education and continues her dedication to the field through proactive credentialing. Recently, Moore completed her seventeen hours of training at the 2024 Early Childhood Inclusion Institute at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and achieved Level Four Accreditation in Maryland EXCELS—the state’s quality rating and improvement system for licensed child care and early education programs.
Drawing from her education and experience, Moore has developed the teaching methods at Mrs. Moore’s Childcare to focus on individualized development. Her approach considers each child’s family relationships, culture, and stage of development to understand the “whole child” and enhance their learning experience.
“In the early stages of a child’s brain, social, emotional, and physical development, it is crucial that I plan activities that foster autonomy, a positive self-image, and critical thinking skills,” shares Moore. “These activities help children learn positive social interactions as they grow and develop.”
Moore is furthering her expertise in managing a childcare business thanks to the MWBC Program. “Through my participation in the MWBC childcare business program, I was able to identify and confirm the key requirements for growing my business,” she said. “I learned how to effectively market my services, create a comprehensive business plan, and develop a clear vision.”
In an effort to expand Mrs. Moore’s Childcare’s operations, Moore has welcomed a full-time staff member to assist in serving more families. “Now that I’ve completed the program, I’m excited to continue growing my business. I look forward to working more closely with FSC First to explore financial opportunities that will help me expand, allowing me to keep providing high-quality childcare to all children and their families,” Moore added.
Medley finishes, “It is extraordinary to see these businesses grow and we look forward to working with the other program graduates, guiding them toward lasting business success. We hope to see the MWBC Child Care Business Program continue to provide many more businesses with similar success.”
Click here to learn more about programs and support available from FSC First and their partners.
