FROSTBURG — Families in Frostburg can now enjoy the convenience of day care right at their fingertips, thanks to the opening of a new child care center right in town.
The Frostburg Child Development Center, located next to the Frostburg Community Pool and Park, had a ribbon cutting Saturday afternoon, with U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) in attendance.
He helped secure $531,718 through Community Project Funding from the federal government to construct the building.
The project was also funded using American Rescue Plan Act funds, provided following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Trone was all over Western Maryland Saturday, presenting “big checks” to various projects that he has helped secure funding for over the years.
He started the day at the Carver Center in Cumberland and continued to the planetarium at Frostburg State University. At both locations, he presented a $1 million check for upgrades and renovations.
“It’s tough for folks in the workforce to grow their careers without child care,” Trone said at Frostburg. “The earlier we can start (child care), the development is flying.”
The center will house the Frostburg branch of the Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission’s Head Start Program, Early Head Start Program and the city of Frostburg Summer Day Camp.
“This is awesome,” said Trone while walking through the brand new building.
Trone is finishing his final term in the House of Representatives after losing in Maryland’s Democratic Senate primary in May.
The child care center project began in summer 2023, and construction wrapped up this summer.
“This is a beautiful, modern space,” said Frostburg Mayor Todd Logsdon at the ribbon cutting. “We have expanded offerings to children of the community.”
According to research and surveys by the city and HRDC, the city was in dire need of affordable care options.
“This center will most benefit children and families in the Frostburg area, ensuring their children are in a safe environment with caring, professional staff,” said Frostburg Head Start Program Director Rebecca Roby.
While there was a child care center at Beall Elementary School previously, the space and availability were limited — prompting the idea of a dedicated space for children across the Georges Creek Valley.
Roby said the Head Start Program only had access to a single classroom for half of a day, while no Early Head Start Program was available in the immediate area.
Now, the Early Head Start Program at the new center will provide “full-day, full-year comprehensive services” at zero costs to local families.
“Providing a safe, nurturing and academically sound atmosphere for children should always be priority,” Roby said. “Support from Trone is an investment into our children across the county and the state of Maryland.”