The Problem
Maryland Family Network (MFN) provides resources for families to ensure their child's first five years are successful through the Division of Early Childhood.
LOCATE, its existing childcare search platform, had a few challenges:
- The family search site wasn't mobile-optimized, lacked provider pages, and had limited filters
- Childcare desert visualizations were based on data as old as a year prior
- Manually gathering data on family searches and provider gaps took hours every month
A New LOCATE Portal
Upfront and MFN collaborated to create a new LOCATE portal centered around ease of access, accurate information, and streamlined data.
Simple User Experience
A seamless, mobile-friendly design. New filters for subsidy eligibility, special needs, and pricing.
Accurate Childcare Desert Maps
The first real-time gap visualizations in the country.
Automated Reports
Extensive, automated reports and dashboards showing family search behaviors, provider supply summaries.
Dramatic Improvements in ECE Data Access
Upfront's new system quickly and dramatically improves ECE data access to families, providers, and advocates.
more families found childcare with the new LOCATE portal
individual provider pages created, creating a digital presence for 60% of Maryland's childcare programs
Technology should make lives easier - and that's exactly what Upfront does for Maryland families.
Laura Weeldreyer
Executive Director, Maryland Family Network