In the Spotlight

The new Family Engagement Community Hub website: marylandfamiliesengage.org

A "One-Stop Shop" for Family Engagement Powered by YOU! Read More.

• Maryland EXCELS Celebrates Five Years of Exponential Growth. The program celebrates its fifth anniversary this month with over 4,500 participants—more than half of all child care providers in the state. Read More.
• The Early Care and Education Conference. On Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, early care and education providers are invited to attend a day of professional development and networking to better understand the causes of trauma. Hosted by the Howard County Office of Children and Families, Department of Community Resources and Services, "The Early Care and Education Conference: Supporting Children’s Resiliency in Today’s Changing World," will be held at the Turf Valley Resort. For more information, including registration, Click here.

Submit Your Story to The Toolkit "In Action"

How do you engage parents and families in your program’s learning community? 

Share your family engagement activities, events and programs with the early care and education community by sending an e-mail to early.engagementmsde@maryland.gov

The Toolkit "In Action"

The Curious Case of The Three Little Pigs Stick Puppets Family engagement “in action” can take many forms, and occur in a variety of settings such as child care facilities, schools or libraries. It can also include parents, teachers or librarians. One thing, however, is certain: family engagement requires preparation and intention. Sometimes, it means having a little faith, training the trainers and sharing three little pigs stick puppets. Read More.

The Family Engagement Toolkit was designed to support early care and education providers as they implement the goals of the Early Childhood Family Engagement Framework: Maryland’s Vision for Engaging Families with Young Children.  Click here to download the FREE Toolkit!

3rd Annual Summer Meals Social Media Blitz 

Join MSDE and Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry MD for a Summer Meals Twitter Chat:

• Monday, Aug. 6, 2018 at 1 p.m.

Follow MSDE @MDPublicSchools and Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry MD @NoKidHungryMD on Twitter to join the conversation!  For more information, please contact MSDE Select Nutrition Initiatives Specialist Sarah Kilby at sarah.kilby@maryland.gov.

The Judy Center Partnership: MSDE Awards $15 Million for Judy Center Early Learning Hubs

The Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Early Childhood has awarded 24 grants to serve 54 elementary schools in Maryland. Each of the state’s 24 jurisdictions has been funded for one or more Judy Centers. The $15.7 million in grants will help provide additional supports to children and families. Read More.