Early Learning Assessment Updates
The Early Learning Assessment allows early childhood teachers and care-providers to collect and use assessment information to tailor instruction to the individual needs of each child.
The application window will open December 5th and close on February 15th.
Sesame Street's New Character Helps Kids Understand Opioid Crisis
The long-running kids TV show has a tradition of tackling social issues in a way that helps kids understand the world around them. Karli is a new character featured in “Sesame Street in Communities” - supplemental content that is free to providers, parents and caregivers - and is designed for kids who are often the unseen victims of addiction.
View the video here.
Maryland Receives $26.5 Million Toward Early Childhood System
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has been awarded a $26.8 million Preschool Development Birth through Five (PDG B-5) Renewal Grant. The grant will help continue the strategic planning and system development of the state’s mixed-delivery early childhood system. Maryland’s earliest learners start their education in a variety of settings, including center and family childcare providers, Head Start, schools, and other early learning centers and programs. The three-year renewal grant will allow MSDE, state/local partners, and stakeholders to enhance, expand, and build upon activities in the state’s PDG B-5 initial one-year grant.
Learn how here.
Contact a Maryland EXCELS Quality Assurance Specialist listed here.
The FREE January training will run January 2 at 9:00am through January 22 at 9:00am.
Registration for the February course will be January 23-30.
More info
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 Smart Horizons is an approved Child Care Training Organization!
Smart Horizons is approved to conduct the following trainings:
45 Clock hour Pre-Service Infant/Toddler Child Growth and Development (Birth - age 3)
Not the required I/T course
45-Clock hour Pre-service Training (Preschool only Child Growth and Development)
45-Clock hour Pre-Service Training (Preschool only Curriculum and Professional
Resources)
90-hour Pre-service Training (Preschool only)
To meet licensing regulations requirement for an Infant/ Toddler Teacher, you must take the 45
clock hour Infant/Toddler curriculum training or 3 credit Infant/Toddler curriculum coursework.
Training must be taken at an approved office of child care training organization or an accredited
college.
If you have a specific training question, please email Nancy Cahlink-Seidler – Training Approval
Coordinator at: nancy.cahlink-seidler@maryland.gov.
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December 2019 began the 20th Anniversary of Judy Center Early Learning Hubs in Maryland.
Prince George's was the 1st Judy Center and held its celebration on December 13th with Congressman Steny Hoyer, Majority Leader.
13 sites opened and 12 will celebrate in 2020:
- Allegany
- Calvert
- Caroline
- Charles
- Dorchester
- Frederick
- Kent
- Montgomery
- Queen Anne’s
- Washington
- Baltimore City
- St. Mary’s
Calvert Judy Center Early Learning Hub 20th Anniversary Celebration:
Saturday, January 25th at 9am Patuxent-Appeal Elementary Campus Appeal Building,
11655 H G Trueman Road, Lusby, MD
The Maryland State Department of Education’s Division of Early Childhood has awarded $3.4 million to Maryland Family Network through the and State of Maryland funding. Through this grant award, Family Network acts as the Statewide Coordinating Entity (SCE) overseeing the operations of the regional Child Care Resource Centers (CCRCs). Together, these Centers make up the Maryland Child Care Resource Center Network (MCCRCN).
Learn more about the Resource Center Network here.
 The Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) Division of Early Childhood has partnered with WIDA Early Years to offer a series of professional learning opportunities and resources designed for early care and education practitioners, coaches and leaders throughout the state.
Check out the training modules here.
You have an exceptional opportunity to help military families and grow your child care business.
The Department of Defense (DoD) has increased access to quality child care options for eligible military familes through its fee assistance program Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN). On October 1, 2019, the DoD launched a pilot program known as MCCYN-PLUS. This pilot includes programs that participate in Maryland EXCELS, have a quality rating of 3 or higher, and meet the eligibility requirements for MCCYN.
For expert assistance regarding participation in MCCYN-PLUS, email Child Care Aware at QRISMCCYNPLUS@ usa.childcareaware.org.
Exciting New Opportunity for Child Care Centers:
Child care centers in MD have an opportunity to participate in an exciting project focused on strengthening the quality of early care and education. If you are interested, join us for coffee and light refreshments will be served. Click here to learn more and see whether your center might be eligible.
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Jan. 20, 2020
Feb. 17, 2020
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January 14, 2020
Coffee and Camaraderie
We are happy to announce an evening time slot for The Baltimore County Directors and Providers Coffee Hour. Join Maryland EXCELS, Office of Child Care and Abilities Network…
February 11, 2020 at 6:30pm
Abilities Network
8503 LaSalle Road
Towson, MD 21286.
Questions?Contact Meghan Leach-Gwynn at meghan.leach@maryland.gov
Register to attend here.
PACT: Helping Children
with Special Needs introduces
Free Training and Coaching
Services
provided by a pediatric registered
nurse for child care providers serving
children with developmental disabilities
and special healthcare needs
Learn more here.
Mariposa's parent course:
Promoting Emotional Resilience
*COK credits available for educators.
Wednesdays 7:00-9:00pm
January 29 - March 25, 2020
Learn more here.
Free tips by text to help give your child a bright beginning
Bright by Text provides quality information and trusted resources to parents and caregivers of children prenatal to five. Available in English and Spanish; the messages are comprised of research-based content from Bright by Three and partners such as PBS, Vroom, and Sesame Street.
First 2020 State ECAC Meeting
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: TBD
Check out the live stream on our Facebook page.
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