Fall 2023 Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Results Now Available
The latest results from the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) administered in Fall 2023 are now available online. The KRA evaluates incoming kindergarteners across four key domains: language and literacy, mathematics, social foundations, and physical well-being and motor development, to determine their school readiness. Conducted within the first few months of the school year, this assessment provides vital insights into the preparedness of Maryland's children for the challenges of kindergarten. The "Readiness Matters" report presents comprehensive KRA data, offering a detailed analysis of school readiness statewide, by specific subgroups, and across all 24 local jurisdictions in Maryland.
The KRA data for 2023-2024 show:
- 44% of Maryland’s kindergartners demonstrate readiness, entering kindergarten classrooms fully prepared to participate in the kindergarten curriculum. This continues a modest but steady increase from 2022-2023 (42%) and 2021-2022 (40%), the first full school year after COVID-19 caused disruptions to learning.
- 32% of children are approaching readiness and will benefit from personalized instruction based on their individual strengths and needs.
- 24% of kindergartners, over 14,000 children, demonstrate emerging readiness and will require targeted support or interventions to be successful in kindergarten.
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Updated Vaccination Requirements Chart for Children in Child Care
State regulations require children enrolled in family child care and child care centers to receive necessary immunizations. Refer to the newly updated Age-Appropriate Vaccination Requirements for Children Enrolled in Child Care Programs chart to ensure compliance with COMAR.
This chart is valid September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025. Identify the current age of the child in the left column of the chart and read across the row to learn the required vaccines to enroll in child care.
Routine Immunizations on Schedule for Everyone (RISE) Initiative from the CDC
August is National Immunization Month, and early child care programs play a crucial role in ensuring children remain safe by requiring up-to-date vaccinations. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people experienced disruptions to their routine health services, including vaccines.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the Routine Immunizations on Schedule for Everyone (RISE) initiative to encourage all individuals, including young children, to get their routine vaccines. Review the childhood routine vaccination factsheet from the CDC to discover the importance of these immunizations.
Judy Center Grant Application: Now Open!
The 2024 application for the Judy Center Early Learning Hub Expansion Grant, which funds local school systems to establish additional Judy Centers, was released on July 26th. These early learning hubs employ collaborative approaches to provide high-quality comprehensive, full-day early childhood programming and family support services.
The submission deadline for the application is 5:00 PM on Monday, September 9, 2024. Review the Grant Information Guide to learn details about program standards, application requirements, and more.
Register for the Mental Health Strategies in Action Webinar
The Office of Child Care’s (OCC) National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance (NCECQA) is pleased to offer a learning opportunity in a series of planned events to support Mental Health Strategies in Action.
Early care and education leaders can benefit from attending the upcoming webinar: Strategies to Provide Information to Families about the Foundations of Early Childhood Mental Health.
Hear from your peers and learn more about how community leaders and other early care and education programs can use Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) resources to provide information to families about children’s social and emotional development, family well-being, and the importance of early caregiving relationships.
This webinar will take place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 2:00-3:00 PM.
ENOUGH Grant Program: Upcoming Application Deadlines
The funding opportunity from the Governor’s Office of Children (GOC) – the ENOUGH Grant Program – continues to welcome new applicants. The ENOUGH (Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments, and Households) Grant Program fights poverty and builds strong support systems. It unites sectors like education, health, workforce, housing, and safety.
Grants will range from $65,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the program track, which is determined by the chief applicant's level of readiness to launch neighborhood action plans. Learn more about track requirements on the GOC website.
ENOUGH grant applications will be due in Fall 2024. Deadlines vary based on the grant program track for which you intend to apply.
- Track 2: Plan Development – applications due September 20, 2024
- Track 3: Implementation – applications due September 20, 2024
- Track 1: Partnership Development – applications due November 1, 2024
Details about this timeline as well as application support, including live and pre-recorded webinars, are listed online. Further guidance for applicants can be found on the ENOUGH Learning Hub. You can also join the ENOUGH Listserv to stay up to date with the latest news about this program.
Scholarship Open Office Hours - September 24th
Join us for the open office hours of the Child Care Scholarship program! Our MSDE staff members are ready to assist both enrolled families and dedicated child care providers with any questions about applications, payments, or managing a Scholarship account. Registration is required.
September 24, 2024
12:00-1:00 PM
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FDA Approves First Nasal Spray for Treatment of Anaphylaxis
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved neffy® (epinephrine nasal spray) 2 mg for the emergency treatment of Type I Allergic Reactions, including anaphylaxis, in adults and children who weigh ≥30 kg (66 lbs.).
Neffy is a single dose nasal spray administered into one nostril. As with epinephrine injection products, a second dose (using a new nasal spray to administer neffy in the same nostril) may be given if there is no improvement in symptoms or symptoms worsen. Patients may need to seek emergency medical assistance for close monitoring of the anaphylactic episode and in the event further treatment is required.
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Early Educator Scholarship Opportunity from Bowie State University
Students working toward a B.S. degree in Early Childhood or Special Education at Bowie State University can receive an in-state scholarship of up to 60 credits through Project CREED (Culturally Responsive Early Educator Development).
Learn more about this scholarship opportunity by contacting the College of Education Grants Office at 301-860-3146.
Apply online
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Maryland EXCELS Seeks Programs to Photograph
Does your program participate in Maryland EXCELS? Would you like to show off your learning environment and staff?
Please fill out this form to volunteer to have your program photographed for Maryland EXCELS social media and publications. An Outreach Specialist will follow up to arrange details with selected programs.
Review the form
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