Division of Early Childhood

TUESDAY TIDBITS

Attend a Push to Pre-K Information Session for Pre-K Grant Assistance

Did you know that Maryland offers funding to child care providers and early educators looking to expand their services to include prekindergarten programs? With the State Pre-K Expansion Grant, local school systems and private providers can receive funds to launch a Pre-K program at their facility. To support providers during the grant application process, the Office of Early Learning and Instruction created the Push to Pre-K initiative.

Push to Pre-K will be holding virtual information sessions for child care providers. Attend and learn a brief overview of the grant application process and see responses to frequently asked questions. Individual sessions will be held for providers from family child care homes, child care centers, and Head Start programs.

Introductory Push to Pre-K information sessions will take place:

• Wednesday, September 25 6:00-7:00 PM - Family Child Care Providers
• Wednesday, October 2 12:00-1:00 PM - Head Start Programs
• Wednesday, October 2 6:00-7:00 PM - Child Care Centers

All sessions will be recorded and available to view at pushtoprek.com. Check out the website for future information session dates and the latest news from this initiative.

Child Care Information Sessions - September 26th

Child Care Information Session for licensed child care providers. Registration is required and space is limited.

Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024
Times: 6:00-7:00 pm (English)

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.

12:00-1:00 PM

(Click here to see all dates through December 2025.)

ENOUGH Grant Program: Application Deadlines Approaching

The first round of application deadlines for the funding opportunity from the Governor’s Office of Children (GOC) – the ENOUGH Grant Program – are approaching. 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 application 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.

Judy Centers Head Back to School with Fathers Forward in Wicomico County

Students at Beaver Run Elementary School and Pemberton Elementary School were greeted with high fives, fist bumps, and encouragement by fathers, community leaders, and father figures as they entered school on Monday morning, September 9, 2024.

The turnout was part of a partnership between the Fathers Forward organization and the Wicomico County Judy Center, which launched a Fatherhood Initiative to boost male role model engagement in children’s education.

With the inclusion of fathers and the entire family in a child's education, Judy Centers aim to encourage healthy child development as well as a lifelong love for learning.

ECSTRA Program Update The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has processed the final ECSTRA payments. Check the GAD system to see your payment. If you have not received your payment, please complete the Payment Inquiry Form.

Save the Date: School Readiness Symposium Ready at Five invites child care providers and early childhood educators to attend a School Readiness Symposium: “Mindfulness for Children: Supporting Wellbeing and Learning.” The event will take place on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 8:00 AM-3:30 PM at Turf Valley Hotel, 2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042.

The Path to Literacy Join Abilities Network, Maryland EXCELS, and Harford Community College for an early childhood conference, The Path to Literacy, exploring literacy across ages, races, cultures, and abilities. Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 8:00 AM-4:00 PM at Harford Community College, Darlington Hall. Registration is $65. For more information, contact: Brigid Cook bcook@harford.edu 443.412.2084.

Invitation to Test Virtual School Safety Preparedness Course

Dedicated professionals in the field of education and school safety are invited to test and provide feedback on a revised School Safety Preparedness and Planning virtual course, developed by the Maryland State Department of Education with support from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and WestEd.

This course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge necessary to develop, maintain, and implement robust Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs). Your feedback will be vital in refining the course for its official launch.

Course Details:

• Asynchronous, 6-hour total instruction
• Four modules covering key aspects of school safety
• Test period: September 16-October 22, 2024

If you are interested in contributing to this initiative, please complete the interest form by September 9, 2024. Selected participants will be contacted with further details. Financial compensation is available.

Review Childhood Immunization Discussion Guides

Childhood immunizations protect children from dangerous diseases, and Maryland regulations require children enrolled in child care to receive up-to-date vaccinations to ensure their safety. Vaccines make your family child care home or child care center a safe environment for everyone.

You and the families of children in your care can remain aware of the importance of childhood immunizations when you know more about them. Review useful, family-friendly infographics and the Childhood Immunization Discussion Guides from the American Academy of Pediatrics to learn more.

Training/Professional Development

45 Hour Pre-Service Courses

Childcare Management Solutions LLC offers Pre-Service Courses Online:

45 Hour Director Administration

45 Hour Child Growth & Development

45 Hour Pre-School Methods & Materials

45 Hour School Age Methods & Materials

45 Hour Infant Toddler Methods & Materials

Register & Enroll on our E-Learning system http://cms4training.com. 

Call 301-203-7648 for questions or email info@cms4training.com

Enroll here

September Trainings with BCCCRC!

Hello Early Childhood Professionals! Are you looking for some ideas for your classrooms? Hop into one of our classes this month.

9/19/24: Including All Children and the ADA

9/21/24: Managing Stress at Any Age

9/26/24: Big Anxiety, Small Child

9/26/24: Improving Transitions in Your Program

9/28/24: Creating a Stress Reducing Environment for All Children

Learn more

Emergency Preparedness

Childcare Management Solutions LLC offers the Emergency Preparedness course online. Approved by MSDE/OCC. Family child care facilities and centers are responsible for emergency plans, shelter in place procedures, relocation guidelines, parent notification and coordination with local authorities during a time of emergency. Cost $55.00. To enroll visit www.cms4training.com. Call 301-203-7648

Enroll here

MECLP Spring/Summer Newsletter

Discover the latest updates in the MECLP Spring/Summer Newsletter! Explore how our leaders are driving change in early childhood education, promoting equity, and fostering community impact. Don’t miss inspiring stories, program highlights, and exciting initiatives making a difference statewide!

Learn more

The 31st Annual Conference CCANBE Presented by Maryland State Family Child Care Association

31st ANNUAL CONFERENCE CCANBE - Child Care Advancement Network Building Educators. Nov. 1 & 2, 2024. Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, 10209 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044. Presenters Dr. Shayna Cook, Dr. Rachel Hise, and Erica Phillips! This conference offers you 14 hours of training, including 2 PAUs.

Learn more

Grants and Government Contracting for your Daycare Business

Join Maryland Capital Enterprises for a FREE Webinar on grants & government contracting for daycare businesses, featuring Dr. Amy Stewart!

📅 Oct 2nd & 9th, 6-7 PM.

📧 Contact: info@marylandcapital.org. Don't miss out!

Register for class one 

Register for class two

Maryland's Early Learning Standards Now Available Online

The standards are applicable across various early childhood settings, including family homes, schools, and centers.

To download a PDF version of the new standards, please visit: https://blueprint.marylandpublicschools.org/ece/.

Updated CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance- Schools and Child Care Programs

(Updated 7/14/24)

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and Maryland State Department of Education
(MSDE) recommend that schools and child care programs follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year.