Two Proposed Amendments Now Open for Public Comment
The proposed amendments for both the Educational Programs in Nonpublic Nursery Schools (for Family Child Care) and the Maryland Infant and Toddlers Program (MITP) requirements for all child care programs are now available for public comment.
You can review both of these amendments and see how to make a public comment on the Maryland Register. They will remain open for public comment until January 13, 2025.
New Briefs Available About the Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) offers federal reimbursements to child care centers, family child care homes, afterschool programs, and adult care centers for nutritious meals and snacks for eligible children and adults. Participating in CACFP helps child care programs support the wellness, health, and development of children by providing nutritious meals and promoting healthy habits.
Two new briefs from the U.S. Administration of Children & Families offer information about the purpose of the program, the benefits it provides, and CACFP reimbursements:
Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment: Happening Now
Open enrollment for the Healthcare Marketplace is happening now through January 15. Early care and education staff may be eligible for quality, low-cost healthcare plans through the marketplace and qualify for tax credits and other benefits.
Now is the perfect time for early care and education workers to find out what they qualify for, compare health insurance plans, and enroll in health coverage. All plans cover essential benefits, such as primary care, prescriptions, and emergency care, and are affordable with 80% of enrollees eligible for plans at $10 a month or less.
Visit healthcare.gov to discover more about coverage through the marketplace, including benefits and protections. Check out the attached flyer to find details about how early care and education staff can access affordable health insurance.
Deadline Approaching: 2024 Basic Health and Safety Annual Update Training
The 2024 Annual Basic Health and Safety Update Training is available now on the MSDE CANVAS webpage. This training meets the regulations for the annual health and safety training, as required by the office, by the end of each 12-month period.
The training must be completed by all child care staff and family child care providers by December 31, 2024. All newly approved family child care providers and staff hired from October to December 2024 must complete the training by March 31, 2025. This training is also recommended for child care substitutes and volunteers.
The training qualifies for Core of Knowledge/Hours: Health, Safety, and Nutrition/1.5, and it is a 90-minute training. Upon successful completion of the training, the system will produce a “Certificate of Participation.” Please download and save the certificate to email to your licensing specialist.
Check out this flyer to learn how to access the Basic Health and Safety Annual Update. You can also find the training using the below link.
 |
|
STEM Low-Cost Trainings with BCCCRC!
Start the New Year with some STEM trainings:
1/4/2025: Imagineering in the Classroom
1/8/2025: The Magic of Magnet Play
1/9/2025: Sensory Play
1/16/2025: Supporting STEM Through Play
|
New Online Course on Baby Sign Language
Check out Care Courses’ new 3-hour course on baby sign language! Explore the social-emotional, cognitive, and language benefits of introducing sign language to infants and toddlers. This course is approved for Core of Knowledge training hours. Learn more today!
|
 |
|
Follow the Division on Social Media
Find information and updates from Maryland EXCELS and the Division of Early Childhood by following us on our newly revamped social media accounts:
Facebook l Instagram l X
|
|
