|
Division of Early Childhood |
|
TUESDAY TIDBITS
Guidance for Child Care Providers Regarding Immigration Enforcement Actions
In the wake of recent executive orders regarding immigration enforcement actions that may affect child care programs, providers might have questions or seek guidance. MSDE offers information and guidance on this matter, including how to help families in your community: Immigration Enforcement Actions at Maryland Child Care Programs: A Guide for Providers and Families.
Child care providers can also reference the following resources for additional information:
|
|
|
Apply Now: Prekindergarten Expansion Grant
The State Prekindergarten Expansion Grant application is now open for the 2025-2026 school year. Eligible providers in family child care homes, child care centers, and Head Start programs who are interested in expanding their business and offering Pre-K services can apply for this state funding.
The Grant Information Guide provides information about eligibility requirements and how to complete the application.
|
|
The Guide also lists dates and access information to virtual office hours and technical assistance sessions for applicants who would like help from a specialist with the application process.
Remaining Technical Assistance sessions will be held:
- Wednesday, March 5, 2025
- Thursday, March 6, 2025 - Spanish
- Wednesday, March 12, 2025
- Wednesday, March 19, 2025
All applications must be submitted through the online Qualtrics link, found in the Grant Information Guide, by 5 p.m. on April 11, 2025 to be considered.
Visit pushtoprek.com for an overview about the grant or the grant application page for more information.
|
|
Now Available: 2024 Market Rate Survey and Narrow Cost Analysis Report
The 2024 Maryland Market Rate Survey (MRS) and Narrow Cost Analysis (NCA) has been released. The MRS collected data on child care provider charges to determine Child Care Scholarship reimbursement rates and ensure families have access to care without disrupting the market. The NCA assessed the actual costs of providing quality child care, including staff wages, rent, and supplies, to help Maryland set scholarship rates that support provider sustainability and quality improvement.
Together, these tools ensure Child Care Scholarship reimbursement rates align with market conditions and also get the field closer to the true cost of care. The survey is federally and state mandated. The last MRS/NCA in Maryland was conducted in 2021.
Thank you to all who participated in the survey process. The findings are available for review now.
Review the report
Updated Childhood Immunization Requirements for 2025-2026
The Maryland Department of Health has released two new and up-to-date immunization requirements for children lists for the 2025-2026 school year. Please refer to the following charts to ensure compliance with vaccine requirements for the children enrolled in your child care program:
Visit the Department of Health website to find more information about back-to-school immunization requirements.
Applications Open for Summer Meal Sites
MSDE is seeking public and private nonprofit organizations to participate in SUN Meals, formerly the Summer Food Service Program.
SUN Meals — a federally funded, state-administered program — provides free, nutritious meals to children and teens during the summer months when school is not in session. Last summer, SUN Meals provided more than 6 million meals at over 1,200 sites, helping to close the nutrition gap between the end of one school year and the beginning of the next.
Qualifying organizations may participate as either SUN Meals sites, which serve meals to the community under a sponsoring organization; or as a sponsoring organization, which plan, coordinate and manage the meal service at one or more sites. All meals and snacks must meet federal nutrition standards.
The application deadline for new sponsoring organizations is Tuesday, April 15. For more information, contact the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs at 410-767-0192 or scnpmailbox.msde@maryland.gov.
The deadline for applying to be a SUN Meals site is Sunday, June 15. Contact information for SUN Meals sponsors is online.
Healthy Homes Survey Out Now
Calling all Family Child Care Home providers! The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is leading a study to support healthy environments in licensed home care settings. Follow the link to our 30-minute survey below (potential compensation!)
Take the survey
|
|
 |
MECLP Spring 2025 Webinar Series Leading Together: Innovative Solutions for Equity in Early Childhood Education
Webinar #1 – Long Way from Home: Our Disconnection from Nature
March 11, 2025, 1:00-2:00 PM
Lack of nature connection harms child development and our planet. This session emphasizes prioritizing outdoor learning in nature-based education to ensure all children benefit in early childhood and school settings.
Register
|
 |
|
Leadership Super Saturday Training Event
Child Care Choices is offering a training opportunity for educators in a leadership position. Come enhance your leadership skills and learn about boundaries for your own self-care! This training is in person in Frederick. 6 hours of approved training hours will be issued upon completion.
Learn more
|
 |
|
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
|
|
|
Licensing Survey
This survey allows providers to share feedback about the customer service experience during the inspection. Use your phone to scan the QR code provided.
|
|
Scholarship Open Office Hours - March 18th
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.)
Join a Session
|
|
Recently Updated Forms and Documents
|
|
|
Have Questions?
Attend an Office of Child Care Information Session. Each month a branch will share news and updates. Submit any questions or comments you have during the registration process. Answers will be provided during the Listening Session or emailed to you directly. All sessions are 6:00-7:00 PM.
Register at the beginning of each month on our website.
Missed a session? Check out previous recordings and presentations.
|
|
MSDE Early Childhood Job Openings
Currently, there are no early childhood job openings at MSDE.
For more MSDE job openings, visit the MSDE website.
Other jobs in child care
Have a job opening you would like to share? Submit it here.
|
|
|
Training/Professional Development |
|
March Low-Cost COK Trainings
Hello Early Childhood Professionals! Check out some of our trainings that we have this month at the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center.
3/5/25: I Can Pretend Too! Dramatic Play Experiences for Toddlers & Twos
3/8/25: Encouraging Imaginative Play
3/11/25: Stress in Early Childhood: Helping Children Cope
3/20/25: Including All Children and the ADA
3/26/25: Fun with Found Materials
3/27/25: Creative Art Expression in Early Childhood
|
|
|
15th Annual Skolnik Lecture on Early Childhood Education & Advocacy
The event's lecturer Jackie Mader is the early childhood reporter at the Hechinger Report. She has traveled extensively to research and report on early childhood education in places as diverse as Birmingham, Alabama, Des Moines, Iowa, Oslo, Norway, and New York City. She will present about what's working worldwide in early care and education and what’s not. Hybrid event.
Date: March 26, 2025, 5:00-6:30 PM
Learn more
|
The Changing Center Environment
Join Childcare Management Solutions LLC for The Changing Center Environment. A 6 Hr. Training for Experienced Leaders (6 Hrs. Prof.) Join us for this transformative training designed for Directors, Administrators, and Family Providers with 3+ years of licensed experience. (Delicious continental breakfast is served at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is on your own).
Call 301-203-7648 for enrollment details.
Learn more
|
|
Communicating Effectively with Others
Childcare Management Solutions LLC - Communicating Effectively with Others 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (3 Hrs. Pro)
Effective communication is critical in early childhood education. It fosters strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues, leading to optimal child development and a positive learning environment. Location: 10905 Livingston Rd., Ft. Wash, MD 20744. To enroll call 301-203-7648.
Learn more
|
Helping Children Cope with Stress & Deal with Feelings
Childcare Management Solutions LLC - Helping Children Cope with Stress & Deal w/Feelings (3 Hrs. CD) 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Big Stress, Small Stress, and Toxic Stress. Children must now find ways to adapt to change and early educators must find ways to recognize the signs of stress and healthy ways to deal with feelings. Location: 10905 Livingston Rd., Ft. Wash, MD 20744. To enroll call 301-203-7648.
Learn more
|
|
Krieger Funded Promoting Social Emotional Resilience for Early Childhood Providers (of Children 3 and Under)
The Krieger Fund is funding Mariposa Education’s 16 COK course, Promoting Social-Emotional Resilience, for Baltimore early childhood providers (3 and under). Learn Mariposa’s method for reducing stress and challenging behaviors. Self-paced learning, 8 Zoom sessions, Coaching Stipend, learn more!
Apply here
|
Baltimore County Cohort: Promoting Social Emotional Resilience
Baltimore Community Foundation is funding Mariposa Education’s 16 COK course, Promoting Social-Emotional Resilience, for early childhood providers in Baltimore County! Learn Mariposa’s method for reducing stress and challenging behaviors. Self-paced learning, 8 Zoom practice sessions, Coaching Stipend, learn more!
Apply here
|
|
Childcare CEO Series: Let AI Do the Heavy Lifting: Tech Tricks for Your Childcare Center
Another episode of the Childcare CEO Series is happening on March 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM (Virtual) with Dr. Amy Stewart! Learn how AI can simplify childcare management. Register now and don’t miss out!
Sign up here
|
Programa de Mentoria
Bajo el objetivo principal de LCAM, el brindar desarrollo profesional y técnico a nuestros miembros, la misión del Programa de Mentoría de LCAM es proveer apoyo profesional y técnico a las asociadas para motivar la excelencia en el cuidado infantil.
Más información
|
|
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/.
|
|
Subscribe & Save!
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates, tips, and 50% off your first self-paced course! Join Club XYZ and explore our self-paced courses:
‣ Family/Teacher Conferences (3 COK hrs)
‣ Story Voices (2 COK hrs)
‣ Science Through the Eyes of Play (3 COK hrs)
‣ Math Comes Alive When It's Brain-Driven (3 COK hrs)
Enroll today!
Sign up here
|
|
Mud Magic and Messy Play PDI
Mud magic and messy play? Ok! Come explore Hummingbird Hill Nature Preschool and discuss why messy play is beneficial for our youngest children and how to get everyone onboard! Join us on 4/12/25 for a full day, hands-on PDI 6 clock hours.
Register here
|
|
|
Want to share Tuesday Tidbits on social media or email it to a colleague?
Click View it as a Web page at the top of this email.
|
|
Have something you want to share with Maryland's early childhood community?
Learn how to submit to Tuesday Tidbits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
