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Division of Early Childhood |
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TUESDAY TIDBITS
Child Care Scholarship True-Up Period Has Been Shortened
The True-Up process has been shortened to enhance the timeliness of reconciliation and payments.
The new True-Up schedule means child care providers can expect True-Up reconciliation one month after changes in scholarship enrollment, license status, or Maryland EXCELS status occurred.
- March 2025 True-Up calculations will account for changes that occurred during the prior three months (i.e., December 2024, January 2025, and February 2025).
- April 2025 True-Up calculations will account for changes that occurred during the prior three months (i.e., January 2025, February 2025, and March 2025).
- Each True-Up will continue to look back three months for any needed adjustments.
The Invoice Detail Report in the Child Care Provider Portal will now feature three sub-sections with an amount for each of the three months included in True-Up, if adjustments are required.
To receive timely and accurate payments the following must occur:
- Providers must submit invoices within 15 calendar days of the end of a service period.
- Customers must validate attendance within 15 calendar days of receiving alerts to do so.
- Providers must upload relevant Sign-In/Sign-Out sheets within 10 business days of receiving an attendance dispute notification.
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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 (available in Spanish) provides information about eligibility requirements and how to complete the application.
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The Guide 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.
The final Technical Assistance session will be held Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Recordings and presentations from prior sessions are available to view on the grant application page.
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.
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Celebrating 25 Years of Maryland Judy Centers!
In 2025, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 13 original Judy Center Early Learning Hubs in Maryland! The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is currently developing plans to commemorate this special occasion.
Judith P. Hoyer was a dedicated advocate for early childhood education and served as the early education coordinator for Prince George’s County Public Schools. In the early 1990s, she identified significant gaps in the services available to families with young children. In 1993, Mrs. Hoyer realized her innovative vision by founding the Early Childhood and Family Learning Center in Adelphi, Maryland. This center was designed to house educational and community services in a single location, fostering collaboration and partnerships among various programs to better serve children and their families.
After her passing in 1997, her husband, Congressman Steny Hoyer, led a successful initiative to expand her collaborative model to other areas of Maryland. Consequently, the Maryland State Legislature enacted the Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Education Enhancement Program in May 2000, which established the original 13 Judy Centers.
We look forward to sharing more with you and celebrating this significant occasion with the 13 original sites and their communities!
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The Judy Center Early Learning Hub at Arundel Elementary Hosts 10th Anniversary Celebration
On February 25, 2025, The Judy Center at Arundel Elementary celebrated its 10th anniversary! The staff organized an incredible event to showcase the impactful work of the Judy Center Early Learning Hub in their community. Attendees included parents, children, partners, former staff, Baltimore City Public Schools staff, families, MSDE staff, and Baltimore City Councilwoman Phylicia Porter.
Over the past ten years, the Judy Center at Arundel Elementary has positively impacted the lives of more than 2,000 children. Parents shared how the Judy Center has benefited their families, and partners highlighted the strong relationships and collaborations formed with the Judy Center and its programs.
To commemorate the occasion, the Judy Center received a proclamation from both the Maryland General Assembly and the Baltimore City Council. Betty Robinson, their site-based coordinator, has been with the Arundel Elementary Judy Center Early Learning Hub since its inception. Happy 10th anniversary to the Arundel Elementary Judy Center Early Learning Hub!
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Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program Regulation Changes in Effect
Amendments to the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program (MITP) in COMAR went into effect on Monday, March 17, 2025. Providers from all child care settings must document that, at least once each calendar year, the parents of each child under the age of 3 years was given information about MITP and contact information for the local lead agency responsible for MITP administration. The provider may provide the required information by a personal message to the parent (including an email), a document for which the parent acknowledges receipt, or a text message.
Additionally, upon the request of a parent of a child in care, the provider shall assist the parent with scheduling a time and convenient location for the local lead agency responsible for MITP administration to provide the appropriate screening for the child.
More information about these amendments can be found on the Maryland Register.
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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.
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Scholarship Open Office Hours - April 25th
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
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Recently Updated Forms and Documents
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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.
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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.
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Training/Professional Development |
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Medication Administration Training
This six-hour training is required for all family child care providers, and child care centers are required to have one person on site at all times that has been trained in Medication Administration. Learn to administer medications, store them properly and accurately complete record keeping. This training will be held at the Crofton Library.
Learn more
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The Changing Center Environment
Childcare Management Solutions invites exp'd Directors, Administrators & Family Providers with 3+ yrs of licensed exp. to join us on April 11, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, to enhance leadership, bridge generational gaps, and implement management strategies. $99 for 6 hrs. Pro. Continental breakfast included. 10905 Livingston Rd. Ft. Wash, MD. To enroll, call 301-203-7648.
Learn more
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Trainers Needed!
The CoLab is a free group designed as a space for all MSDE-approved trainers to share knowledge, ideas, and resources and evolve innovative solutions that lead to the design and delivery of high-quality virtual training. We meet this Friday, 3/21/25, from 1:30-3:00 pm. Click the link to join us!
Sign up here
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ADA Class en español (Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades)
A los profesionales del cuidado infantil se les presentará información, estrategias y recursos sobre el desarrollo e implementación de un entorno ECE inclusivo para todos los niños y familias.
Más información
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Quality Support for Free
NECPA offers FREE Facilitated Accreditation, funded by MSDE, to guide you every step of the way! Join your fellow MD Family-Home and Center providers on this exciting journey toward accreditation—together, we’ll achieve quality excellence!
Learn more
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Kodo and Maryland EXCELS Standards
Let Kodo support your program with high-quality, hands-on learning materials aligned with Maryland EXCELS Standards. Explore innovative products that help children build independence and confidence like our Magnet Wall, Wind Tunnel or Light Laboratory. Please email sales@kodokids.com to learn more!
Shop by learning domain
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Cafecito Entre Nos con LCAM
Tema: Salud Mental y Cuidado Emocional en tiempos de Cambio.
Más información
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Entrenamientos Primavera (Marzo y Abril)
Comunidad de profesionales en educacion temprana, tenemos el gusto de presentar nuestro programa de entrenamientos para los meses de Marzo y Abril. Inscríbete ahora y reserva tu espacio.
Más información
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Maryland State Child Care Association Conference by the Sea 2025: Survivor - Outplay, Outlast, Outshine, Early Childhood Island Edition
Don't miss out! Register by April 1st for the awesome annual MSCCA statewide Conference by the Sea, May 1-4, 2025! Attend virtually or in-person in Ocean City, Maryland. Two-day in-person passes for Saturday & Sunday - get 12 hours or attend for the whole weekend with over 18 hours of MSDE-approved Core of Knowledge/continued training to use for licensing, CDA, and professional career ladder.
Register
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Celebrating the "Week of the Young Child" at The Maryland Book Bank
Attention Early Childhood Educators, please save the date and join the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center in collaboration with the Maryland Book Bank located at 1794 Union Avenue to celebrate the "Week of the Young Child" for an evening of fun, an opportunity to connect, and to collect some FREE books for your program. We hope you can make it Wednesday, April 9th, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.
Learn more
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2nd Annual MCCRN Infant and Toddler Symposium: Championing Diversity and Inclusion for Infants and Toddlers
Join us for a dynamic symposium on diversity, equity, and inclusion in infant-toddler care, featuring engaging sessions on reflective practice, anti-bias approaches, and culturally responsive strategies.
Register
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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/.
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XYZ Childhood Training Has a Fresh New Look!
Discover our redesigned site, now better than ever! Explore engaging childcare training, valuable resources, and expert insights. We still offer:
⏵ Self-Paced Courses
⏵ In-Person & Virtual Group Trainings
⏵ An Educator Blog
Visit us today and see what’s new! ✨
Learn more
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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
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March Trainings with BCCCRC!
Hello Early Childhood Professionals! Check out some of our trainings that we have this month.
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
Register
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New Early Childhood Resource Guide
Arts for Learning is thrilled to introduce our Early Childhood Resource Guide packed with enriching opportunities for young learners! Inside, you’ll find our full list of artist-led:
Residencies – In-depth learning experiences for lasting impact
Assemblies – Engaging performances that inspire
Interactive Workshops – Hands-on learning for little ones and their adults
Professional Learning Workshops – Tools and strategies for educators
View guide
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Applications Open for Summer Meal Sites
MSDE is seeking public and private nonprofit organizations to participate in SUN Meals, a federally funded, state-administered program that provides free, nutritious meals to children and teens during the summer months when school is not in session.
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.
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FCCAMC Open House
Come meet other Family Child Care Providers and mingle with vendors that will be set up to serve you! Information, Giveaways, and Discounts. Raffle items up for grabs. A free book table! Food! 15 Vendor tables confirmed with Council Members too!
Learn more
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Watch & Play Kids Day!
Join Maryland Public Television on Saturday, April 5, to kick off Autism Acceptance Month! Celebrate PBS KIDS’ Carl the Collector with arts & crafts, family resources, activities, and a screening room. This sensory-inclusive event is designed for all. Register today!
Register
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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
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