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Delivering Support to Families with Young Learners
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When a child connects with nature, they can better stay aware of their surroundings and their relationship with the world around them.
Spending time outside as a family by going on a hike, biking in a park, or fishing will help your child bond with nature. You might also plan a nature scavenger hunt where children can find animal tracks, flowers, and more outdoors.
To find more ideas of how to celebrate Children and Nature Awareness Month this April, visit marylandfamiliesengage.org. You can also promote environmental awareness with your child this Earth Day on April 22!
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Heating and Cooling Aid from the Maryland Energy Assistance Program
Do you struggle to keep your home at a comfortable temperature? This may be because of poorly working HVAC systems in your house. The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) can help with this problem.
MEAP, offered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, replaces or repairs heating, cooling, and water heating systems in homes throughout the state. Families that meet income qualifications and have a heating or cooling system that does not work can get it fixed or get a new one free of charge. Learn more about the program on the MEAP website.
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Did You Know You Have Options for Pre-K?
Children aged 3 and 4-years-old can enroll in prekindergarten, an early learning setting that prepares a child to succeed when entering school. But which type of Pre-K program will best suit your child’s needs?
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Public Pre-K programs take place at a local public school. Contact your neighborhood elementary school to ask questions about how to enroll your child in this type of Pre-K program.
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Private Pre-K programs are offered by child care centers, Head Start programs, or family child care homes. A qualified and licensed child care program can provide Pre-K services for your child that align with Maryland standards.
Both types of Pre-K programs can offer full-day Pre-K at no cost to families who meet income requirements. To learn more about state-funded Pre-K, including locating a Pre-K program that is right for your child, visit https://marylandchild.org/prek/.
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Child Care Scholarship Program Reminder: Validate Attendance
Families with children enrolled in the Child Care Scholarship program receive financial assistance with child care costs. Payments from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) go directly to the child care provider. But parents are responsible for responding to requests to confirm a child’s attendance at the child care program.
Validating attendance involves the parent confirming that a child was present at the child care program on specific days. The online portal will send an emailed alert to the parent when this is needed. This process confirms that the provider is receiving the correct payment amount from MSDE.
If a parent does not confirm attendance when prompted, they may be at risk of losing the scholarship.
To avoid this problem, please make sure to validate attendance in a timely fashion when you receive an alert. Use the online portal to complete this task within 15 days of notification.
Learn more about the Child Care Scholarship program at money4childcare.com.
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