|
Division of Early Childhood |
|
TUESDAY TIDBITS
Division of Early Childhood Welcomes New Assistant State Superintendent: Sarah Neville-Morgan
The Maryland State Department of Education welcomes Sarah Neville-Morgan to the Division of Early Childhood as the new Assistant State Superintendent.
Mrs. Neville-Morgan brings extensive leadership experience from her previous roles in the federal Department of Health and Human Services and the California Department of Education, where she served as Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Administrator, Director of the Early Learning and Care Division, Child Development Consultant, and Deputy Executive Director, California Early Learning Advisory Council. The Division looks forward to working toward helping Maryland’s children, families, and early childhood educators under Mrs. Neville-Morgan's leadership.
|
|
|
Indoor Air Quality and Air Fresheners Use in Child Care and Early Education Programs
Indoor air pollution is often greater than outdoor levels of air pollution due to a general lack of adequate air filtration. Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution because their organs and systems (respiratory, central nervous system, etc.) are still developing and they breathe in more air relative to their weight than adults do.
Air fresheners of any type contain hazardous chemicals and pollutants. The smallest particles of any air pollutant, especially the chemicals, are the greatest threat to human health because they can travel deep into the lungs. Some can even pass from the lungs into the blood and central nervous system, causing nausea or an allergic or asthmatic (airway tightening) response in some children.
|
|
Both "Caring for Our Children," a national publication that provides guidelines for early care and education programs, and the Environmental Protection Agency prohibit the use of air fresheners in child care areas, including classrooms and hallways. Diffusers, air fresheners, and sanitizers of any type (plugins, aerosols or machines, candles) are not approved for use during operation hours in child care programs.
Odors in toilets, bathrooms, diaper changing areas, and other inhabited areas of the facility should be controlled by ventilation and appropriate cleaning and disinfecting. To improve indoor air quality, the program can use portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners, as well as ensuring all rooms are well ventilated with fresh air.
|
|
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 SUN Meals sites, which serve meals to the community under a sponsoring organization. All meals and snacks must meet federal nutrition standards.
The deadline for applying to be a SUN Meals site is Sunday, June 15. Contact information for SUN Meals sponsors is online.
|
|
FCCAMC Open House
Come to an Open House for Family Child Care Providers of Montgomery County! This event, hosted by the Family Child Care Association of Montgomery County, will be held April 26, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, at Quince Orchard High School. 15 vendor tables with information, items for sale, and more! Enter the raffle drawing for free! Snacks and drinks provided!
Learn more
|
|
|
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 - May 20th
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 |
|
Funded Course: 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
|
Baltimore County Cohort: Promoting Social Emotional Resilience
Baltimore Community Foundation is funding Mariposa Education’s 16COK/8 week course, Promoting Social-Emotional Resilience, for early childhood providers in Baltimore County! Learn Mariposa’s method for reducing stress and challenging behaviors. 8 modules self-paced learning, 8 Zoom practice sessions, Coaching, Stipend.
Learn more
|
Childcare CEO Series - Happy Parents, Happy Center: How to Wow with Communication
Join us April 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM (Virtual): Discover how communication transforms parent satisfaction with Dr. Amy Stewart, CEO of Night Watch Childcare. Register now!
Register here
|
|
2025 Leadership Symposium: Navigate Workforce Challenges: Empower Early Childhood Leaders to Inspire a New Generation
Join Montgomery County Child Care Support Services for our annual Leadership Symposium on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 in Silver Spring, Maryland! This year’s theme will provide valuable insights to help you grow as a leader in early childhood education.
Register here
|
Learning the Basics: Down Syndrome
4 COK hours for $5! Join us for a 3-part series about supporting young children with Down Syndrome. Learn strength-based approaches through engaging activities and discussions, and get support from advocates from the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland.
Register here
|
April Trainings with BCCCRC!
Hello Early Childhood Professionals! Check out some of our trainings that we have this month.
4/16/25: Understanding Playground Safety
4/17/25: Basic Health & Safety Training
4/22/25: Understanding ADHD
4/26/25: Active Supervision for Center Staff
4/29/25: Emotions Matter
4/30/25: Safety Practices for Young Children
Register here
|
|
Pre-K Capacity Building Mentorship Program
Are you interested in running a Pre-K program? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of the children and families you serve? Consider joining FCCAMC's new Pre-K Mentorship Program.
Sign up here
|
|
🔐 Unlock Your Potential with XYZ!
Enhance your skills with flexible, 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!
Enroll here
|
|
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
|
|
|
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/.
|
|
Important CDA Price Update
Effective August 1, 2025, the Council will update the pricing for the CDA. As part of our commitment to credentialing excellence, we are introducing a policy that includes an increase for new applications and renewals.
Learn more
|
|
New Provider Power Hour – Just for You!
Anne Arundel County family child care providers: join us for our very first Provider Power Hour!
Wednesday, May 14, 6:00-7:30 PM, Odenton Library.
Connect and network with other providers, share ideas, and learn about supportive resources and services.
Register here
|
|
|
🌟 Cafecito de Abril con LCAM 🌟Más allá de los sueños: Cómo la Educación y el Esfuerzo Cambian Destinos.
Este mes de abril contamos con una invitada especial que nos hablará sobre cómo los sueños pueden hacerse realidad, con su inspirador tema: Más allá de los sueños: Cómo la Educación y el Esfuerzo Cambian Destinos.
Regístrate aquí
|
|
Este mes celebramos el Mes del Niño Pequeño y reconocemos el valioso trabajo de nuestros educadores de la primera infancia.
Disfruta de un espacio especial para aprender, conectar y celebrar a quienes transforman vidas desde la infancia. 👩🏫 Invitada especial: Ana Stewart, Líder y Mentora LCAM ¡Te esperamos para compartir esta reunión especial llena de inspiración, comunidad y reconocimiento!
Regístrate aquí
|
|
¡Transforma tu programa de cuidado infantil familiar con LCAM!
Si eres proveedor de cuidado infantil en el hogar y no estás participando en programas subvencionados por el Condado de Montgomery. Este nuevo programa ofrece herramientas esenciales para enriquecer los entornos de aprendizaje y apoyar la preparación para futuras oportunidades de expansión de Pre-K.
Regístrate aquí
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
