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Division of Early Childhood |
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TUESDAY TIDBITS
Child Care Scholarship Program to Temporarily Freeze New Enrollments Starting May 1
Due to program funding capacity, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will implement a temporary enrollment freeze for the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program, effective Thursday, May 1.
The enrollment freeze comes in response to unprecedented growth in the program, which provides child care assistance to eligible families across Maryland. Since January 2023, demand has increased by 87% as over 21,000 additional children have enrolled. Currently enrolled families will continue to receive benefits without interruption, provided they meet eligibility requirements and complete the recertification process on time. Child care providers will continue to receive payments for currently enrolled children.
Families may continue to submit applications at any time, even after the enrollment freeze begins. Applications submitted during the freeze will be processed; as families are approved, they will be added to a waitlist. Scholarships will be issued once funding becomes available.
The enrollment freeze does not affect families paying privately. Providers may continue to accept new private-pay families. MSDE will provide resources to help programs communicate with families about the freeze and will share regular updates about the program’s status.
For more information, visit Money4ChildCare.com.
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Indoor Air Quality and Air Fresheners Use in Child Care and Early Education Programs
Pollen is a fine powder that comes from grasses, trees, and weeds, and pollen grains are proteins that commonly cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes and can trigger asthma symptoms when breathed in.
Pollen is released into the air during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The fine pollen particle count affects the quality of the air and contributes to determining the Air Quality Index (AQI) on any particular day.
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The AQI is a nationally uniform color-coded index for reporting and forecasting daily air quality. This guide provides ways to keep children active while protecting their health when air pollution reaches unhealthy levels.
Child care and early education programs can review the following resources to learn about daily air quality to determine the time of day for outdoor activities.
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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.
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Celebrating the Opening of the New Judy Center Early Learning Hub at Tilghman Elementary!
MSDE celebrated the opening of a new Judy Center Early Learning Hub at Tilghman Elementary in Talbot County at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 23. The Judy Center, which opened in January, serves 40 families so far in the Tilghman Island district.
We look forward to partnering with Tilghman Elementary School and sharing resources with the community to help children aged birth through age five and their families engage in learning experiences.
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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 - 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
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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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Innovative Approaches to Team Building
Join Childcare Management Solutions LLC, May 17, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM to learn strategies to build trust and resolve conflicts. (3Hrs. Pro) Cost $35.00. Location: Freedom Manor, 10905 Livingston Rd., Ft. Washington. Call to enroll 301-203-7648.
Learn more
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How to Support Children with Special Needs and Meet their Developmental Needs
Join Childcare Management Solutions LLC, May 17, 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Building a nurturing, accepting child care program fosters self-esteem and social development. (3Hrs. SN) Cost $35.00. Location: Freedom Manor, 10905 Livingston Rd., Ft. Washington. To enroll, call 301-203-7648.
Learn more
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Childcare CEO Series: Happy Parents, Happy Center: How to Wow with Communication
You're invited! Join us on April 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM (virtual) for “Happy Parents, Happy Center: How to Wow with Communication”—a power-packed session for childcare CEOs to boost family engagement and retention. Register now!
Register here
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Attention MoCo FCC Providers!
The rules changed, you can now join MD’s public Pre-K program! BA no longer needed! Join our free, full-day training to demystify the application process and preview classroom expectations. Leave with COK hours and your personal Pre-K-ready roadmap.
Register here
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9-Hour Communications Training - Understanding Each Other
Learn to improve your verbal, written, and nonverbal communication skills to ensure effective and positive communication with families, staff, and the community. This 9-hour online course is approved by MSDE for the communication training requirement.
Register here
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Maestra, Cuida de Ti
Te invitamos a “Maestra, Cuídate de Ti”! Un programa gratuito 🎁 ofrecido por INEDUIN con mucho cariño, para acompañar a maestras y cuidadoras a recargar energías, motivarse y cuidarse a sí mismas. ¡Acabamos de empezar y todavía puedes unirte!
Más información
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Empathy in Action: Unlocking Emotions, Actions and Behaviors for Responsive Care-Giving
Howard County Office of Children & Families Professional Development Institute is hosting a workshop that explores the importance of understanding empathy in the early care of children on Saturday, June 7 from 8:30 AM-2 PM at the Maryland Innovation Center.
Enroll here
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Make Every Conference Count!
As the school year wraps up, sharpen your skills for strong family partnerships.
Take our 3 hour self-paced course on Family/Teacher Conferences.
Click to watch the free intro video and explore the course!
Watch here
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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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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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Trainings with the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC)
Check out some of our upcoming trainings:
4/30/25: Safety Practices for Young Children
5/1/25: Pyramid Model for Infants and Toddlers Classrooms Module 1
5/7/25: Reducing Stress and Burnout for Those Who Care for Kids
5/15/25: Pyramid Model for Infants and Toddlers Classrooms Module 2
Enroll here
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Allegany Super Saturday
Join us on May 17th for a day of learning. Morning session: Schedules and Lesson Plans. After lunch break: Creating a Writing Center from Dollar and Thrift Store Finds. Join us for the day for $25. Call to register: 301-662-4549.
Learn more
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CPR/AED and First Aid
Child care providers in Maryland are required to have an Adult, Child, and Infant Pediatric CPR, AED and First Aid certification. The Maryland State Department of Education requires a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification and First Aid for licensing.
Learn more
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Capacitación para proveedores en prevención y atención de asma, alergias y anafilaxia.
Los educadores deben estar preparados para reconocer síntomas de asma, administrar medicamentos de emergencia y crear un ambiente libre de alérgenos. La capacitación mejora la capacidad de respuesta ante emergencias y contribuye a un entorno inclusivo donde todos los niños puedan aprender sin miedo a episodios de salud graves.
Más información
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Healthy Homes Survey - Deadline Extended!
We'd love to hear from you! 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
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