Is Your Family Ready for Summer?

Maryland Department of Education sent this bulletin at 06/02/2025 10:15 AM EDT

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Delivering Support to Families with Young Learners

Tips for Fun At-Home Summer Learning

Photo of mother with baby in lap reading board book together.

The end of the school year is near, but that doesn’t mean your child should miss out on learning this summer. You and your child can have fun on summer break while still growing and developing when you plan now. Check out these ideas for engaging ways to help your child learn at home:

  • Add reading to your routine. Reading to your child helps your child build listening skills and their vocabulary. Choose a time, like before bed or after dinner, to read with your child each day. It can also be a great bonding activity!
  • Play problem-solving games. Make learning fun by playing board games or card games that promote math and problem-solving skills with your family.
  • Engage your child on the go. While walking or driving with your child, you can help them learn about the world around them by talking to them about their surroundings or playing observation games like “I Spy.”
  • Stay active. A child’s physical development and health is just as important as keeping their minds active. Enjoy sunny summer weather by spending time playing outdoors with your child.

Find more summer learning ideas.

What Families Need to Know About the Child Care Scholarship Program Enrollment Freeze

An enrollment freeze for the Child Care Scholarship Program began on May 1, 2025. During the freeze, the Program will temporarily be unable to give scholarships to new families.

A new blog is available for families currently enrolled in the Program and families interested in applying to learn about what this freeze may mean for them. It explains how the freeze works and why it is happening.

Visit Money4ChildCare.com for updates about the freeze.

Read the blog.

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Support for Father Figures at Maryland Judy Centers

Judy Center Early Learning Hubs throughout the state offer programs that support young children and their families, including father figures.

These hubs partner with local organizations to empower families and prepare children for success in school and in life.

As you celebrate Father's Day this month, check in with your local Judy Center to learn about the work they do with father figures and families. Find a Judy Center near you here. 

Check out some highlights of how Judy Centers worked with father figures this year:

  • The Robert Moton Elementary Judy Center in Carroll County holds four Me and My Special Guys events per year. At these events, fathers and male figures in children's lives can connect with each other.
  • The Moravia Judy Center in Baltimore City maintained the Motivated Moravia Men Club. The group engages fathers, grandfathers, uncles, etc. as they prepare their child for school.
  • Dorothy I. Height Elementary School and the DRU Judy Center in Baltimore City hosts a Million Father March and breakfast each year.
  • The Bedford Elementary Judy Center in Baltimore County has a fathers’ group that has been growing throughout the year. This strong group of fathers has increased the number of men at family child playgroups and has one father that co-leads the Judy Center’s Family Advisory Council.
  • Both Wicomico and Worcester County Judy Centers work with Fathers Forward, LLC. The firm's mission is to improve outcomes for families by increasing the number of children raised by loving parents.
  • The Garrett County Judy Centers work with local groups to provide a one-day conference for parents. This year, more than 30 fathers joined to meet new people and learn parenting skills.
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Find a Summer Camp for Your Child

If you are looking for a summer camp for your child, you want to make sure the camp offers a fun, positive, and safe experience. Make sure a camp program is certified by the Maryland Department of Health Youth Camps Program to protect the health and wellbeing of your child.

Find details about Maryland licensed youth camps using the Youth Camps Searchable Database. 

Learn more about youth camp regulation online.
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