Division of Early Childhood

TUESDAY TIDBITS

Child Care Scholarship Program Summer Rates

We’re pleased to share an update on 42‑10 Scholarships for the upcoming summer break. The Child Care Scholarship Program offers assistance to school‑age children who need before‑ and after‑school care during the school year and full‑day care in the summer. Summer payment rates will apply from June 16 through August 24, 2025 for all 42‑10 Scholarships.

• Advance Payments During Summer: You will receive each month’s Advance Payment on schedule.
• June Advance Payment: Unless a scholarship is summer‑only and the child was enrolled by May 30, 2025, June’s payment will reflect only the standard 42‑10 school‑age rate. Summer‑only enrollments completed by May 30th will receive the 3-Unit summer rate starting with June’s Advance Payment.
• July True-Up: July’s True‑Up will include any balance owed for June—specifically, the difference between the summer rate and the school‑age rate already paid.
• Early-Closing School Systems: For children whose school systems ended classes before June 13, 2025, the additional amount owed for June’s summer rate will be issued beginning August 23, 2025.
• Late-August Coverage: Please set aside the difference between the summer rate and the school‑age rate you received for 42-10 scholarships between August 25-29, 2025. September’s True‑Up will recoup the extra summer‑rate portion for those days.

If you need assistance or have questions, visit Money4ChildCare.com, attend the next Child Care Scholarship Open Office Hours session on July 15th, or call CCS Central 2 at 1‑877‑277‑0125.

Extended Deadline: Outdoor, Nature-Based Child Care License Pilot Program

The deadline to apply for the Outdoor, Nature-Based Child Care License Pilot Program has been extended. Interested providers now have until 5:00 PM on June 30, 2025 to submit applications.

The Outdoor, Nature-Based Child Care License Pilot Program is a three-year initiative led by MSDE designed to expand access to high-quality early childhood education through full-day, year-round early learning experiences in outdoor, nature-based settings.

Providers selected for participation will help shape the future of outdoor early learning in Maryland by demonstrating innovative, nature-centered practices that promote children’s growth and development. More information about the pilot program and the application can be found on our website.

Application Now Open: Judy Center Early Learning Hub Expansion Grant

Eligible local education agencies are invited to apply for the FY2026 Judy Center Early Learning Hub Expansion Grant.

The grant enhances child development, supports families, and improves school readiness by establishing and expanding Judy Center Early Learning Hubs. These hubs utilize collaborative approaches to deliver high-quality, comprehensive full-day early childhood programming and family support services.

Applications are due no later than 5:00 PM on July 18, 2025.

Visit the grant website linked below for the Grant Information Guide, application, customer support sessions, and more.

Deadline Approaching: Applications 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.

Updates from the Maryland State Early Childhood Advisory Council

The Maryland State Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) met on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Thank you to State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey Wright for sharing updates about MSDE priorities in early childhood education; Alan Dunklow, Assistant Attorney General from the Office of the Attorney General, for providing an overview of statutes and bylaws; Carmel Martin, Special Secretary of the Governor’s Office for Children, for serving as the new chair to the Council; and to the members and attendees who participated.

Information about this meeting and future State ECAC meetings is available online.

Training/Professional Development

Low Speed Vehicles Use in Child Care

Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs), sometimes called Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs), are electric or gasoline-powered, four-wheeled vehicles that are street-legal and designed for slower speeds, typically up to 25 miles per hour, on roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. They are often used in communities, gated areas, and for short commutes, offering a compact and convenient alternative to traditional cars.

Please note that these low-speed recreational vehicles are not permitted in child care facilities.

June 2025 Semi-Annual Maryland Violence and Injury Prevention Forum

The Maryland Department of Health and the Partnership for a Safer Maryland are hosting the Semi-Annual Maryland Violence and Injury Prevention Forum on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Forum Theme: Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect, Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences

Register here

Trainings with the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC)

Enroll in one of our upcoming training opportunities.

6/12/25: Building Caring Communities

6/14/25: Active Supervision for Family Child Care

6/17/25: Helping Boys Blossom

6/24/25: Social Studies All Around Me

6/26/25: Including All Children and the ADA

Register here

LCAM: June Monthly Meeting/ Reunión del mes de junio

NAFCC, Fortaleciendo el Cuidado Infantil Familiar a Nivel Nacional- Reunión para Family Child Care Educators - Asociados o No. Si desean participar, por favor envíen un correo solicitando el enlace de Zoom.

Más información

Cafecito con LCAM: Un espacio para conectar y crecer Invitados NAFCC

Invitación a Cafecito de Junio Tema: Acreditación Nacional NAFCC

Viernes 13 de junio | 2:00-2:45 PM

Más información

Survey for the Long Term Effect of the CCCPDF Grant Scholarship Research Project

Former CCCPDF students: for a research project, Dr. Donna Satterlee wants to know what amazing activities you are doing after you complete the child care service requirement of the CCCPDF grant. How did your life improve with the attainment of your degree?

Take the survey

CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance- Schools & Child Care Programs

(Updated 7/14/24)

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and Maryland State Department of Education
(MSDE) recommend that schools and child care programs follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs for the 2024-2025 school year.