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Division of Early Childhood |
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TUESDAY TIDBITS
Now Open: Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Support Services Grant
Applications are now open for the Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Support Services Grant. The grant supports the promotion of positive mental and behavioral health practices for young children by building the capacity of early care and education providers as well as family members.
Eligible non-profit and public agencies with the capacity to provide IECMH services are invited to apply. Details about eligibility, the Grant Information Guide, customer support service sessions, and the application are available on the MSDE grants website.
Applications are due no later than 5:00 PM on July 21, 2025.
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Application Due Soon: Outdoor, Nature-Based Child Care License Pilot Program
The deadline to apply for the Outdoor, Nature-Based Child Care License Pilot Program is approaching. Interested providers 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.
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Apply for the 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.
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Free Summer Meals for Maryland Youth
The Maryland SUN Meals program has begun! Kids still need nutritious food, even when school is out. The SUN Meals program offers free summer meals for all Maryland children and teens aged 18 and under.
Find the SUN Meals site closest to you at mdsummermeals.org.
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The Early Childhood Education Community Is Invited to a Special Office of Child Care Advisory Council Meeting
The Office of Child Care Advisory Council will be holding a special meeting on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM for a review of non-public nursery school regulations and early childhood education career ladder next steps.
This meeting is virtual, and the regulations and career ladder will be open for public comment. To join the meeting, please register online.
Register here
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Children and Heat Vulnerability
Protect and prepare: Keep children cool during hot weather by having them drink plenty of water, take lots of breaks, wear light-colored and lightweight clothing, and limit playing outdoors to cooler times of the day. Make sure fluids are not very cold or high in sugar/sweetener content. Note that:
- Newborns, infants, and young children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death. Their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than are adults.
- Children under four years of age experience higher hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses during heat waves.
- The effects are more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.
Practice heat safety in vehicles this summer:
- Touch a child's safety seat and safety belt before using it to ensure it's not too hot for the child.
- Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down, even for just a minute.
- Teach children not to play in, on, or around cars. They could accidentally trap themselves in a hot vehicle.
- Always lock car doors and trunks - even at home - and keep keys out of children's reach.
- Always make sure children have left the car when you reach your destination. Don't leave sleeping infants in the car.
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Recalls Announced for Infant and Children's Products
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of several products designed for infants and children. Stop using the products listed below and keep them away from children. More details about each of the product recalls can be found using the links provided. Find more recalls at cpsc.gov.
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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 - July 15th
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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Greatness Grows Here 2025 Conference Video!
Child Resource Connect CCRC, serving Prince George's and Anne Arundel Counties and Southern Maryland and part of the Maryland Child Care Resource Network, held a fantastic conference for early childhood education professionals in April! Here are the highlights...
Watch the video
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2025 Early Educator Supply Drive!
Announcing the 2025 Early Educator Supply Drive for Baltimore City & County. Help recognize and resource early learning providers in our community. Visit us to nominate or make a donation for the cause.
Learn more
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Trainings with the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC)
Enroll in one of our upcoming training opportunities.
6/26/25: Including All Children and the ADA
7/10/25: Acknowledge, Ask, & Adapt: Supporting Infant and Toddler Families
7/15/25: Surviving the Summer with School-agers
7/16/25: Creating a Language Rich Environment
7/19/25: Basic Health & Safety
7/23/25: Creative Art Expression in Early Childhood
Register here
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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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Get Classroom-Ready This Summer!
Start with inclusion! Join us Tuesday, August 5th from 6:00-9:00 PM, for "Including All Children and the Americans with Disabilities Act" webinar. Build a classroom where every child has a place.
Register 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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Learn how to submit to Tuesday Tidbits.
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