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Division of Early Childhood |
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TUESDAY TIDBITS
Now Available: 2025 Annual Basic Healthy and Safety Update Training
The 2025 Annual Basic Health and Safety Update training is available now on the MSDE CANVAS page.
The training is mandatory and must be completed by all child care staff and family child care providers by December 31, 2025. Newly approved family child care providers and staff hired between October and December 2025 will have until March 31, 2026 to complete the training.
The training is also recommended for child care substitutes and volunteers. It qualifies for two clock hours of continued annual training requirements.
Learn more on the Division of Early Childhood website. You can also find details about how to access the online training when you follow these instructions.
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Attend an Upcoming Push to Pre-K Information Session
Are you interested in expanding your child care business to offer prekindergarten services? Learn how your program can access state funding through the Prekindergarten Expansion Grant for the 2026-2027 school year at a Push to Pre-K information session.
This year's first Push to Pre-K session will take place September 23 at 1:00 p.m. and will provide an overview of the grant.
Future information sessions will be held that will offer guidance about licensing and Maryland EXCELS requirements, components of an educational program, grant writing, and more.
Register for sessions, watch recordings from previous sessions, and learn more at pushtoprek.com.
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Recalls Announced for 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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Promoting Safe Sleep Webinar – October 23
The National Institute for Children’s Health Quality (NICHQ) is hosting a webinar, “A New Era in Infant Survival: Recognizing the True Value of Community-Centered Safe Sleep Initiatives,” on October 23 at 2:00 p.m. This virtual event is designed for members of the child care community dedicated to advancing infant safe sleep education and reducing sleep-related infant deaths. Registration is open now online.
The recording and slides from NICHQ’s previous webinar are available for review as well. Check out resources online for “Promoting Safe Infant Sleep: Relying on Communities’ Capabilities to Get the Word Out” now.
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How Do You Get Your Health Insurance?
The Maryland State Department of Education has partnered with Maryland Health Connection to implement a new bill that passed in Maryland this year. We need your input to help us understand how child care professionals get health insurance. Be on the lookout in the next few weeks for the official survey to make your voice heard and tell us how we can support your health care needs. Your insight will help determine the best way to provide access to affordable coverage for child care professionals through Maryland Health Connection. Stay tuned!
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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 social media accounts:
Facebook l Instagram l X
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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 - October 21st
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 for the next session 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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MSCCA Leadership Symposium: Inspiring Early Childhood Leadership
Don't miss the MSCCA statewide fall symposium! Attend in person at DoubleTree Hilton in Columbia, MD or virtually. You will hear the latest information from the MSDE leadership panel, state legislators, and state leaders during our morning keynotes. Many afternoon breakouts along with food, exhibitors, and raffles. Register today!
Register
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Emergency Preparedness Training
Be prepared for any emergency! Abilities Network provides the 6-hour, required Emergency and Disaster Preparedness training for only $5.00. We also provide a Refresher course for $5.00 as well as a FREE Build Your Perfect Plan session to support you in writing your ideal plan!
Register
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Science Made Simple, Everyday STEM for Little Learners
By the end of this 3-hour professional development course, participants will be equipped with practical strategies and confidence to introduce foundational science concepts to children as young as two through age-appropriate, play-based activities that nurture curiosity, observation, and exploration in early learning environments.
Register
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Playful Minds
Playful Minds is an engaging professional development workshop that celebrates the power of play as a foundation for learning, creativity, and resilience in early childhood. Participants will explore how to intentionally design imaginative environments that spark curiosity and support all children.
Register
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45 Horas en Administración de Guarderías
Aprendes sobre gestión, liderazgo, normativas, seguridad, desarrollo infantil y relaciones con familias.
All training provided through the Latino Child Care Association of Maryland will be conducted by Montgomery College.
Más información
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🌟 ¡Celebremos el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con un Cafecito Especial! ☕️
🗣️ Tema: Voces Latinas en el Cuidado Infantil: Herencia, Liderazgo y Visibilidad
Registrar
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Calling All Child Care Center Providers and Administrators - New Dates Added!
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is recruiting child care center providers and administrators to participate in audio-recorded focus groups about provider health and wellbeing. Your voice matters! Your perspectives will help identify barriers and enablers related to provider health and wellbeing. Those who complete a focus group will receive a $50 gift card.
Take the survey
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Trainings with the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC)
Register for one of our upcoming training opportunities.
9/17/25: Child Development and Developmental Delays
9/18/25: Including All Children and the ADA
9/20/25: Infant & Toddler Language Development and Communication
9/23/25: Beyond Counting: Games and Activities to Support Preschool Math
9/24/25: Schedules and Lesson Plans: Providing Quality
Register
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Let Your Families Know About Child Care Counts’ 2025 #TeachersMatter Award
Child Care Counts currently accepting submissions from parents for our 2025 #TeachersMatter award. Deadline Oct. 3! Awardee, announced Oct. 10, receives $500 and a $250 gift card for educational supplies. Nominees must work at a state-licensed center or family provider.
Learn more
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New 12-Hour Training Bundles - Care Courses
Care Courses now offers four 12-hour Core of Knowledge training bundles—just $52 each! These bundles make it easy and affordable to meet Maryland’s Core of Knowledge requirements while building skills you can use every day.
Register
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Save the Date and Register!
We are excited to invite you to the MSFCCA 32nd Annual Conference Child Care Advancement Networking Building Educators (CCANBE) on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Double Tree by Hilton in Columbia, MD. You can earn up to 5 hours of MSDE-approved training - all in a single day!
Register
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Early Childhood Services' ELEVATE Podcast
Unlock the magic of early childhood with ELEVATE—a podcast dedicated to empowering parents and educators with the knowledge and tools to nurture the next generation. Join DHHS as we dive deep into the County’s world of early childhood, exploring topics like developmental milestones, the power of play, effective parenting strategies, and the latest in early education.
Learn more
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Early Screening of Children for Developmental Delays: Strategies for Successful Outcomes
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. EDT
Where: Live Interactive Webinar
Registered participants will receive an email with instructions on how to join the session.
Register
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Stay Visible, Stay Full. Keep Your Program in Front of Families
Claim your new provider's account on MFN's LOCATE: CHILD CARE provider portal. All child care providers must log in to claim their accounts.
Remember: Your vacancy info must be updated every month to ensure families find your program in MFN's LOCATE search results.
Update your information
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St. Mary’s County 2026 Child Care Association Membership
St. Mary’s County providers and centers are encouraged to enroll in membership with ECHOES for the 2026 Year. Contact echoestmarys@gmail.com for more info.
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