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Division of Early Childhood |
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TUESDAY TIDBITS
Attend a 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.
The first Push to Pre-K session of the year provided an overview of the grant. You can watch the recording and view the presentation online now at pushtoprek.com. Check out these highlights from the session:
- The Pre-K Grant program provides free, full-day Pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds from low-income families, with an expanded income eligibility of up to 600% of the federal poverty level for children with special needs, homelessness, or non-English language backgrounds.
- The per slot amount for the grant in FY27 will be $19,950.
- Participating programs are required to offer 180 days of full-day, 6.5-hour instruction.
- Programs must adhere to their licensing capacity when requesting slots; Pre-K Grants do not supersede licensing requirements.
- To be eligible for the grant, programs must be published at Level 3 or higher in Maryland EXCELS at the time of application.
- Key sections to expect from the Pre-K Grant application include extent of need, goals and outcomes, staff management, site selection, and program quality.
Take note of these upcoming Push to Pre-K sessions and join at pushtoprek.com!
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October 1, 1:00 p.m.: Licensing & Maryland EXCELS Requirements
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October 15, 1:00 p.m.: Components of an Educational Program: Defining High-Quality Pre-K
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October 28, 1:00 p.m.: Grant Writing (Goals and Outcomes)
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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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Child Care Scholarship Program Workgroup Interest Form
The Division of Early Childhood (DEC) is beginning a user-centered design process to review and improve how payments are verified in the Child Care Scholarship Program. To make sure the process is accurate, transparent, and supportive, we want to hear directly from child care businesses and providers.
Starting this fall, DEC will work with a select group of providers to help inform, test, and refine the payment verification process before it is rolled out statewide. Your input will be used to shape improvements and ensure the process works well for all programs.
If you are interested in joining this workgroup and sharing your feedback, please complete this online form.
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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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New Survey for Child Care Providers: 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. Please take the new survey linked below 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.
Take the survey (en español)
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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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Trainings with the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC)
Register for one of our upcoming training opportunities.
10/4/25: Take a Look in a Book
10/11/25: Medication Administration
10/15/25: Active Supervision for Family Child Care
10/16/25: Developing and Implementing a Mindful Lifestyle at Home and in the Classroom
10/22/25: Crunch, Rustle, Explore! Fall Activities for Young Children
Register
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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 Statewide Leadership Symposium: Inspiring Early Childhood Leadership
Last chance to register for the statewide MSCCA Leadership Symposium! Join us in person or online on October 9th for 6 hours of MSDE-approved training! Extended final registration deadline Oct. 3rd. Do not miss keynotes with MSDE Leadership, State Leaders/Legislators, and multiple afternoon breakouts.
Register
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Learning Day 2025: Building Emotional Awareness
Join us for Learning Day 2025: Building Emotional Awareness at Frederick Community College! Earn 6 hours of approved training, enjoy workshops, exhibits, breakfast & lunch. Space is limited—register today! Early bird pricing and details on registration packet linked below.
Learn more
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The 10 Components of Quality Care for Infants & Toddlers
Ten online learning modules from the FSU Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy support high-quality infant/toddler care. Approved by MSDE. $50 each; 3 contact hours per module. Email mmwilkinson@fsu.edu for more information.
Learn more
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Fall Virtual Reflective Supervision Cohort Starts 10/7
✅ A small group experience (4–8 people)
✅ Space to process challenges with insight & encouragement
✅ 12 Reflective Supervision Hours recognized for your growth (Endorsement Seekers!)
✅ Tools to strengthen resilience and prevent burnout
🌟Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., See You There!
Learn more
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Sat. Oct 4th - 6 Hour Continuing Training
Childcare Management Solutions LLC - 6 Hour Continuing Training Sat. Oct. 4th
Location: 10905 Livingston Rd, Ft. Washington
Session I – 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Reassessing Your Short- and Long-Term Program Strategies (3 hrs. Prof) $35
Session II – 12:30-3:30 p.m. Cultivating Positive Interactions with Children and Adults (3 hrs. Com) $35
To enroll: 301-203-7648; info@cms4training.com
Learn more
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Sat. Oct. 18th - 6 Hour Continuing Training
Childcare Management Solutions LLC - 6 Hour Continuing Training Sat. Oct. 18th
Location: 10905 Livingston Rd, Ft. Washington
Session I – 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Family Engagement (3 hrs. Com) $35
Session II – 12:30-3:30 p.m. How to Support Children with Special Needs and Meet Their Developmental Needs (3 hrs. SN) $35
To enroll: 301-203-7648; info@cms4training.com
Learn more
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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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Grow Your Career: UMD Offers a Free CDA Credentialing Program!
UMD’s Maryland Early EdCorp helps Anne Arundel and Montgomery County paraeducators / assistant teachers attain their CDA Credential as they work. Financial incentives are provided. Email earlyedcorp@umd.edu for more information or scan the QR code to apply!
Learn more
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Early Child Care Conference: Empowering Early Educators; Integrating Media and Research Based Resources
Join Harford Community College and Maryland EXCELS for a fun and informative conference exploring appropriate use of interactive and educational technology. Keynote speaker, Krista Respess, Managing Director of Early Childhood Education Services with Maryland Public Television.
Enroll
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New Care Courses Training: ADHD in Young Children
New Care Courses training! Learn to recognize ADHD symptoms in young children and explore proven supports—behavioral therapy, early intervention, structure, and family partnership. Gain strategies to build focus, cooperation, and self-regulation. 7 hours · $43.00
Register
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MSFCCA 32nd Annual Conference: Child Care Advancement Network Building Educators
Join us for the 32nd Annual MSFCCA Conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Columbia on November 1, 2025. This year’s conference celebrates the power of growth and collaboration in shaping the future of early education.
✅ Interactive workshops
✅ 5 professional development hours
✅ Networking with providers and leaders statewide
Register
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Ready At Five's Science of Reading Professional Development
Join Ready At Five and Professor Brigid Cook, M.Ed., C.A.S., for a virtual series exploring the foundations of early literacy, introducing the Science of Reading, and providing strategies to help young children develop reading skills. Oct. 14, Oct. 21, and Oct. 28, 2025, 6:30-8:00 p.m. on Zoom.
Register
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Birth to Five CDA Credential Training
ChildCareEd now offers the Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review—120 hours of self-paced online training covering all 8 CDA subject areas, plus portfolio support to help you advance your early childhood career.
Register
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Turn Over A New Leaf PDI Fall 2025
Join us for a fall, fun-filled day of learning. When children use their hands, the knowledge gained is deeply imprinted on their minds. Let’s learn to ignite their minds and warm their spirits with nature-connected, multi-sensory, handwork focused on fiber art!
Register
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ASPIRE: A Career-Long Partner for FCC in Pre-K
Your Pre-K journey doesn’t have to be solo. ASPIRE brings FCC educators coaching, peer support, grant management, and advocacy—partners who share your commitment to children and stand with you from your first Pre-K seat to a thriving career.
Learn more
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