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Division of Early Childhood |
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TUESDAY TIDBITS
Attend the Child Care Scholarship Listening Session & Tiger Team Kickoff
Join us for a virtual kickoff and public listening session to help shape the future of the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program!
We’re launching the CCS Tiger Team and want your experiences—especially on payment verification and processing: what works, what needs fixing.
Your feedback will inform, test, and refine improvements so the process works better for all programs.
This meeting will take place Thursday, October 30, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
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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 Push to Pre-K grant overview, licensing and Maryland EXCELS requirements, and components of an educational program sessions are available online. You can watch the recordings and view the presentations now at pushtoprek.com.
Take note of these upcoming Push to Pre-K sessions and join at pushtoprek.com!
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November 5, 1:00 p.m.: Head Start Programs
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November 5, 6:00 p.m.: Family Child Care Homes
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November 19, 1:00 p.m.: Faith-Based Programs
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November 19, 6:00 p.m.: Child Care Centers
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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Schools and Child Care Settings
There has been a recent increase in the number of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks reported to the Maryland Department of Health.
Outbreak definitions and reporting instructions can be found in the MDH Outbreak Reporting Guide.
To help control transmission of HFMD:
More information can be found in the document linked below.
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New Change to the Child Care and Career Tech Education Pathway
Going forward, the Office of Child Care will use a student's high school transcript to evaluate child care staff when completing the PQE.
Students qualify for the 90 Clock Hour upon completion of the first two courses in the CTE CDA program pathway. This is reflected on the high school transcript with the following courses: Child Growth and Development and Learning Environment. These courses are documented in the Child Care Automated Tracking System (CCATS) maintained by MSDE Division of Early Childhood.
Students would take their transcript to the center where they are applying, and staff at the center would have to request verification from their Licensing contact at MSDE to verify the student’s completion of the 90-hour requirement.
We will no longer be issuing hard copy certificates of the 90 Clock Hour Certification. If a student's workplace supervisor is having difficulty with getting verification in a timely matter, please advise the supervisor to reach out directly to Sherry Tsigounis at sherry.tsigounis@maryland.gov
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Healthy Providers, Happy Kids
 How do you get health care? Take the survey today in English or Spanish to help improve health care access for Maryland’s child care community.
Maryland Health Connection has partnered with the Maryland State Department of Education to understand how child care providers get health care. The survey takes about 10 minutes, and your responses will remain confidential.
 As a thank you, participants will be entered into a weekly raffle for a $100 Amazon gift card (12 weeks total).
 Congratulations to Lisa and Shawnta in Baltimore, the first two winners!
 Completion of the survey is not required to enter. All that’s needed is your email address so we can contact you if your name is drawn.
Survey in English. Encuesta en español.
Open enrollment for health care through Maryland Health Connection starts November 1st.
Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov today to review plans and prices or get help from an expert.
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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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Lead Poisoning Prevention
Lead is a naturally occurring element, found in small quantities in the earth's crust. While beneficial for certain uses, lead is toxic when humans and animals are exposed to it, causing various health issues.
Children under six years of age face the highest risk of health problems due to lead exposure, as its effects are more harmful to younger children who are growing and developing rapidly. Continued exposure to lead can cause lead poisoning, which may take months or years for levels to show up in the blood. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems since lead is a neurotoxin affecting the brain function during the brain development.
Common sources of lead poisoning in children include lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings. Other sources include contaminated air, water, soil, work environments (jobs or hobbies involving lead exposure, such as working with batteries, home renovations, or auto repair), and certain consumer products, including cosmetics, health remedies, spices, or foods from other countries.
Screening or testing children using MDH 4620 and ensuring a lead-free childcare environment protects children from hazardous exposures and health impacts related to lead poisoning.
For more information, please see the following resources:
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Maryland Statewide Child Care Summit
You’re invited to the 2025 Annual Statewide Child Care Summit: Reimagining Child Care in Maryland, hosted by Anne Arundel County Executive Stuart Pittman, Women’s Caucus of the Maryland State Legislature, and the Maryland Association of Local Management Boards (MALMB). The Summit will be held virtually on Monday, November 3, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Register now using the QR code in the flyer!
Register
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Early Childhood Conference
Join Harford Community College and Maryland EXCELS for at Empowering Early Educators: Integrating Media and Research Based Resources. Keynote speaker: Krista Respass from Maryland Public Television and three breakout sessions. 6 COK hours. November 15, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at Harford Community College
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 - November 18th
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.
Register for the next session on our website.
- October 30 (5:30-7:00 p.m.)
Missed a session? Check out previous recordings and presentations
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Training/Professional Development |
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Living with a Food Allergy Webinar
Child care providers can benefit from this upcoming free webinar from HealthyChildren.org - Living with a Food Allergy: Tips for Families.
November 14, 1:00 p.m.
Learn about food allergy reaction treatment, anaphylaxis prevention, and more.
Register
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Free Virtual 3-Clock Hour Workshop Opportunity Offered by Story Tapestries
The ABC’s of Hip Hop by Baba Bomani
Discover how Hip Hop can transform your classroom into a dynamic space for learning and self-expression.
- November 20th, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
- On Zoom
- For any early childhood educator
Learn more
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Positive Solutions for Families (PSF) Facilitator Training
Empower families to support their children’s social-emotional growth. After training, you’ll be ready to lead your own PSF parenting groups. Starts October 30 – February 12 (biweekly sessions).
Learn more
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Fall into November for $20
10/29: Effective Alphabet Instruction - cornerstone of literacy
11/3: Girls Can! Prejudice and discrimination
11/13: Eric Carle nurtures emotional intelligence and social skills
11/29: Stereotype Threat - the impact on children’s behavior and learning
bratcher@childcareservicesandsupply.com
Register
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Fortalece el Desarrollo Cognitivo desde el Aula
Este curso de formación personalizada está diseñado para educadoras de la primera infancia interesadas en comprender las psicofunciones, es decir, los procesos mentales que apoyan el aprendizaje y el desarrollo en los niños pequeños. Las participantes aprenderán qué son las psicofunciones, cómo funcionan y cómo estimularlas mediante estrategias prácticas y fáciles de aplicar en el aula.
All training provided through the Latino Child Care Association of Maryland will be conducted by Montgomery College.
Más información
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Trainings with the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC)
Register for one of our upcoming training opportunities.
11/1/25: Basic Health & Safety Training
11/5/25: How Children Learn to Think-Count, Group, and Compare
11/13/25: SIDS
11/20/25: You Can Do This! Accommodating All Children in Your Program
12/4/25: Exploring Special Moments with Infants
Enroll
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Building Strong Foundations: Applying the Science of Reading in the Preschool Classroom
Bring the Science of Reading to life in the classroom! Join our 3-hour virtual workshop packed with playful, age-appropriate strategies for building early literacy skills. It's not required that you previously attended our Introduction to the Science of Reading training but it is helpful. Register for November 14, 9:30 a.m. or November 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Register
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Emergency
Preparedness for Child Care Providers: Refresh Course
Join us virtually on November 11th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for only $5 to get your refresh! This training is perfect for teachers, aides, and other staff who are not responsible for creating an Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan. It is also a great refresher for those who have had the 6 -hour training in the past.
Register
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Early Childhood ACEs
Supporting families with young children, Night Watch Childcare introduces Early Childhood ACEs Assessments in Wicomico County. This program provides confidential screenings, supportive follow-up meetings, and access to group music therapy, while connecting families to trusted partners for ongoing resources and care.
Sign up
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Including All Children and the Americans with Disabilities Act
Join us for a workshop that will provide participants with an understanding of the requirements for ADA and best practices. This workshop is virtual and will be on November 3rd, from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Register
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Únete a la Red de LCAM
Una comunidad creciente de educadoras de cuidado infantil y educación temprana.
Al unirte, tendrás acceso a recursos, oportunidades de capacitación, proyectos colaborativos y una red de apoyo comprometida con la equidad y la excelencia en la educación de la primera infancia.
Construyamos juntas conexiones más fuertes y un futuro más brillante para nuestros niños.
Más información
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The Wealthy Center Series - Your Center Is a Venue: Space Rental 101
Join us on November 13, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. (Virtual) for Your Center Is a Venue: Space Rental 101 with Dr. Amy Stewart, CEO of Night Watch Childcare. Learn how to profit from your space after hours! Register now!
Sign up
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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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Strengthening Business Practices for Centers with BCCCRC
BCCCRC announces a training series that is just for Center Directors. Strengthening Business Practices for Child Care Programs is a 4-module series. The training will cover topics such as sound fiscal management, marketing, recruiting staff and staff retention. (Dates: 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, and 11/19) $45.00 for all 4 modules! (COK: 12 hours Professionalism)
Register
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