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Division of Early Childhood |
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TUESDAY TIDBITS
Celebrating 25 Years of Judy Center Early Learning Hubs in Prince George's County
Last week, Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS), where Judy Center Early Learning Hubs started, hosted Judy Center's 25th Anniversary in conjunction with MSDE at Rosa Parks Elementary in Hyattsville.
Governor Wes Moore spoke, along with Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey Wright, former State Superintendent Nancy Grasmick, former Governor Parris Glending, Interim PGCPS Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph, and Guest of Honor Congressman Steny Hoyer. The school's principal Dr. Rhonda Hester opened the event.
Guests were also able to visit the Judy Center Early Learning Hub in the school to observe a Family/Child Playgroup where families are supported as their child's first and most important teacher.
Judith P. Hoyer was an early childhood advocate and early education coordinator for Prince George’s County Public Schools. In the early 1990s, she recognized the gaps in the available services for families with young children.
In 1993, Mrs. Hoyer brought to life her innovative vision for housing educational and other community services in one location when the Early Childhood and Family Learning Center in Adelphi, Maryland, opened. This unique approach provided collaboration and partnerships across various programs to better serve children and their families.
After she died in 1997, her husband, Congressman Steny Hoyer, led a successful movement to bring her collaboration model to other areas of Maryland. As a result, the Maryland State Legislature enacted the Judith P. Hoyer Early Child Care and Education Enhancement Program in May 2000, establishing the 13 original Judy Centers.
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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, components of an educational program, Head Start, and family child care 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 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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December 4, 6:00 p.m.: Spanish Language
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December 9, 1:00 p.m.: Class Assessment Scoring System® (CLASS®)
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December 10, 1:00 p.m.: Fiscal Overview
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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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MSDE Course: An Introduction to Bullying Prevention for Maryland Educators
Registration is open for the December 2025 Cohort for the Maryland State Department of Education course, An Introduction to Bullying Prevention for Maryland Educators.
One of the best ways to support bullying prevention as a caring adult in your program is to learn more about bullying: what it looks like, how to prevent it, how to respond, and how to support students. Register before November 21 to participate.
Register
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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 is happening now through January 15.
Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov today to review plans and prices or get help from an expert.
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Ready At Five's School Readiness Symposium "Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Connection in Early Care and Education"
Please join us for our School Readiness Symposium "Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Connection in Early Care and Education" with Keynote Speaker Isabelle C. Hau on December 8, 2025 at Turf Valley Resort.
The day will include workshops, a special panel discussion and a continental breakfast and buffet lunch. Cost is $175.
Register
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NAFCC Observers Training
NAFCC Observers Training: a collaboration of Montgomery College, Latino Child Care Association of Maryland, and National Association of Family Child Care.
The training will take place December 11-12, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., at Montgomery College East County Education Center.
Review the attached flyer for more information and visit the website for information about Workforce Development and Continuing Education opportunities.
Learn more
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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 - 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.
- November 20 (6:00-7:00 p.m.)
Missed a session? Check out previous recordings and presentations
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Training/Professional Development |
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A Joyous Way to Learn
The incredible Jim Gill will be joining us to share his award-winning songs and engaging activities! 3 COK hours Curriculum/$30 per attendee
www.calvertdaycareassociation.com
President-Kristina Ganyon
Ganyon@verizon.net
Register
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The Wealthy Childcare Series: Why You’re Not Getting Funded — and What to Do About It
Join Dr. Amy Stewart on November 17 at 6:00 p.m. (Virtual) for “Why You’re Not Getting Funded — and What to Do About It.” Learn actionable strategies to secure funding success.
Register
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Bottoms Up! Tummy Time Fun
Join us virtually on November 13th, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for Bottoms Up! Tummy Time Fun. Tummy time is easy to implement in any child care setting and is critically important to supporting healthy infant development and preventing a number of infant disorders.
Register
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New Care Courses Training - Running a Family Child Care Program
Learn how to launch and run a successful family child care business from home. Explore finances, insurance, and marketing with confidence—and gain tools to manage your program like a pro! 5 hours / $34.00
Register
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Interactive Workshops Presented by Linda Bratcher ($20 each)
11/13 Eric Carle nurtures emotional intelligence and social skills.
11/20 Stereotype Threat - the impact on children’s behavior and learning.
12/3 Art Exploration for Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year-Olds.
12/11 Actively Engaging Families in Their Children's Learning.
bratcher@childcareservicesandsupply.com
Register
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December & January Group Workshops at Budget Friendly Prices
Choose from more than 140 Topics with COK hours approved by MSDE and presented by Linda Bratcher, MSDE Trainer #CKI 153422 since 2006.
$180 for up to 10 participants $375 for up to 20 participants
bratcher@childcareservicesandsupply.com
Register
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Trainings with the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC)
Register for one of our upcoming training opportunities.
11/12/25: Marketing Your Program for Center Based Child Care
11/13/25: SIDS
11/19/25: Recruiting and Retaining Staff for Center Based Child Care
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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ECS129 Bienestar socio-emocional de proveedores de educación infantil
Únanse a nuestra próxima sesión de entrenamiento sobre el bienestar socioemocional de los proveedores de educación infantil. Esta sesión interactiva está diseñada para enfocarse en el autocuidado, enseñándole estrategias efectivas para reconocer y expresar emociones, resolver problemas y manejar la ira.
Asegura tu cupo hoy: (240) 883-1699.
All training provided through the Latino Child Care Association of Maryland will be conducted by Montgomery College
Más información
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CPR/AED y Primeros Auxilios – Certificación por la Cruz Roja Americana
Contar con una certificación en CPR (resucitación cardiopulmonar), AED (desfibrilador externo automático) y Primeros Auxilios es fundamental cuando se trabaja en el ámbito de la educación temprana. Estas habilidades no solo salvan vidas, sino que también brindan seguridad y confianza a las familias que confían en nuestros programas de cuidado infantil.
All training provided through the Latino Child Care Association of Maryland will be conducted by Montgomery College
Más información
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Nature's Child 3-Hour Virtual Workshop
Only $10 for 3 hours of MSDE-approved training. “Nature’s Child,” is a nature-based workshop where we will spend time peeling back the layers of nature's role as an early childhood foundation and guide for early learning.
Register
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Train with Petrea Hicks!
Get ready to learn, laugh, and grow with Petrea Hicks!
Book our hands-on, interactive trainings packed with practical tips, real-life strategies, and inspiration you can use right away! In-Person or Virtual.
View our catalog and request a group quote today!
Learn more
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EARN Workforce Development Initiative
Ready to lead? Classroom aides can become lead teachers for free with EARN!
Apply by December 1 to join this initiative.
Learn more
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Understand-ing Trauma and Its Impact on Early Childhood Development
Join us on November 17th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Early Childhood Development. Through interactive and engaging activities, participants will understand the different types of trauma and how they impact children. Participants will also learn how to help children develop resiliency. Secondary trauma and strategies for ECE professionals will also be discussed.
Register
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FCC Educators: Find Out If ASPIRE PreK Is Right for You!
ASPIRE PreK helps FCC educators step into Maryland’s public PreK system with real support including coaching, peer support, and people who’ve got your back, without managing a grant! Attend our webinar and decide if it’s right for you.
Learn more
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Proactive, Positive, and Responsive Approaches to Behavior Guidance
Proactive, Positive and Responsive Behavior Guidance
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 6:00-9:00 p.m. via Zoom, MSDE COK-approved
Register
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