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Division of Early Childhood |
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TUESDAY TIDBITS
Available for Public Comment: Educational Programs in Non-Public Nursery Schools (Family) Regulation Amendment
The proposed regulation amendment regarding Educational Programs in Non-Public Nursery Schools (Family) is posted to the Maryland Registrar now and will be available for public comment until December 15, 2025.
The proposed amendments and new chapter would allow family child care programs to operate as a non-public nursery school. As a result, family child care providers would also be eligible to participate in an approved preparation program and therefore in public prekindergarten.
To review the regulations and submit a public comment, visit the Maryland Registrar website linked below.
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Open Enrollment with Maryland Health Connection
Open Enrollment for 2026 health, dental, and vision coverage is happening now! Maryland Health Connection—the state’s official health insurance marketplace—offers free, year-round support to help Marylanders understand their options, compare plans, and enroll in quality, affordable coverage.
Now through Jan. 15, Marylanders can shop for 2026 health plans. Coverage begins Jan. 1 for plans selected by Dec. 31.
- All plans available through Maryland Health Connection include essential health benefits like doctor visits, prescriptions, and more.
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- Maryland Health Connection offers trusted insurance companies you know, including CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare, and Wellpoint. Wherever you live in Maryland, you'll have the freedom to choose from multiple options to suit your needs.
- Dental and vision plans are also available through Maryland Health Connection.
- Free virtual and in-person events and enrollment help is available near you. Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov/Help to get connected to support.
Don’t wait—prioritize your well-being this holiday season and spread the word so every Maryland family knows how to get connected to care. Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov today to find the plan that’s right for you!
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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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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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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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Recently Updated Forms and Documents
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Monthly Child Care Info Session
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.
All sessions are 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Register at the beginning of each month on our website.
Missed a session? Check out previous recordings and presentations.
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Scholarship Open Office Hours - December 16th
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 p.m.
(Click here to see all dates through December 2026.)
Join a session
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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.
Watch recordings of past Push to Pre-K sessions or join an upcoming session at pushtoprek.com!
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December 10, 1:00 p.m.: Fiscal Overview
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Training/Professional Development |
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Upcoming Abilities Network Trainings
Emergency Preparedness for Child Care Providers: Refresh Course - Join us virtually on December 15th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. only for $5! Register
Emergency Preparedness for Child Care Programs - Join us virtually on December 16th and 18th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for only $5! Register
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Basic Health and Safety
Join Abilities Network virtually on December 11th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for Basic Health and Safety training! This workshop provides basic information about critical health and safety topics for all child care providers to meet the requirement of the proposed licensing regulation regarding training in basic health and safety areas.
Register
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Warmth and Wonder In Winter Conference 2026
Dreading the cold and lack of outdoor play this winter? Embrace the winter season by learning safe ways to prolong time spent outdoors. Sprinkle in lessons from nature and winter wins! 1-17-26 in Cambridge, MD.
Register
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Interactive Professional Development Workshops ($20 each)
12/10 & 1/8/26 Basic Health & Safety and Breastfeeding Awareness (OCC Required)
12/11 Beyond Bulletin Boards actively engaging families in their children's learning
1/14/26 Lesson Planning using the Maryland Early Learning Standards
1/20/26 The Goldilocks Principle: Finding the "Just Right" Balance in Child Care
Presented by Linda Bratcher bratcher@childcareservicesandsupply.com
Register
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🌟 Programa CREA: Obtén la Licencia de Cuidado Infantil en el Hogar!
¡Nuevo grupo de crea comienza el miércoles 17 de diciembre! 🎉 🧡 Entrenamientos completos en español 🎓 Cursos en colaboración con Montgomery College 📜 Certificados válidos y aprobados por el MSDE. 👩🏫 Incluye mentoría personalizada durante el proceso 🌟 Ya sea que quieras abrir tu programa de Cuidado Infantil en casa o empezar a trabajar con niños pequeños, CREA es tu primer paso! 🌟 📋 Completa este formulario de interés para brindarte más información.
Registrar
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Basic Health & Safety and Breastfeeding Awareness (HSN 3 hours)
This class is required by OCC for all staff, substitutes, and adults working with children in a childcare program. I provide individual attention to each actively engaged participant to ensure successful completion of the class, with individual coaching as necessary. $20.00 fee for December 10 & January 14 only. Presented by Linda Bratcher bratcher@childcareservicesandsupply.com
Register
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Trainings with the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC)
Hello Early Childhood Professionals! Register for one of our upcoming training opportunities.
12/13/25: Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
12/17/25: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Enroll
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Nature's Child Virtual Workshop
Virtual Workshop: "Nature's Child" explores nature as a guide for early childhood programs. Learn to integrate nature into your curriculum, indoors and out. December 17, 2025, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Just $10.
Register
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2026 NCCA & NECPA Bi-Annual Leadership Conference
Join us March 19–21, 2026 at The Peabody! Visit our conference website to explore speakers, agenda, sponsors, exhibitors, and the venue. Registered attendees receive the discounted room link. Questions? Contact Jaime Rechkemmer or Moriah Whitehead at conference@necpa.net.
Register
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New Online Training: Early Childhood Education
Ready to speak up for children and your program? Care Courses’ new 3-hour online course builds support skills and an action plan you can use. Learn more and enroll.
Register
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Wrap Up 2025 with Growth!
Enjoy 50% off all self-paced online childcare training courses throughout December. Upgrade your skills, earn COK hours at your own pace, and take advantage of this limited-time sale before it’s gone! Use code "DECEMBER25" at checkout.
Learn more
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Family Relation-ships: Boosting Protective Factors in Early Childhood
Join us virtually on December 22nd from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for Family Relationships: Boosting Protective Factors in Early Childhood. This training will introduce the Strengthening Families Framework and examine the five protective factors for families.
Register
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