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Division of Early Childhood |
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TUESDAY TIDBITS
Apply for Training Vouchers and Reimbursements!
Beginning December 29, applications will open for Training Vouchers and Reimbursements.
Child care providers can get up to $400 for training costs.
Eligibility requirements:
- You hold a Maryland Child Care Credential Level 2 or higher, OR
- Your Level 2 or higher credential expired between July 1, 2024–August 30, 2025
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New Platform to Support Child Care Businesses
The Maryland Community Business Compass is a new platform that helps entrepreneurs navigate opportunities to start and run child care businesses.
By providing data-driven guidance and resource access, the Compass empowers providers to build thriving businesses that create a lasting community impact. The Compass helps providers (1) see maps and data insights to identify market opportunities for child care, (2) find relevant state and local funding opportunities for child care businesses, and (3) connect to small business supports and other resources.
Visit https://compass.maryland.gov/ to use the Compass.
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Reminder: Complete the 2025 Annual Basic Health and Safety Update Training
The deadline to complete the 2025 Annual Basic Health and Safety Update training is coming soon. The training is available 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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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.
- 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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Nature-Based Learning Survey
Early childhood educators working with children aged 3-5 years are invited to participate in a nationwide survey to help the Smithsonian understand the state of nature-based learning in classrooms across the country.
The survey defines nature-based learning as an educational approach that uses natural environments and materials to center student learning across subjects.
Your responses will help guide the future development of classroom resources and professional development materials for early childhood educators.
All perspectives and levels of experience are valuable. You do not need any prior experience using nature-based learning in the classroom or any prior knowledge of the Smithsonian to complete this survey.
This survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
As a token of appreciation for your time and feedback, you will receive a set of nature play teaching materials, only available to people who complete the survey.
Take the survey
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Pre-K Expansion Grant Update
The Maryland State Pre-K Expansion Grant is projected to be released on January 21, 2026. Be on the lookout for the official announcement with details about the grant release and upcoming technical assistance sessions to support interested applicants.
You can find updates and resources in Tuesday Tidbits and on MarylandChild.org.
Learn more about Push to Pre-K and Pre-K Grants:
Questions? Email: prekexpansiongrant.msde@maryland.gov
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Building Strong Foundations in Preschool Literacy
Kick off the new year with an inspiring virtual training!
Join us for Building Strong Foundations: Applying the Science of Reading in the Preschool Classroom, a fun and practical 3-hour workshop for early childhood educators.
Learn playful, age-appropriate strategies to support early literacy, with a special focus on phonemic awareness and connecting sounds to letters—all grounded in the Science of Reading.
Date: January 13, 2026
Time: 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Format: Virtual
Cost: $75
Credit: MSDE Approved – 4 Core of Knowledge Hours
Facilitator: Brigid Cook, M.Ed., C.A.S.
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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 - January 13th
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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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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Training/Professional Development |
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CCCPDF Research Questionnaire for Graduates, Any College with the Grant
Former CCCPDF students: Dr. Donna Satterlee is collecting information for a research project regarding the amazing activities you are doing after you paid back the CCCPDF grant with time in child care. How did your life improve with the attainment of your degree?
Take the survey
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A Joyous Way to Learn
Join us for a fun-filled training with Jim Gill! Seating is limited, so register soon to save your spot.
February 28, 2026, 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Register
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Downtown Baltimore Child Care at Homewood ELC is Hiring 20 CDA Candidates (Infant–Preschool)
DBCC at Homewood ELC is hiring 20 CDA candidates (Infant–Preschool). Earn your CDA, required OCC trainings, and hands-on classroom experience—at no cost. Complete a year-long program and grow your career in early childhood education.
Apply
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Funded Course: Educators Building Social Emotional Resilience (for Early Childhood Providers)
Funded 16-COK training: Mariposa Education's Building Social-Emotional Resilience for teams of Baltimore City early childhood providers! Learn the Mariposa Method for reducing stress and challenging behaviors: Self-paced lessons, 8 Zoom sessions, Coaching, $100 stipend.
Apply
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BCCCRC's 2026 Emotional Wellness Conference
Registration is open for the annual Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC) Emotional Wellness Conference! This year's conference will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This year's theme is "Heart Work Is Hard Work".
Learn more
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Mentoría 2026: Acreditaciones que Abren Puerta
¿Sabías que como Family Child Care Educator puedes estar acreditado a nivel nacional? Nuestro equipo de mentoras cuenta con herramientas claras y directas para acompañarte en este proceso durante todo el año. ¡Este es tu momento para crecer con respaldo oficial y apoyo personalizado! 📞 Llámanos y da el siguiente paso hacia tu acreditación.
Más información
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MSCCA Conference by the Sea 2026: Empower Maryland's Everyday Heroes
All amazing early care and education heroes in Maryland please Save the Date: April 30-May 3, 2026 to attend the MSCCA Conference by the Sea!
We added a sponsor/partnership with Spanish training track by Latino Child Care Assc. This statewide MSDE approved conference is offered both in-person in Ocean City, MD OR virtually!
Great news: Use your Credentialing Training Voucher to attend in 2026! Registration opens January 2026!
Learn more
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Professional Development Workshops ($20 each)
1/8: Basic Health & Safety & Breastfeeding Awareness
1/14: Lesson Planning Using the Maryland Early Learning Standards
1/20: The Goldilocks Principle: Finding the "Just Right" Balance
1/27: Understanding Speech & Language Differences
2/4: Differentiating Between Learning & Intellectual Needs
2/11: Understanding Hearing & Vision Limitations
Presented by Linda Bratcher: bratcher@childcareservicesandsupply.com
Register
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¿Trabajas con niños y quieres llevar tu profesión al siguiente nivel en 2026?
LCAM ofrece en 2026 entrenamientos en español e ingles para educadores infantiles: desarrollo infantil, enfoque Montessori, currículo, CDA, salud, seguridad, necesidades especiales, administración de medicamentos y teorías educativas. Cursos cuentan para horas requeridas en Maryland, fortaleciendo calidad y oportunidades profesionales en 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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Trainings with the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center
Register for one of our upcoming professional development opportunities.
1/8/26: Discover the Infancy: The What and How of Learning
1/15/26: Math & Literacy: The Perfect Pair
1/21/26: Avoiding Burnout in a Demanding Occupation
1/28/26: Working with Mixed Age Groups
1/31/26: Supporting Sensory Needs in Little Learners
Enroll
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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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Emergency Prepared-ness for Child Care Programs
Join us on January 20th and 22nd for Emergency Preparedness for Child Care Programs from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for only $5.00! Develop a comprehensive plan to follow when a disaster occurs. Ensure that your plan addresses special needs, notifying parents, sheltering, resources, evacuation and other possibilities.
Register
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Click View it as a Web page at the top of this email.
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Have something you want to share with Maryland's early childhood community?
Learn how to submit to Tuesday Tidbits.
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