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Division of Early Childhood |
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TUESDAY TIDBITS
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The Child Care Provider and Parent Portals will be unavailable from 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, due to system maintenance.
Thank you for your patience.
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Reminder: Application Open for the Prekindergarten Expansion Grant 2026-2027
The State Prekindergarten Expansion Grant application is open for the 2026-2027 school year. Eligible providers in family child care homes, child care centers, Montessori schools, faith-based programs, and Head Start programs who are interested in expanding their business and offering Pre-K services can apply for this state funding.
The Grant Information Guide provides information about eligibility requirements and how to complete the application. The Guide also lists dates of virtual office hours and technical assistance sessions for applicants who would like help from a specialist with the application process.
All applications must be submitted through the online Qualtrics link, found in the Grant Information Guide, by 5:00 p.m. on March 9, 2026 to be considered.
Visit the grant application page or pushtoprek.com for more information.
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You Could Qualify for the Maryland Earned It Income Tax Credit!
Maryland workers may qualify for up to $4,000 by claiming the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on your tax return.
Part-time, seasonal workers, and those who file using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) qualify without realizing it.
Click here to check your eligibility and find trusted, free tax prep services.
Don’t leave money on the table. Whether you file on your own or with a tax professional, be sure to ask about the Maryland EITC.
You’ve Earned It, Now Claim It!
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Apply to Serve Free Summer Meals for Youth
The Maryland State Department of Education is seeking public and private nonprofit organizations to participate in SUN Meals (formerly the Summer Food Service Program), a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that provides free, nutritious meals to children and teens in the summer months when school is not in session.
Organizations interested in becoming a sponsoring organization must apply by Wednesday, April 15 and those wishing to operate a SUN Meals site must apply by Monday, June 15.
Qualifying organizations may participate as SUN Meals sites, which serve meals to the community under a sponsoring organization, or as a sponsoring organization, which plan, coordinate and manage meal service at one or more summer meals sites.
For more information on applying to be a new sponsoring organization, contact the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs at 410-767-0192 or scnpmailbox.msde@maryland.gov.
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Update: Early Learning Standards Professional Learning Series
Please note that all classes for the Early Learning Standards Domains Professional Learning Series are currently FULL and registration has been closed.
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for the professional learning sessions, please fill out the online form here.
Visit our website for more information about the professional learning series.
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Take the Social Emotional Curricula Survey
Help strengthen social‑emotional (SE) practices in Maryland! Take a 5‑minute survey from the University of Maryland School of Social Work to share which SE curricula your early childhood or early intervention program uses and how they align with the Pyramid Model.
Take the survey
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We Value Your Feedback!
A University of Maryland student is conducting a brief online survey about the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program. Your feedback will help us better understand how providers use the Child Care Scholarship and how the program can continue to improve.
The survey takes less than 7 minutes to complete, and all responses are confidential.
Please take a moment to share your thoughts:
https://umdsurvey.umd.edu/jfe/form/SV_2gJzc38xQH6neaG
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 6:00-7:00PM
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 - March 17th
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 2026.)
Join a session
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Pre-K Expansion Grant Support Sessions
Interested applicants can register to attend an upcoming Customer Support Session:
February 18, 1-2:30 p.m. (Spanish interpretation)
Recordings from past sessions are available online.
Check out the Grant Information Guide to find links and dates for Pre-K Grant Open Office Hours.
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Training/Professional Development |
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Early Childhood Community Conversation & Planning Group
MSCCA’s new Community Conversation and Planning Group meeting Tuesday 2/24, 6:30-8:00 p.m. by Zoom. Conversations for the community by the community.
Next session: Addressing Challenging Behaviors & Meeting the Needs of Children with Differing Development.
Register
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If You Are Struggling to Handle Conflict in Your Center, Our New Training Is for You!
Lead a team without the burnout and tension. This new 5-hour Care Course helps directors build a positive workplace climate with clear expectations, stronger collaboration, and practical tools for handling conflict and change. Enroll now!
Register
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FREE Child Wellness Screening (Birth–Age 5)
Free child wellness assessments (Birth–Age 5) supporting emotional, behavioral, and developmental health. Sessions are available on select dates. Register using the link provided or contact us for more information.
Register
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MSCCA Conference by the Sea 2026:
Calling Early Childhood Educators, EmPOWering Everyday Heroes!
April 30th-May 3rd
Registration is open now and we are extending the Early Bird discount until February 28th. Use your training voucher for the Conference registration-MSDE approval number CWO-164245.
In person in Ocean City, MD or virtual.
Multiple registration pathways with two- and four- day tickets.
Learn more
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Interactive Workshops Presented by Linda Bratcher
February 18 Effective Alphabet Instruction
February 26 Basic Health, Safety and Breastfeeding Awareness
March 4 Planning for Every Learner: Universal Design
March 10 Beyond Inclusion: Building Anti-Ableist Classrooms
March 12 Navigating Different Parenting Styles: Strategies for Effective Collaboration and Support
March 25 Understanding the Impact of Praise
Register
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ECS056 Introduccion a la teoría educativa de Reggio Emilia NEW (9 horas)
Aprenda sobre el enfoque pedagógico Reggio Emilia que se centra em las artes, la creatividad y la curiosidad del niño. Esta filosofía se basa en la creencia de que los niños son naturalmente curiosos, fuertes y capaces, el aprendizaje debe ser un proceso de descubrimiento y construcción y se adapta a cada contexto cultural.
Aprender más
ECS145 Aula Montessori
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The Wealthy Childcare Series - Get Paid for What You Know
Get Paid for What You Know with Dr. Amy. Learn how to turn your experience into passive or active income through digital products, mini trainings, and coaching offers. Package your systems for others.
Register
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The Growing Brain- Cognition and Executive Function
Participants will understand how young children develop cognitive and executive functions in relation to the developing brain, learn how cognitive development unfolds, and more. This is a 3-hour Zoom training DHR 847 with Michele Hall on Monday 3/2/26 at 6:30 p.m. CEU-511-9NA01
Register
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Free Virtual 3-Clock Hour Workshop Offered by Story Tapestries
"Creative Classrooms, Caring Communities: Making Space for Learning" led by Jamie Cowan.
March 19th, 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Zoom.
For any early childhood educator.
Register
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2026 NCCA & NECPA Bi-Annual National Leadership Conference
Child care leaders: Join us in Memphis, March 19–21! Register for exclusive savings. Buy 4 tickets, get the 5th free (BUY4-GET1), or buy 2, get the 3rd half off (Discount-50). Don’t miss out—offers end February 20. See you there!
Register
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Trainings with the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC)
Register for one of our upcoming professional development opportunities.
2/24/26: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Preschool Program
2/25/26: Active Supervision for Family Child Care
2/26/26: Empowering Infant & Toddler Understanding Through Discovery
2/28/26: Active Supervision for Center Staff
3/5/26: Infant and Toddler Routines
Register
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Project ACT's 15th Annual Early Childhood Conference
Join us on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.! Project ACT is partnering with Baltimore County Public Schools to present our Annual Early Childhood Professional Development Conference! Attendees will receive a certificate for 6 Core of Knowledge hours, approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.
Register
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Find Health Insurance with Maryland Health Connection
Maryland Health Connection is our state's official health insurance marketplace. At MarylandHealthConnection.gov, you can get a health plan that covers doctor visits, prescription medications, and more for you and your family.
Medicaid enrollment is open all year. Learn how to enroll, find resources, and more on the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange website.
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Learn how to submit to Tuesday Tidbits.
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