Division of Early Childhood

TUESDAY TIDBITS

Early Learning Assessment (ELA) Registration is Open

The Maryland State Department of Education invites Maryland prekindergarten providers to register to administer the Early Learning Assessment (ELA) for Pre-K 4 students in 2026-2027. The assessment measures student performance levels and their learning needs as they prepare to enter kindergarten.

The assessment is available for free and features two components:

• Star Early Literacy: 10-minute computer adaptive assessment available in English and Spanish
• Star Preschool Whole Child: observational rating scale for monitoring growth in six domains: Social and Emotional, Language and Literacy, Cognitive, Physical and Motor, Approaches to Learning, and Creativity and the Arts

Please register by May 15, 2026 using the online form linked below. Questions can be sent to Emily Oliver: emily.oliver@maryland.gov

Maryland Child Care Credential Focus Groups

Your voice matters - join the conversation. All early care and education professionals are invited to participate in a virtual focus group to share thoughts on the Maryland Child Care Credential (MCCC), including recommendations for program improvement and perspectives on professional learning.

The focus group will take up to 90 minutes and will be hosted on Zoom. Participants will receive a $75 e-gift card sent electronically afterward. You may join 1 of 3 groups:

• Educator Focus Group: for any early care and education provider or teacher in Maryland, whether you have participated in the MCCC or not
• Administrator Focus Group: for any early care and education administrator in Maryland
• ECE Professional Learning and Higher Education Focus Group: for trainers, higher education faculty, and others who support early educator professional learning

Space is limited! Please fill out the interest form today if you would like to be considered for participation. Interest form is open now until Tuesday April 7th at 11:59 p.m.

Sponsored by the University of Maryland Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention, in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education.

Make Your Voice Heard for the Future of Maryland’s Child Care Credential

We want to hear from you! All early care and education professionals are invited to take a survey, sharing your perspective on professional development, recognition, and
credentialing.

The survey takes 15-20 minutes and can be completed in multiple sittings. Participants can enter to win a $50 e-gift card (100 winners total). Take one of two surveys that best describes you:

• ECE Educator and Administrator Survey (open until April 16th): for any early care and education providers, teachers, and administrators in Maryland
• ECE Professional Learning and Higher Education Survey (coming soon): for trainers, higher education faculty, and others who support early educator professional learning

Sponsored by the University of Maryland Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention, in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education.

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!

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 or Early Childhood Education I and Development and Learning Environment or Early Childhood Education II. 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

Training/Professional Development

CPR & First Aid Training: Approved Training Formats/Platforms

In emergency situations involving children, a prompt and effective response is essential. Maintaining up-to-date CPR and First Aid skills requires training completion from a qualified trainer in an approved training format or platform. Meeting this requirement empowers childcare personnel with the appropriate skills to respond appropriately to emergencies.

Obtaining CPR and First Aid training certificates through unapproved formats or platforms delays the new application or renewal process and costs extra time and money to retake the courses.

To ensure your CPR & First Aid certifications meet Office of Child Care (OCC) licensing requirements and to avoid retaking courses, please make sure you select the approved training format/platforms.

CPR and First Aid Training: Approved Training Formats/Platforms:

1. In-Person Classroom (Instructor-Led): The entire course is conducted in-person, providing immediate instructor feedback and hands-on skill practice & competency checks.
2. Blended/Hybrid Learning: This format combines an online cognitive component with a required, in-person, hands-on skills practice and competency checks led by an instructor.

Non-Approved Training Formats:

1. Self-Guided/Self-Directed: Online modules followed by a skills session at a verification station without a live instructor or Zoom-assisted skills session.
2. Online-Only: Courses consisting solely of online knowledge-based learning without a live, instructor-led, hands-on component.

All training and trainers must be approved by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, or a program with equivalent standards. It is the individual's responsibility to select the correct format for both initial and renewal certifications.

Early Care Professional Day - Heart of the Matter

In the world of early childhood, we know that when a child’s heart feels safe, their mind is free to grow. But navigating "big behaviors" can often leave educators feeling drained. The Heart of the Matter is a half-day training from Chesapeake College, designed to refill your cup while giving you the tools to support the little hearts in your care.

Enroll

In-Person Workshop - 3 COK Hours - Offered by Story Tapestries

The Story’s the Thing: A Multipurpose Tool for Social Emotional Learning, Literacy, and Engagement.

Led by Sarah Brady $5

April 15th, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

At Child Care Choices in Frederick: 226 South Jefferson Street Frederick, MD

Enroll

Welcome Spring! Workshops

April 1: Preschool Behavior Management: Positive Behavior Support

April 8: Math by the Book – Using Children’s Literature to Teach Math

April 14: Planning for Every Learner: Universal Design

April 21: Focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder

April 28: Connecting with Children and Their Families About Behavior

Linda Bratcher bratcher@childcareservicesandsupply.com

Register

Many Colors, One Canvas: MD ECE Conference

Many Colors, One Canvas: MD ECE Conference - hosted by ChildCareEd: August 20-21, 2026, Frederick, MD. Every child has a story. Every classroom is a canvas. Every educator adds color. Join us for inspiring sessions, bonus training hours, fun & prizes! 4 attendance options. MSDE Voucher approval number CWO-164325

Register

The Growing Brain - Social Emotional

Participants in this Chesapeake College training will gain an understanding of how social-emotional development unfolds in the first 5 years and how to support it in young children as well as the areas of the brain involved in social interactions and emotional reactions. CEU-958-9NA01

Enroll

Night at The Maryland Book Bank with BCCCRC

Please save the date, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Maryland Book Bank located at 1794 Union Avenue, Baltimore. Join the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC) in collaboration with the Maryland Book Bank to celebrate the "Week of the Young Child" for an evening of fun, an opportunity to connect, and collect some FREE books for your program.

Learn more

Simple Sign Language

Join Abilities Network virtually on April 2nd, 6:30-9:30 p.m., for Simple Sign Language. In this training, participants will learn about American Sign Language and how the use of multiple modes of communication can benefit all learners. Participants will learn strategies for teaching signs to young children and engaging families.

Register

Emergency Preparedness for Child Care Providers: Refresh Course

Join Abilities Network virtually on April 7th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for Emergency Preparedness for Child Care Providers: Refresh Course for only $5.00! This training is perfect for teachers, aides, and other staff who are not responsible for creating an Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan. Participants should bring a copy of their program’s emergency plan to the training.

Register

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.