|
Section 3
Division of Early Childhood |
|
Section 4
TUESDAY TIDBITS
Open Now: Maryland Child Care Credential Relaunch
We are pleased to share that the Maryland Child Care Credential (which was paused on June 30, 2024) has officially begun a phased relaunch, starting with renewal applications.
Child care provider requirements for participation:
- Held an active Maryland Child Care Credential as of July 1, 2024
- Currently working for a licensed/registered Maryland child care program that has children enrolled
Learn more on the Division of Early Childhood website.
 |
|
Thank you to Maryland's child care providers and early childhood educators!
National Provider Appreciation Day was on May 8! The Division of Early Childhood celebrates and honors the commitment of Maryland’s child care providers to serving the children and families in their community. Thank you for all you do!
|
|
|
Section 5
Early Childhood Grant Opportunities
Several early childhood grant opportunities are now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2027. Details about eligibility, how to apply, and more grant information can be found on the MSDE Grants website.
-
Therapeutic Child Care Grant for providers that specialize in providing child care and early childhood education to children under the age of 6 who have developmental delays, physical disabilities, or delays in social, emotional, or behavioral functioning. Deadline: May 25, 2026.
-
Home Visiting - Healthy Families funding to provide resources at the local level to strengthen community-based services to children, youth, and families. Deadline: May 25, 2026.
-
Judy Center Early Learning Hub Expansion Grant (for Local Education Agencies only) interested in establishing new Judy Center Early Learning Hubs. Deadline: June 1, 2026.
-
Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Support Services Program promotes positive mental and behavioral health practices for young children by building the capacity of early care and education providers and families. Deadline: June 1, 2026.
-
Ulysses Currie Head Start State Supplemental Grant for eligible Head Start and Early Head Start grantees. Deadline: June 8, 2026.
|
Measles Resources for Child Care Providers
In light of recent cases of measles in Maryland, the Maryland Department of Health would like to share the most up-to-date information to keep the children in your care safe and healthy.
See below for resources in Maryland and the United States:
Maryland Department of Health
American Academy of Pediatrics
Centers for Disease Control
|
|
Section 6
Why is Your Licensing Specialist a Superhero?
During the 2026 MSCCA Conference by the Sea, the MSDE Licensing Branch asked attending child care providers: “Why is your licensing specialist a superhero?” We are pleased to share your thoughtful responses recognizing the outstanding contributions of MSDE Licensing Specialists.
- "Amy Chehi (Region 12) is the best, has all the patience to answer all our questions, and always gets back. She is knowledgeable and quick to reply. I really appreciate her very much!"
- "Anna Trzos (Region 3) is very educating! She explains well and is very responsive."
- PLUS: special shout outs to Lamont Bruce (Region 4) and Julia Gross (Region 8)!
Thank you for your feedback and stay tuned for more of your responses in our next edition!
|
|
|
Section 7
Licensing Survey
This confidential survey allows providers to share their customer service experience during their recent MSDE licensing inspection.
The Office of Child Care values your feedback!
Use your phone to scan the QR code provided or click here to access the survey.
|
|
Recently Updated Forms and Documents
|
|
|
Section 9
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.
Register at the beginning of each month on the DEC Events website.
May 28, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Missed a session? Check out previous recordings and presentations.
|
|
Child Care Scholarship Open Office Hours - May 19th
MSDE staff members are ready to assist both enrolled families and dedicated child care providers with any questions about applications, payments, or managing a Child Care Scholarship account.
May 19, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
(See all dates through December 2026 here.)
Join a session
|
|
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
|
|
|
Section 10
Training/Professional Development |
|
Section 11
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.
|
Office of Child Care Advisory Council (OCCAC) Meeting
The child care community is invited to attend the upcoming OCCAC meeting on May 21, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
The OCCAC helps shape and guide the goals and operations of the Office of Child Care by reviewing proposed regulations related to the care of children, recommending policy priorities, and identifying issues of importance to child care providers and consumers.
Visit the OCCAC website to register for the virtual meeting and to find more information.
|
|
Section 14
Welcome Spring Workshops
Spring workshops available from Linda Bratcher at bratcher@childcareservicesandsupply.com
May 13: Guns & Superheroes – What Should Teachers Do? (CD 2 CUR 1)
May 21: Hands-on with the Maryland Early Learning Standards (PRO)
May 27: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) (CD 3)
June 3: Positive Childhood Experiences in Mitigating the Effects of ACE’s (CD 3)
Register for a workshop
|
Turn ChildCareEd Training into a College Pathway
Learn about ChildCareEd’s alliance with Rasmussen University during a webinar on May 13 at 6:30 p.m. Explore ECE degree pathways, tuition savings, and potential college credit for completed CDA Credentials. Register today.
Register for the webinar
|
Many Colors, One Canvas: MD ECE Conference
Join ChildCareEd for a dynamic conference exploring how art supports learning. Gain practical strategies, earn training hours, and connect with fellow educators. Secure your spot today and bring creativity to your classroom! MSDE Voucher approval number CWO-164325
Register for the conference
|
|
Section 15
Small Settings, Big Impact: The Power of Family of Child Care
Join the FCCAMC Conference, "Small Settings, Big Impact," on May 30th in Rockville! Earn 6 PD hours, enjoy breakfast and lunch, and connect with fellow educators. Don't miss this chance to celebrate the power of Family Child Care—come be in community!
Register for the conference
|
|
Profession-al Development with the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC)
Register for one of BCCCRC's upcoming professional development opportunities.
5/20/26: CLASS Overview: CLASS Assessment Scoring System
5/27/26: Marketing for Business Growth
5/28/26: Safety Practices for Young Children
Enroll in a course
|
|
LENA Grow: Free for Summer and Fall '26
LENA Grow PD is currently available free of cost for infant-PreK classrooms. This tool focuses on early literacy, increases K-readiness and improves teacher outcomes in just 5 weeks. Learn more and register for summer or fall at the link provided.
More information online
|
|
|
Section 16
Help Families Find Your Program!
Thousands of Maryland families search for child care on LOCATE from Maryland Family Network every year. Make sure your program shows up. A quick profile update helps families find you—and keeps enrollment moving. Claim or update your free LOCATE profile today.
Create an account
|
|
Blooms of Inclusion for Teachers
Join Abilities Network virtually on May 14th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for Blooms of Inclusion for Teachers. In this session, we will learn strategies for continually improving practices, such as establishing strong collaboration with other professionals, and discuss strategies to engage families as partners.
Register for the training
|
|
Can A Baby Be Depressed? Rethinking Stress, Trauma, and Other Issues from an Infant Mental Health Lens
Join Abilities Network virtually on May 18th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for Can A Baby Be Depressed? Rethinking Stress, Trauma, and Other Issues from an Infant Mental Health Lens. During this training, providers will deepen their ability to identify issues in infants and toddlers by focusing on changes in behavior patterns, mood, and engagement.
Register for the training
|
|
|
Section 17
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.
|
|
Section 18
Want to share Tuesday Tidbits on social media or email it to a colleague?
Click View it as a Web page at the top of this email.
|
|
Have something you want to share with Maryland's early childhood community?
Learn how to submit to Tuesday Tidbits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
