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Division of Early Childhood |
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TUESDAY TIDBITS
Deadlines Approaching: 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.
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Happy Birthday, Head Start!
61 Years of Head Start: A Strong Start for Every Child
On May 18, Head Start celebrated its 61st birthday! For more than six decades, Head Start has supported children, families, and communities across the country. Since its founding in 1965, the program has served more than 40 million children across the nation, helping build strong foundations for lifelong success.
This milestone highlights the dedication of the educators, staff, parents, and partners who make this work possible.
Across Maryland, Head Start programs provide vital early learning, health, and family support to thousands of children each year—strengthening families now and building stronger communities for the future.
Thank you for your continued leadership, dedication, and belief in the promise of every child.
Check out a video message from the Director of the Office of Head Start and learn more on the National Head Start Association website.
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New Resource Guide for Expecting and New Parents
Expecting and new parents in Maryland can find support and information in a new resource guide from the Governor’s Office for Children.
The guide features details about free and low-cost support programs for pregnancy, getting ready for birth, after your baby is born, and more.
You can download the guide in English or in Spanish.
Learn more at maryland.gov/new-parents.
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New Federal Requirement: Monitoring for Lead in Drinking Water at Schools and Child Care Facilities
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is reaching out to schools and child care facilities to inform them of a new requirement for public water utilities related to the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI).
This new requirement under the federal LCRI is different from the Maryland state law (House Bill 270, 2017) that requires schools serving pre-K to Grade 12 to test for lead in drinking water. Schools will need to continue to monitor for lead at all drinking water outlets on a three-year cycle as required under state law unless they have been granted a waiver.
In preparation for this compliance date, public water utilities (i.e., water systems) are tasked with compiling a list of elementary and secondary schools and child care facilities they serve that meet the criteria outlined in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 141.92 by November 1, 2027.
With this in mind, public water utilities will likely be reaching out to schools and child care facilities to gather basic information (e.g., school ID number, child care facility license number, grade levels served at school, date(s) of building construction/renovation, etc.). The water system will use this information to provide the required list to MDE.
While water systems are responsible for complying with the LCRI, schools and child care facilities should be aware of this regulation in order to help provide necessary information to the water utility as they create this list and complete other compliance activities related to the LCRI.
Contact MDE at CWSreporting.LCRIschoolchildcare@maryland.gov for any questions related to this requirement.
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.
- "Carolyn Hunt (Region 4) has a provider's heart. Really a great person to have as a specialist."
- "Monica Barnes (Region 12) is great! Very knowledgable and helpful. Thank you! She always communicates and is very prompt and positive. We love her!"
- PLUS: special shout outs to Angela Leach (Region 2) and Courtney Wise (Region 10)!
Thank you for your feedback and stay tuned for more of your responses in our next edition!
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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.
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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.
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.
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Child Care Scholarship Open Office Hours - June 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 Child Care Scholarship account.
June 16, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
(See all dates through December 2026 here.)
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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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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Small Settings, Big Impact: The Power of FCC
Join FCCAMC May 30th (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) at Universities of Shady Grove! Celebrate home-based care with 6 PD hours, breakfast, and lunch included. Discover how small environments create massive change. Elevate your practice and connect with peers!
Register for the conference
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 Events listed in this section come from MSDE partners and community organizations. MSDE shares these opportunities for informational purposes only and does not necessarily endorse the events or their content.
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Grow Your Center's Pre-K and School-Age Staff
UMD’s Maryland Early EdCorp (MEEC) Youth Apprenticeship is looking to partner with early learning and school-age programs in Prince George’s County to employ rising high school juniors starting this August.
Send an email to MEECYA@umd.edu to apply or request more details.
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The Growing Brain- Play from Chesapeake College
The Growing Brain- Play on Zoom on 6/1/26 6:30-9:30 p.m. hosted by Chesapeake College
The Growing Brain- Play In-Person 6/4/26 6:00-9:00 p.m. hosted by Chesapeake College
Participants will understand the stages and types of play that unfold in early childhood, the role of the brain in this process, and how to maximize children’s learning through play. CEU-512-9NA01 The Growing Brain: Evreydy Play (2295)
Enroll in the courses
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2026 PDI-Making Nap Time Work for Every Child
The PDI from the Howard County Office of Children and Families features a hands-on session. Educators will explore nap-time plans, visual support systems, calming strategies, and quiet activity ideas for non-sleepers. Saturday, June 6, earn COK-2.5 PRO and 1.5 CD, Georgia Ferentinos, 420-313-1943, gferentinos@howardcountymd.gov
Register for the course
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MSCCA Community Conversa-tion: Building Stronger Early Care and Education Systems
Join MSCCA for our next monthly Community Conversation Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. to learn about latest efforts to transform Maryland's ECE system and to make your voice heard on what is working and what is needed. Featured speakers include Governor's Innovation Team, Delegate Alethia McCaskill, and Carolina Reyes.
Register for the event
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Professional Develop-ment with the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC)
Register for one of BCCCRC's upcoming professional development opportunities.
5/28/26: Safety Practices for Young Children
6/6/26: Active Supervision for Center Staff
6/11/26: What's in Their Backpack? The Impact of Trauma
6/13/26: Switch On-Switch Off: Babies and Technology
6/17/26: Family First: Communication and Collaboration with Families
Enroll in training
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Application for MECLP's Cohort VII
Applications are now open for Cohort VII of the Maryland Early Childhood Leadership Program (MECLP)! This yearlong, graduate-level hybrid leadership experience supports early childhood professionals committed to systems change.
Join our virtual information session on May 27 at 7:00 p.m. Application deadline: June 24. Email marloeli@umbc.edu for details and FAQ information.
Learn more about the cohort
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Welcome Spring Workshops
Workshops available from Linda Bratcher at bratcher@childcareservicesandsupply.com
May 27: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) and Trauma (CD 3)
June 3: Positive Childhood Experiences in Mitigating the Effects of ACE’s (CD 3)
June 10: Juneteenth in Early Education: Freedom, Fairness & Family Voices (COM 3)
June 23: Addressing Stress and Burnout in Early Education (PRO 3)
June 30: Brain to Behavior: Understanding Young Children Through Brain Science (CD 3)
Register for a workshop
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Mayo–Junio: Programa de Mentoría para impulsar tu crecimiento. ¡No te lo pierdas!
Latino Child Care Associaion of Maryland: Mentoría “Avanza” – Educación Temprana (Mayo–Junio) No te quedes atrás… La educación temprana sigue avanzando y tú puedes crecer junto a ella. Prepárate para ser una profesional más capacitada, segura y reconocida en el área de cuidado y educación infantil.
Más información
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ECS060 Mejore la administración de su guardería
Planee, organice, gestione y controle los recursos humanos, financieros, materiales y tecnológicos de su guardería con el fin de obtener resultados positivos y mejorar la administración. (CEUs 0.3). 3hrs de Profesionalismo
All training provided through the Latino Child Care Association of Maryland will be conducted by Montgomery College.
Más información
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Art Isn’t Extra—It’s Essential
Art can transform learning—and you’ll see how at the Many Colors, One Canvas: MD ECE Conference. Join ChildCareEd for a day of creativity, collaboration, and real classroom strategies. Earn training hours and connect with educators who share your passion. MSDE Voucher approval number CWO-164325.
Register for the conference
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Emergency Prepared-ness for Child Care Providers: Refresh Course
Join Abilities Network virtually on May 27th 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.
Register for the training
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Applications Open for Child Care Apprenticeship
The statewide, online child care apprenticeship from Harford Community College is accepting applications for a September start date. The apprenticeship is grant funded (no cost to apprentices or employers). Apprentices work full-time while earning certificates to become lead teachers.
More information online
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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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