Summer Is Around the Corner!

Maryland Department of Education sent this bulletin at 06/01/2026 12:45 PM EDT

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Delivering Support to Families with Young Learners

Checking in with Your Child This Summer

Mother and child playing with toys together at home.

Summer can be a lot of fun for young children. But this season can bring big feelings that your child may need help learning to process. Make sure you check in with your child by asking questions like “how are you feeling?” or “what is on your mind?”

Asking these questions creates a safe space where your child can express their thoughts and feelings. Speaking about them helps them learn to handle them, improving their social emotional development. Listen to your child and validate their feelings. This helps your child learn while also allowing you to bond with your child.
Expecting and new parent resource guide page one.

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.
Parent relaxing and laying in grass outside.

Summer Self-Care for Parents

While your children may be looking forward to summer break from school, parents should enjoy their summers as well. Check out these tips to make sure you have a nice, relaxing summer:

  • Set aside time each day (even just five minutes) to take a break, just for yourself.
  • Take advantage of warm, sunny summer weather and walk, sit, or otherwise enjoy time outside.
  • Pause and consider before committing to plans – remember it’s okay to say “no”.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and healthy in mind and body.
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Pre-K Cost Calculator Now Available

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is happy to share that the Pre-K Cost Calculator is now online. 

Parents and providers can use the calculator to estimate how much a family may pay for Pre-K. Costs are based on household income and family size. This tool is easy to use and can help inform families about Pre-K costs before they enroll. 

To get started, enter your household income and family details. The tool will estimate your family share or sliding scale amount. 

Use the MSDE Pre-K Cost Calculator here:  https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/pages/pre-k-calc.aspx 

Families with incomes at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for free full-day Pre-K. 

Please note: Pre-K costs may differ depending on your local school system. Contact your local school district or Pre-K provider to learn more.

Changes to Child Care Scholarship Extended Service Hours

On December 1, 2022, MSDE began offering longer Child Care Scholarship (CCS) service office hours. These extra hours were added to help parents who used the online link, “Used the Link,” or who tried to reach a specialist but still needed support.

These longer call center hours will stay in place until June 30, 2026. After that date, contact CCS Central 2 directly by calling 877.227.0125 or by using the link below. CCS Central 2 is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

"Using the Link" is the quickest way to get clear and correct information from CCS Central 2. Here is the direct link: Parents - CCS Customer Inquiry

CCS Central 2 answers all questions sent through the link within 3 business days, as long as the message is sent before 5:00 p.m. on a business day.

The CCS Open Office Hour sessions will continue each month. Find the full schedule on our website: Money4ChildCare.com.

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