Updates from the Office of Early Childhood
On October 1, 2026, the Division of Early Childhood became the Office of Early Childhood.
This change promotes early childhood within the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) so we can prioritize the following goals:
- Give all Maryland families access to quality, affordable early care and education
- Boost school readiness and success in life for all Maryland children
- Help families thrive through community connections
As part of this transition, the Early Childhood website will be moving to the MSDE website soon! Our webpages will feature the same content but will have a new look on the new site.
Please note that links from the original website will keep working after the move. The links will be redirected to the new site. To ensure continued access, we recommend updating saved links to the new URL after the move.
If you have questions or are having trouble finding information on the website, please contact us at earlychildhood.msde@maryland.gov.
Looking for Fun Activities to Do with Your Family?
Spending time as a family can help your child build connections and social skills and have the confidence to learn. This opportunity is especially important for young, developing minds. Check out these ideas of activities you can do with your child and the rest of your family to bond and grow together.
- Make crafts with items found in your home
- Visit a local library or museum
- Have a picnic outside
- Plan a family game or movie night
- Go on a nature walk
- Read aloud to your child
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Find Balance in Your Busy Life!
National Work and Family Month is kicking off this month. Now is the perfect time to look at balance between your life in and out of your home. Do you feel productive while at work or another commitment, and relaxed and connected with your family at home? If not, the imbalance could lead to stress in both areas of your life. Try these tips to help you maintain a healthy balance in your schedule.
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Set boundaries. Keeping life inside and outside the home distinct will ensure you can show up at your best for each. Stick to firm working hours at your job or volunteer positions when possible. This way, you can unplug and be present at home. If working from your home, try to set up a work space separate from where you relax or sleep.
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Manage your time. How much time does it take you to complete your to-do list? Plan your schedule accordingly. Organize your tasks and make sure you have enough time planned for your personal life, as well as transition times like your commute.
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Reduce stress. You cannot always control outside factors that make you stressed. But you can lower stress levels by taking breaks, finding ways to relax, and practicing self-care.
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Stay flexible. Life can be unpredictable, whether you are at work or at home. If you stay ready and are able to adapt in unforeseen circumstances, while still maintaining your boundaries, you can feel less pressure when something comes up and plans need to change.
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Changes Are Coming to Child Care Scholarship Copayments
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program is preparing for a new way to calculate family copayments.
Here’s what families should know:
- The new process will begin no sooner than January 1, 2027.
- MSDE will calculate each family’s copayment and notify the family of the amount.
- MSDE will give families and child care providers at least 90 days’ notice before it starts.
- Copayments will be based on family income using a sliding fee scale.
- Some families will continue to be exempt from copayments.
- Families will pay their copayment directly to their child care provider.
- MSDE will subtract the family’s copayment from the CCS payment made to the provider.
Nothing changes today. Families should continue using the current CCS process until MSDE announces when the new process will begin.
More information, training, and open office hours are coming to help families prepare.
Read more about the upcoming copayment changes.
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