News & Updates
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Bonus Payments for Eligible Maryland Excels Child Care Providers
Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Provides $5 Million in Bonus Awards On October 20, 2022, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) announced the distribution of bonuses to child care programs participating in Maryland EXCELS that demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement in their early education programs. As part of the…
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Applications Open for Child Care Capital Support Fund
The Maryland Department of Commerce announced that applications are now open for the Child Care Capital Support Revolving Loan Fund, which was passed during the most recent General Assembly session. The fund will operate in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and provide no-interest loans for capital…
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Governor Hogan Announces $50 Million For Additional Child Care Stabilization Grants
On January 17th, Governor Larry Hogan announced that the State of Maryland will provide an additional $50 million in grant funding to support child care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Child care is one of our most essential services, and keeping facilities open and available to parents with minimal disruption…
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3 Ways to Help Young Children Respect and Accept Diversity
Encouraging friendships and social interactions among all the diverse young children in your classroom is more important than ever. Studies show that the roots of bullying take hold in early childhood, during the critical first years of attitude development. The message is clear: To reduce the high incidence of bullying…
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MSDE Announces Second Round of Child Care Stabilization Grant Applications
Additional $125 Million in Funding Provided by American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 for Eligible Child Care Programs The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) announced today that it will open the application window for the second and final round of Child Care Stabilization Grants on January 3, 2022. MSDE…
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Honoring Cultures: Culturally Responsive Care
Children develop a sense of who they are and what is important through life through cultural experiences. Traditionally, values, ways of doing things, and expectations, have been passed down by the child’s family and cultural community. As more children enter child care during their early years, their cultural identity and…
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COVID Diagnostic Testing and/or the Screening Testing
Licensed child care facilities in the state of Maryland interested in receiving information on COVID-19 Testing should contact their local health department for more information on testing resources that may be available. For additional information on COVID-19 testing and resources for child care facilities please see below: Operation Expanded Testing…
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Product Recall: Boppy Recalls 3.3. Million Baby Pillows
According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, the recalled products include Boppy Original Newborn Loungers, Boppy Preferred Newborn Loungers and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers. Eight deaths linked to the loungers were reported between December 2015 and June 2020. Infants reportedly suffocated after being placed in a lounger…