Families/Guardians
Anne Arundel County Public Libraries
The 15 branches of the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) system serve the more than 520,000 residents of Anne Arundel County and strive to be the essential connection to learning and enrichment for all.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Anne Arundel County Public Schools is the public school district serving Anne Arundel County, Maryland. With over 80,000 students, the AACPS school system is the 5th largest in Maryland and the 46th largest in the United States.
Child Care Aware
Child Care Aware® is the nation’s most respected hub of child care information for parents and child care providers. A program of Child Care Aware® of America, Child Care Aware® helps families learn more about the elements of quality child care and how to locate programs in their communities. Our program also provides child care providers with access to resources for their child care programs.
Child Care CCPDF
The Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund (CCCPDF) is a tuition assistance program for child care providers to obtain a college education at participating colleges/universities in Maryland. Funding is available for child care providers to earn a college degree in the following areas:
- Early Childhood Education
- Child Development
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
Child Care Credential Program
The Maryland Child Care Credential Program recognizes individual child care providers who increase their qualifications beyond the requirements of state licensing and registration regulations. There are six staff credential levels and four administrator levels offering various recognition of achievement based on a child care provider’s professional development/education, years of experience, and professional activities. The Program is voluntary. Registered family child care providers and child care center staff are encouraged to participate.
Child Care Quality Incentive Grant Program
The Child Care Quality Incentive Grant Program (CCQIG) supports projects that improve the professionalism and quality of child care programs. The program also supports initiatives that improve children's school readiness.
Child Care Subsidy Program
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) (formerly known as Child Care Subsidy) Program provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families in Maryland. The program is managed through a centralized vendor -- Child Care Subsidy Central (CCS Central).
Family Child Care Alliance of Maryland
The Family Child Care Alliance of Maryland is a collaborative network of national, state, and local partners working to advance the field of family child care for the benefit of providers, children, families, local communities, and the State of Maryland.
Hope for All
Provides services to people without sufficient resources to provide for their own needs in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City and the Appalachian Region. Resources include furniture, bedding, household items, clothes, school supplies, etc.
LOCATE: Complaint Policy
For parents who are dissatisfied with child care provider or program, go to the LOCATE Complaint Policy
Maryland Child
NEW!!!! The Office of Child Care (OCC) has updated their website. On this new site (marylandchild.org) you will find all things related to childcare. This is a "one-stop-shop" for educators, providers and parents.
The Office of Child Care (OCC) works to support and guide early education and child care so that every young child in Maryland has a strong foundation and will be ready for kindergarten.
Maryland EXCELS
Maryland EXCELS helps families look at the quality of programs when making decisions about child care and early education programs. Quality comes in many different varieties: in center-based programs, family child care homes, school-age before- and after-school programs, Head Start, non-public nursery schools, or public prekindergarten programs. What works for one family may not work for another, but one thing remains the same -- the need for high quality care and education that prepares children for success in school and life.
Maryland EXCELS Toolkit
This Toolkit provides information and resources to support you in making quality improvements in your early childhood or school-age program. We invite you to explore these resources designed to guide your Maryland EXCELS experience and enhance the quality of your program.
Maryland Family Network
Maryland Family Network (MFN) is an advocate and catalyst for the development of a strong system of quality child care, early education, and family support. Maryland Family Network (MFN) is a private, non-profit organization that has a rich history of action in matters affecting children, families, and the child care community of this state.
Maryland State Department of Education
Under the leadership of the State Superintendent of Schools and guidance from the Maryland State Board of Education, the Department develops and implements standards and policy for education programs from pre-kindergarten through high school. This link is a portal for educators, professional development and instructional learning.
National Association for Family Child Care
The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) is the only professional association dedicated specifically to promoting high-quality early childhood experiences in the unique environment of family child care programs. NAFCC works on behalf of the one million family child care providers operating nationwide.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care
Some highlights of this website include a study on cost, quality and outcomes, state child care regulations, and national safety standards. An extensive links page with resources on everything from lead poisoning to playground safety is useful for both parents and child care providers. This website contains a library of specific diagnoses and a wide range of topics related to special needs. There is information about connecting with other people, health care and product information, message boards, community and educational resources, places of worship, options for recreation and leisure, and a guide to the Internet.
Network of Care
The Network of Care is a website and support for families with children birth to 18 years old. It has an on line directory of services, and online library of resources for families and a telephone line if anyone has trouble navigating the database. They also offer time limited case management for any family in need. There isn’t a fee for services.
Ready At Five .ORG
Ready At Five is a dynamic statewide organization that improves the practice and quality of early childhood education in Maryland. Our vision is that all children will have the foundation for success in school, career and life. We achieve our mission by: developing and implementing data-driven solutions based on analysis and dissemination of Maryland's early childhood data and national research; advancing the knowledge and skills of the early childhood workforce through high-quality professional development, curriculum and resources; supporting young children and their families through information, publications and tools; and engaging educational and health leaders, policy makers, and the philanthropic and business communities through advocacy and education.
Zero to Three
Zero to Three is a national non-profit charitable organization whose aim is to strengthen and support families, practitioners and communities to promote the healthy development of babies and toddlers. Visit this website to find information and resources for both parents and professionals.
Child Care Professionals
Anne Arundel County Family Child Care Association
A non-profit association made up of registered child care professionals in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Anne Arundel County Public Libraries
The 15 branches of the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) system serve the more than 520,000 residents of Anne Arundel County and strive to be the essential connection to learning and enrichment for all.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Anne Arundel County Public Schools is the public school district serving Anne Arundel County, Maryland. With over 80,000 students, the AACPS school system is the 5th largest in Maryland and the 46th largest in the United States.
Child Care Aware
Child Care Aware® is the nation’s most respected hub of child care information for parents and child care providers. A program of Child Care Aware® of America, Child Care Aware® helps families learn more about the elements of quality child care and how to locate programs in their communities. Our program also provides child care providers with access to resources for their child care programs.
Child Care CCPDF
The Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund (CCCPDF) is a tuition assistance program for child care providers to obtain a college education at participating colleges/universities in Maryland. Funding is available for child care providers to earn a college degree in the following areas:
- Early Childhood Education
- Child Development
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
Child Care Credential Program
The Maryland Child Care Credential Program recognizes individual child care providers who increase their qualifications beyond the requirements of state licensing and registration regulations. There are six staff credential levels and four administrator levels offering various recognition of achievement based on a child care provider’s professional development/education, years of experience, and professional activities. The Program is voluntary. Registered family child care providers and child care center staff are encouraged to participate.
Child Care Quality Incentive Grant Program
The Child Care Quality Incentive Grant Program (CCQIG) supports projects that improve the professionalism and quality of child care programs. The program also supports initiatives that improve children's school readiness.
Child Care Subsidy Program
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) (formerly known as Child Care Subsidy) Program provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families in Maryland. The program is managed through a centralized vendor -- Child Care Subsidy Central (CCS Central).
Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR)
As a provider, it is important for you to be aware of the regulations that govern child care. It is important to remember that the law and licensing requirements are subject to change, and that it is your responsibility to be aware of those changes.
Hope for All
Provides services to people without sufficient resources to provide for their own needs in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City and the Appalachian Region. Resources include furniture, bedding, household items, clothes, school supplies, etc.
LOCATE: Complaint Policy
For parents who are dissatisfied with child care provider or program, go to the LOCATE Complaint Policy
Maryland Afterschool Alliance
Afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and give working parents peace of mind. They help children learn, grow, and reach their full potential, offering new learning opportunities that help students do better in school and in life. Children in afterschool programs attend school more often, get better grades, and are more likely to graduate. Our efforts are aimed at securing resources to expand programming and help programs be the best they can be. We focus foremost on underserved and disadvantaged children and communities.
Maryland Association for the Education of Young Children (MDAEYC)
MDAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
Maryland Child
NEW!!!! The Office of Child Care (OCC) has updated their website. On this new site (marylandchild.org) you will find all things related to childcare. This is a "one-stop-shop" for educators, providers and parents.
The Office of Child Care (OCC) works to support and guide early education and child care so that every young child in Maryland has a strong foundation and will be ready for kindergarten.
Maryland EXCELS
Maryland EXCELS is a quality rating and improvement system that awards ratings from 1 to 5 to child care and early education programs based on nationally recognized standards and best practices. Maryland EXCELS gives programs and providers a road map that encourages and rewards those that improve their services offered to children and families, while providing support and incentives to programs that strive to make improvements. Maryland EXCELS provides information that families need to make informed decisions when choosing child care and early education programs. Using a thorough but easy-to-understand rating system, Maryland EXCELS, sets a standard for increasing the availability of high-quality child care and early education for children in Maryland.
Maryland EXCELS Toolkit
This Toolkit provides information and resources to support you in making quality improvements in your early childhood or school-age program. We invite you to explore these resources designed to guide your Maryland EXCELS experience and enhance the quality of your program.
Maryland Family Network
Maryland Family Network (MFN) is an advocate and catalyst for the development of a strong system of quality child care, early education, and family support. Maryland Family Network (MFN) is a private, non-profit organization that has a rich history of action in matters affecting children, families, and the child care community of this state.
Maryland Licensing Forms
Child care professionals can retrieve documents and forms for various aspects of their child care program.
Maryland Office of Childcare
The OCC maintains Regional Licensing Offices around Maryland, which are responsible for all child care licensing activities in their geographical areas.
Maryland State Child Care Association
The Maryland State Child Care Association (MSCCA) is the premiere professional association for licensed child care and early learning centers operating in Maryland and for associated businesses and individuals that support the mission of the Association. Our members are committed to providing the highest levels of cognitive, social/emotional, and physical development in safe and secure environments for the children entrusted to their care.
Maryland State Department of Education
Under the leadership of the State Superintendent of Schools and guidance from the Maryland State Board of Education, the Department develops and implements standards and policy for education programs from pre-kindergarten through high school. This link is a portal for educators, professional development and instructional learning.
Maryland State Family Child Care Association
The Maryland State Family Child Care Association (MSFCCA) is a professional association of dedicated volunteers who work on behalf of thousands of the MSDE Registered Providers that offer high-quality child care experiences to children in their homes. MSFCCA volunteers donate their time and energy to advance the profession and to see that registered family child care remains a visible and respected part of the early childhood community in Maryland.
MSDE IMPACT Newsletter
IMPACT: Collectively Building Maryland’s Future IMPACT debuted in Fall 2018 and replaced PARTNERS.
National Association for Family Child Care
The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) is the only professional association dedicated specifically to promoting high-quality early childhood experiences in the unique environment of family child care programs. NAFCC works on behalf of the one million family child care providers operating nationwide.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care
Some highlights of this website include a study on cost, quality and outcomes, state child care regulations, and national safety standards. An extensive links page with resources on everything from lead poisoning to playground safety is useful for both parents and child care providers. This website contains a library of specific diagnoses and a wide range of topics related to special needs. There is information about connecting with other people, health care and product information, message boards, community and educational resources, places of worship, options for recreation and leisure, and a guide to the Internet.
Office of Child Care Licensing Branch
The Office of Child Care’s Licensing Branch oversees all child care licensing activities in Maryland.
Ready At Five .ORG
Ready At Five is a dynamic statewide organization that improves the practice and quality of early childhood education in Maryland. Our vision is that all children will have the foundation for success in school, career and life. We achieve our mission by: developing and implementing data-driven solutions based on analysis and dissemination of Maryland's early childhood data and national research; advancing the knowledge and skills of the early childhood workforce through high-quality professional development, curriculum and resources; supporting young children and their families through information, publications and tools; and engaging educational and health leaders, policy makers, and the philanthropic and business communities through advocacy and education.
The Maryland Out of School Time Network (MOST)
MOST invisions that all school-age, Maryland youth will have access to high quality learning opportunities in the out-of-school hours, allowing them to explore, create and achieve.
The mission of the Maryland Out of School Time Network (MOST) is to build a coalition of youth, families, community members, program providers, educators, funders, and policy makers to expand funding , implement more effective policies, and support increased program quality for youth opportunities in the out of school hours.
Zero to Three
Zero to Three is a national non-profit charitable organization whose aim is to strengthen and support families, practitioners and communities to promote the healthy development of babies and toddlers. Visit this website to find information and resources for both parents and professionals.