The Maryland State Child Care Association (MSCCA) experienced an unusually busy and successful summer. We moved our office to Annapolis, Maryland in early July, formed a legislative task force of partners to work together for progress on important child care issues to submit testimony to the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Youth and I welcomed my first grandchild into the family. MSCCA is so proud of our Leadership team and numerous Partners we solicited in the child care field including; Maryland Head Start Association, Maryland State Family Child Care Association, Maryland Family Network, Maryland School Age Child Care Alliance, Maryland Association for the Education of Young Children, SEIU Local 500 and the Baltimore City Provider Coalition for the important collaborative effort to affect positive, necessary change on behalf of providers across the state.
MSCCA was asked to testify orally and submitted written testimony (or will be submitting) on behalf of our membership on the following topics:
1. Child Care Regulations – July 20 2. Quality and Compensation related to child care- September 7 3. Child Care Subsidy – October 5 4. Affordability for Middle-Income Families- November 15
MSCCA has made progress in the area of regulations based on our meeting with MSDE and our testimony before 40 committee members of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Youth. MSDE leadership quickly responded to our recommendations and have implemented some changes including the new provider survey, designated ombudsman for providers, more training for licensing specialists, designated section of the OCC website for changes and updates to regulations and forms BEFORE they are required and more to come.
The testimony on quality and compensation is related to affordability for parents and the many definitions of quality. MSCCA is committed to keeping the conversation and recommendations flowing in front of legislators and MSDE to impact positive change.
The four recent legislative hearings on child care issues have been an amazing opportunity for us to share our concerns and offer solutions. MSCCA will continue the lead the charge to shed light on the important issues facing our industry. Our next steps include meeting with legislators in Annapolis to educate and offer ideas, write letters to the Governor and work to meet with his office and continue to meet with MSDE quarterly to be a consistent voice for the provider community.
I continue to serve on numerous coalitions and committees including; the State Early Childhood Advisory Council, the Governor’s Commission on Lead Poisoning, the Family Engagement Coalition, the Workforce Development Committee making recommendations to the Governor, the workgroup for the new implementation of the federal Child Care Block Grant, The Abilities Network Advisory Board and Co-Chair of the Office of Child Care Advisory Committee. MSCCA has a presence at a variety of tables to (Continued on page 3)
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share concerns and issues on behalf of the professional child care community to have our voices heard to impact policies and decisions.
Be sure to friend, like and share our Facebook page! We use the MSCCA Facebook page to communicate in between email blasts and newsletters. The goal is to reach more providers through social media and post relevant info as quickly as possible.
MSCCA continues to build new Chapters within the state. Montgomery County now has a new MSCCA Chapter led by Shaun Rose of Rock Spring Child Care Center. They meet monthly and all chapters are excited to welcome new providers! Prince Georges County is looking for new leadership to assist with restructuring. You do not have to be a member of MSCCA to participate in your local Chapter. Please read about all of our active Chapters across the state.
The MSCCA Professional Development Committee works year around to host 2 statewide conferences in Maryland. The committee consists of the most dedicated, selfless, amazing team of people who help to plan 24 hours of Core of Knowledge, quality training annually for the child care community. MSCCA wants the conference and symposium to be exciting and informative with professional trainers, national keynotes and lots of opportunities to win prizes! Join me in singing the praises of the members of MSCCA Professional Development Committee. Many thanks to Christy Lewis, Deb Kamplain, Marina Maier, Catherine Neville, Bonnie Hendershot, Cindy Nissley, Audrey Pabs Garnon, Barry Benesch and Chuck Wainwright for planning the Leadership Symposium 2016!
Save the Date!!! The MSCCA is gearing up for our annual Conference by the Sea in Ocean City Maryland on May 5-7, 2017. We are moving to the Clarion Resort! Our theme is “Go for the Gold” and our keynote is educator and famous Mom, Debbie Phelps. This weekend event offers 17 hours of fun-filled training at the beach. The Conference sells out quickly. Plan ahead and use your training voucher. Consider bringing your staff to team build, as well as gain all the continuing education credits required annually along with more training hours towards higher levels of credentialing. All participants receive 2 Professional Activity Units for attending a statewide conference. Members are offered a big discount! Registration is scheduled to open in mid-December 2016. Please check our website at www.mscca.org for updates and details.
MSCCA-Jennifer Nizer Passion for Excellence Grant opens October 1, 2016 for MSCCA members! Application process closes March, 2017. In our second year of the grant for 2016, we awarded more than double the dollars to deserving members increasing from $4000.00- $8000.00. Please consider adding a small contribution to your renewal fees for 2017. One hundred percent of any and all donations goes into the budget for the grant. You could benefit, so consider a small contribution as you renew your membership. Donations are tax deductible. MSCCA extends many thanks to the centers, businesses, individuals and partners for their generous donations to the MSCCA-Jennifer Nizer Passion for Excellence Award.
Christina Peusch, Executive Director MSCCA
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