The Virtual Ready For Kindergarten Charette held on June 8, 2023, by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) focused on enhancing early childhood education through the Maryland ExCELS system. The meeting aimed to address the current state of early learning providers and the challenges they face in achieving higher quality ratings.

The discussion began with an overview of the existing Maryland ExCELS framework, which currently shows that less than 12% of participating providers are rated at levels 4 and 5. Participants highlighted the need for an upgrade to the system, emphasizing the importance of differentiating incentives for various types of childcare settings, such as family childcare providers versus larger centers. The conversation underscored the necessity of creating a fair system that supports a mixed delivery approach to early learning.

A significant point raised was the recent increase in the bonus structure for providers participating in Maryland ExCELS, which now ranges from $450 to nearly $5,000 depending on the setting. However, concerns were voiced about whether the current system favors public school settings over family childcare providers, potentially undermining the goal of equitable access to quality early education.

The meeting also addressed the tools available for assessing children's learning. Two key instruments were discussed: the Early Learning Assessment System, which is optional for pre-K settings, and the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA), which evaluates children's readiness as they enter kindergarten. The KRA results revealed a wide range of readiness levels, from 31% to 73%, indicating significant variability across different schools and highlighting the need for targeted improvements, especially for historically disadvantaged students.

In conclusion, the meeting emphasized the importance of refining the Maryland ExCELS system to ensure equitable support for all early learning providers and to enhance the overall readiness of children entering kindergarten. The discussions set the stage for future actions aimed at improving early childhood education across the state.