The Maryland State Board of Education convened on July 25, 2023, to discuss significant changes to the state's pre-kindergarten program, particularly the implementation of a sliding scale model for tuition costs aimed at families with varying income levels. This initiative is part of the state's broader effort to expand access to full-day pre-K for families earning at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.

During the meeting, Matthew Duque from the Office of Research Planning and Program Evaluation presented findings on four proposed sliding scale options for pre-K costs. The goal is to determine which option would be the most affordable for families, especially those in lower income brackets. The options range from a three-level structure to a more complex fifteen-level structure, with costs based on either the percentage of total care costs or family income.

The analysis revealed that the fourth option, which bases costs on a percentage of family income, is the most beneficial for lower-income families. For instance, families earning around 350% of the federal poverty level would see significantly reduced costs under this model compared to other options. The board noted that while the sliding scale aims to ease financial burdens, there are concerns about potential increases in costs for some families as they transition between income tiers.

The board emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement moving forward, particularly with local education agencies and pre-K providers, to ensure that the implementation of these changes meets the needs of families across Maryland. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has also introduced a cap on childcare co-payments at 7% of a family's income, aligning with the proposed sliding scale model.

As the board concluded the meeting, it was clear that while no immediate decisions were required, the discussions set the stage for further community engagement and refinement of the pre-K program. The focus remains on ensuring equitable access to quality early childhood education, particularly for families facing financial challenges.