The Maryland State Board of Education convened on February 27, 2024, to discuss various initiatives and updates concerning early childhood education in the state. The meeting featured presentations from key stakeholders, including representatives from the Maryland Family Network (MFN) and the Division of Early Childhood.

The session began with a presentation from an MFN representative, who highlighted the organization's partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). This collaboration focuses on enhancing early childhood education through state funding and various projects aimed at improving childcare services across Maryland. The representative emphasized the importance of regular meetings with the Division of Early Childhood to align agendas and share insights from the field.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around the release of the MFN's annual demographics report, which provides a comprehensive overview of family well-being and the childcare landscape in Maryland. The report includes critical data such as birth rates and the availability of licensed childcare slots. Additionally, the MFN has made available a county-by-county report for more localized insights.

The MFN also introduced its "Locate Child Care" service, a free resource designed to assist families in finding high-quality licensed childcare. The platform has undergone a redesign to enhance user experience, allowing parents to search for childcare options based on specific needs, such as allergies or proximity to work. The service also offers childcare providers a personalized webpage for marketing and real-time enrollment updates.

The meeting continued with the introduction of Shamoya Gardner, who was welcomed by the board members. The discussions highlighted the board's commitment to improving early childhood education and the resources available to support families and childcare providers in Maryland.

Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between the MFN and MSDE to address the needs of families and enhance the quality of childcare services in the state. Further updates and initiatives are expected as the board continues to prioritize early childhood education in Maryland.