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State Board adopts joint pre‑K mixed‑delivery policy; encourages private providers to serve tiered slots
Summary
The State Board approved joint AIB/MSDE guidance implementing the Blueprint’s mixed delivery pre‑K system, clarifying roles for public and private providers and explicitly allowing private providers to continue serving tier‑1 four‑year‑olds.
The Maryland State Board of Education unanimously approved a joint policy with the Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board to implement mixed‑delivery public pre‑K under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
The policy directs public school providers to prioritize serving eligible tier‑1 four‑year‑olds and asks private providers — including Head Start programs — to focus expansion on tier‑1 three‑year‑olds and tier‑2 and tier‑3 four‑year‑olds. The boards amended the wording on the floor to explicitly clarify that private providers may continue to serve tier‑1 four‑year‑olds if they choose.
During the discussion, board members asked for explicit language so the policy would not be read to exclude private providers from serving tier‑1 four‑year‑olds. After a brief amendment exchange, board members inserted language into the third paragraph to state: “Private providers may choose to serve tier‑1 four‑year‑olds. Public providers may choose to serve tier‑2 and tier‑3 four‑year‑olds.” MSDE staff confirmed that the policy applies to Blueprint formula funds, including pre‑K expansion grant funds that support private participation.
The AIB earlier approved the same motion; the State Board then moved to adopt the AIB language as amended. Dr. Lewis moved the motion on the State Board floor and members voted in favor without recorded opposition.
Why it matters: The guidance clarifies how the state expects mixed delivery — a mix of public school and community‑based providers — to prioritize limited slots as the state expands full‑day pre‑K. The explicit language added at the meeting aims to remove confusion among private providers about whether they are allowed to serve the highest‑priority tier‑1 four‑year‑olds.
What’s next: MSDE will provide additional guidance on operationalizing the policy, including the pre‑K sliding scale and programmatic practice, and will continue to work with LEAs and private providers as pre‑K expansion proceeds.
Provenance: Joint AIB/MSDE presentation and board discussion (transcript blocks beginning at 4323.80 and concluding at 5857.97).
