Board approves accelerated June 2025 closure timeline for Canfield Early Learning Center; staff outline student and staff transition plans

The Baltimore County Board of Education on March 11 approved an accelerated closure timeline targeting June 2025 for Canfield Early Learning Center and described steps to move early childhood programs to nearby schools and regional sites.

Why it matters: Canfield has housed early childhood and special education programs. The closure and program moves affect youngest learners, special education services, transportation, staff assignments and family relationships with schools.

What staff told the board - Doctor Paul Grimm, presenting for the Department of Schools, said the recommendation (Option in Exhibit K) is intended to place students closer to their neighborhood schools, expand access to full‑day pre‑K and stable instructional settings, and reduce long bus rides for young children. He noted prior moves already reduced Canfield’s enrollment by more than 200 students after openings at other schools. - Doctor DeDonato (Department of Special Education and Early Childhood) explained program logistics: some Canfield students are three‑year‑olds enrolled upon turning three and continuous enrollment means the September 30 count understates midyear additions. She said the September 30 figure (59 students) had likely grown toward the “eighties” by March due to rolling enrollments. - Ms. Darrien (Early Childhood director) described transition snapshots: receiving schools will be given a brief “snapshot” of each incoming child’s current skills, supports and needs and school teams will meet with families ahead of transition. She said the district is using a strength‑based Pre‑K to K transition snapshot to support receiving schools. - Mister McCall (Human Resources) said staff at Canfield were offered priority transfer steps, including declaration of intent and job fairs; the board was told 11 paraeducators and approximately 19 teachers were identified for priority transfer and were being supported to secure assignments.

Board discussion and vote Board members asked about the makeup of students who would remain at Canfield if closure was delayed and how many were three‑year‑olds who enroll mid‑year. Members pressed staff on supports for students with higher needs, how teachers and paraeducators would be placed, and what family outreach had occurred. Staff responded that many programs are moving to neighborhood schools, that programmatic staffing models will be used in FY26 to reduce disruptive staffing moves, and that principals and schools had already reported smooth transitions for the 200+ students moved earlier.

The vote to approve the accelerated closure timeline passed by roll call: Yes 7, No 2, Abstain 1. The motion’s sponsors and full roll-call are recorded in the minutes; board staff recorded that the motion passes and implementation steps will follow.

Next steps and follow‑up - Department of Early Childhood and Special Education will provide transition snapshots and conduct meetings with receiving schools and families. - Human Resources will continue priority transfer support for affected Canfield staff and hold job fairs. - Transportation and facilities staff will update routing and facility assignments as needed.

Ending: Staff told the board they will continue outreach and provide regular implementation updates; parents and families were invited to upcoming special education community sessions and implementation briefings.