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MSDE reports pre‑K seat growth but warns private-provider capacity still lags
Summary
MSDE told the board that the state added 1,109 pre‑K seats in 2023–24 (446 private, 663 public) and is launching a career-ladder and outreach to recruit private providers; officials warned per‑pupil rates and workforce qualifications remain challenges.
Maryland State Department of Education officials gave the board an update on the mixed‑delivery pre‑K expansion under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, reporting measurable growth but continued challenges recruiting and sustaining private providers.
Tara Phillips and Shana Cook described the mixed‑delivery model that aims to expand full‑day pre‑K seats by combining public school classrooms with licensed private providers, family child care homes and Head Start. From school year 2022–23 to 2023–24 the state added 1,109 pre‑K seats statewide, of which 446 were in private provider settings and 663 in public school seats, the presenters said.
Cook said the General Assembly adjusted the private‑provider target from an initial 30% expectation downward (10% target for the 2024–25 year) after implementation realities; because counties did not meet prior targets, many received waivers. The department is rolling out a ‘Push to Pre‑K’ technical assistance initiative to recruit providers, streamline communications and simplify memoranda of understanding between LEAs and private programs.
Staff also outlined workforce steps: MSDE is developing a simplified career ladder aligned with national early‑childhood standards, and will partner with the Maryland Higher Education Commission to create pathways and leverage scholarships so private providers can meet qualifications without undue debt. Cook said the per‑pupil funding rate of roughly $13,000 does not fully cover high‑quality pre‑K costs and that fiscal sustainability work will continue; MSDE expects to reach full cost-per-pupil funding in FY27 as required by legislation.
Family child‑care advocates told the board that regulatory changes can have unintended effects. Bill Hudson of the Family Child Care Alliance warned that a proposed staff‑requirement change could lead many providers to discontinue infant and toddler care, exacerbating an already thin supply.
MSDE staff said they will continue county-level supply and demand studies and outreach to support private providers' participation in the mixed‑delivery model.
