Committee approves nonpublic‑nursery educational program regulations and lowers teacher‑licensing age

Keisha Maxwell, MSDE administrator for policy and special projects, presented a multi‑part package to add educational‑program language to family child‑care and to create consistent regulatory text for nonpublic nursery schools. The package adds definitions, operational and personnel requirements, curriculum components, compliance and inspection processes, and sanctions for noncompliance.

Maxwell said MSDE received seven public comments across three comment periods and will provide technical assistance to licensing specialists and providers if the regulations move forward. Key clarifications included whether providers may care for children under age two while running an educational program, how living space and approved licensed space are defined, and how the application process will be supported with training for licensing staff.

The committee voted to recommend permission to adopt COMAR 13A.15 (education programs and nonpublic nursery schools).

Maxwell then presented a separate set of edits to six child‑care and family‑care regulations to change the minimum required age for qualified child‑care teachers (and probationary teachers) from 19 to 18, a change she said stems from 2024 legislative action (HB 662). The committee moved and approved those edits as a package.

Committee members asked procedural questions and the meeting record shows the committee approved both items by voice vote. MSDE staff said upcoming guidance and technical assistance will accompany implementation to help licensing specialists and providers comply with the new standards.