Early Childhood Organization of Educators for St. Mary's County-ECHOES

01/24/2026

We all have one! 🤣🤣

01/08/2026

From MSDE Division of Early Childhood:

We want to share an update regarding recent federal announcements related to child care funding.

On Monday, January 5, 2026, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) received a notification from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that in light of recent allegations of child care fraud, ACF has activated Defend the Spend for all states that receive federal child care funds. Moving forward, in order to access federal child care funds, MSDE will be required to provide additional information and an attestation that the state is actively working to identify fraud and ensure program integrity.

What this means right now

There are no immediate changes to Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship Program at this time.
Providers should continue normal operations, including caring for children and submitting required documentation as usual.
Other federal child care updates

ACF recently announced a proposed rule that would remove some of the program requirements included in the 2024 Child Care and Development Fund final rule. You can review and comment on the proposed changes here. Comments will be accepted until February 4, 2026.

What to expect next

MSDE is closely monitoring federal guidance and working to ensure MSDE is in compliance with all federal requirements.
If the federal government issues official instructions that affect payments, reporting, or program requirements, MSDE will notify child care programs and families directly.
Any changes will be shared clearly, with guidance on what providers need to do, if anything.
We also are aware of and monitoring how federal child care funding freezes are impacting other states. Please know that no action is required from you at this time, and we are committed to keeping you informed with accurate, up-to-date information.

To view official announcements and notifications from HHS, visit www.hhs.gov.

Thank you for the essential work you do every day to support children and families!

01/08/2026

Happy New Year!

Join us today at 6:30 pm in the Lexington Park Library Meeting Room B or via Zoom for our January Meeting where we will be voting the 2026 Board for ECHOES.

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Topic: January Meeting | ECHOES
Time: Jan 8, 2026 06:15 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83240848834?pwd=j1fMcUWY42kQNPkpclShiUV6I6eIQk.1

Meeting ID: 832 4084 8834
Passcode: ECHOES

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https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/83240848834/invitations?signature=Lp1o4U21gDbIYY8t7O9BBUY4D1CNhCjqXA_XjvKPztA

12/29/2025

Applications are open for training vouchers and reimbursements!

Child care providers can get up to $400 for training costs.

Eligibility requirements:

-You hold a Maryland Child Care Credential Level 2 or higher, OR
-Your Level 2 or higher credential expired between July 1, 2024–August 30, 2025

Learn more and apply: https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/child-care-providers/office-child-care/credentialing-branch/training-vouchers-and-reimbursements

12/12/2025

12/08/2025

May you feel the love and appreciation, especially during this Christmas season!

Yesterday I ran into one of my old daycare moms who I just adored. I had her little boy many years ago, and now he’s a grown man with a child of his own. We stood there talking about old times, laughing about those toddler days, and catching up on where life has taken everyone.

Right before I left, she gave me the biggest hug and said how nice it was to see me. And honestly, it hit me in the best way.

We talk a lot about the families who stress us out and push boundaries and ignore policies. And let’s be real, they can make our days feel about twenty hours long. But then there are parents like this. Parents who appreciated us back then, and somehow still appreciate us decades later. They remember what we did for their children. They remember how we showed up. And they don’t take it lightly.

When we’re knee deep in tough situations, it’s easy to forget that there’s a whole other side to this job. There are families who completely understand why we do what we do. Families who respect our policies, honor our time, and support us without hesitation.

Seeing her today reminded me of all the wonderful parents I’ve had the privilege of working with through the years. The ones who made my job lighter. The ones who trusted me with their whole world.

It was a little unexpected gift for my day, and I’m so grateful for it.

11/17/2025

Southern Maryland Friends! Come out and join our ECHOES group for a Spirit Night fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse this evening from 4:00-10:00 PM. They will graciously donate 10% of all food sales from those who share this post or mention our name when ordering. ECHOES is a professional childcare organization here in St. Mary’s County that supports the important work of early childhood educators. Feel free to share this post! Thanks in advance for helping spread the word and we hope to see you tonight 😊😊

11/13/2025

Come out and support our Spirit Night at Texas Roadhouse next Monday evening, 11/17, from 4-10 PM. Show the Flyer below or mention “ECHOES” when ordering and 10% of your meal total will be donated to our organization. Share this widely with family and friends, and hope to see you on Monday, 11/17! 😊😊

11/11/2025

Wishing all Veterans a Happy Veterans Day.

Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice!

10/31/2025

MARYLAND – We want to make you aware of a recurring scam that has resurfaced in recent weeks. Several providers have reported receiving suspicious phone calls from individuals claiming to be parents moving to Maryland from out of state who wish to enroll their child in care. The caller often says ...

10/30/2025

Thanks for sharing this, Elizabeth DelRicco! 100 % agree 🤣🤣

10/21/2025

Halloween is approaching!

In the comments, share some of your favorite Halloween traditions you do in your classroom.

Did you decorate your classroom? Share a photo!