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

09/30/2025

Some of our volunteers that worked tirelessly to make our PAD such a success.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to expanding professional development and networking to early childhood educators in our community.

09/29/2025

ECHOES’ 2nd Provider Appreciation Day group picture!

09/23/2025

Maryland EXCELS is hosting FREE trainings that are approved as COK hours!

"Diving into Domains: Using the Maryland EXCELS Standards to Guide Domain Based Lesson Planning"
Thursday, October 9th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Register here -> https://jhu.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=98b7bbbfe1d83cc9719dc79fe&id=58c733f096&e=6bd34596be

"Maryland EXCELS: How to Achieve a Quality 3 Rating"
Wednesday, October 15th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Register here -> https://jhu.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=98b7bbbfe1d83cc9719dc79fe&id=f6035fffec&e=6bd34596be

"Strengthening Business Practices for Family Child Care"
Thursdays, October 16th, 23rd, and 30th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Register here -> https://jhu.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=98b7bbbfe1d83cc9719dc79fe&id=e031d891bc&e=6bd34596be

Check your email and look for address info@marylandexcels.org for more information.

09/23/2025

Tax time is approaching! Tune into this webinar on a new tax system specifically designed for family child care.

Take your life back this tax season with CIVITAS!

🚨 New App Alert + Free Webinar for Child Care Providers! 🚨

Civitas Strategies just launched a new tax support app designed specifically for child care programs! 🧾✨
Built on years of experience working with providers nationwide, this patent-pending, web-based app helps you:

✔️ Identify missed savings
✔️ Spot common tax risks in minutes
✔️ Get a personalized report to take straight to your tax preparer

🔍 Try it here: https://www.civstrat.com/tax-rubric-app

📣 PLUS — Join us for a free webinar on the impacts of HR 1: One Big Beautiful Bill
Child care business owners and coaches—learn what’s changing and how to prepare. Gary will break it all down in just one hour.

🗓️ Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 7 PM ET
🌐 Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/FZFQNBSCQ0W_JSfMUnBBvA #/registration

🎥 Recording available in English & Spanish!

09/20/2025

ECHOES is ready to serve at our 2nd Annual PAD in just ONE week!

Here’s some of our volunteer crew from last year.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Reach out for registration details if you haven’t registered yet!

09/20/2025

Child Resource Connect has expanded their services to Southern Maryland!

Sign up below to connect with CRC and see how they can support early childhood educators and families.

https://forms.gle/9ysMi5vYtSjYSMEH7

09/16/2025

Are you looking to sharpen your skills on what grains are approved for the food program?

Register for the morning class titled, “Using WIC Food Lists to Identify Grains + CACFP Updates” during Provider Appreciation Day September 27th!

This class will give guidance on using WIC’s resources to identify approved grains, as well as going over upcoming changes within CACFP to ensure you have the power to conquer your next inspection and prepare your menus to be nutritious and delicious!

09/12/2025

Yesterday evening’s meeting was filled with hard work, friendship, and valuable information!

Here are some of our volunteers at work (and many more behind the scenes) to prepare for our upcoming Provider Appreciation Day!

09/10/2025

It’s National Whole Grains Month! 🍞🌾 Make the most of it with USDA’s resource, Adding Whole Grains to Your CACFP Menu, available in English and Spanish.

09/10/2025

Our September Meeting is Thursday, September 11th!

Join us at the Leonardtown Library or Zoom.

———

Topic: September Meeting | ECHOES
Time: Sep 11, 2025 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83289994888?pwd=Z4Pj0Pq7OsbRb0vPIJOhlX005M8fxw.1

Meeting ID: 832 8999 4888
Passcode: ECHOES

The agenda is below 👇

Hope to see you there!

09/09/2025

Still haven’t registered for Provider Appreciation Day?

No worries! There is still time.

See comments below for registration or send us a message, email, or text to get registered now!

(301) 481-5774
(240) 538-2247
echoestmarys@gmail.com

09/08/2025

Maryland Accreditation Support Funds reimburse child care centers with up to $3,000 for non-consumable learning materials purchased while pursuing Maryland Accreditation. Examples of qualifying purchases include curricula, technology, play equipment, books, and much more. Learn more: tinyurl.com/mdaccred