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

08/11/2025

It is here! ECHOES Second Provider Appreciation Day is set and ready for you to register!

Check out our flyer below for more information.

08/09/2025

We have our first infants & toddler spots opening and available for new clients, these are the first openings we have had in YEARS!!
We can proudly boast that the child care families we serve tend to stay with us from infancy until kindergarten! Sadly, this fall 2025 some of our precious little ones are going off to BIG school!

Text today to grab an interview spot before they are gone!

08/06/2025

Teaching and working in child care and early childhood education is a world of adventure, dedication, and love. It can also be exhausting.

With limited support for child care and early childhood educators, we can feel defeated, disconnected, overworked, and underappreciated.

However, we are here to help! From resources to support, professional development to friendship, ECHOES is here to serve St. Mary's County with grit, enthusiasm, and loyalty to the community. Becoming a member of ECHOES not only gives you great benefits and support, but peace of mind that we are here to advocate for you.

To become a member, send us a message or email echoestmarys@gmail.com.

07/24/2025

If you currently participate in CACFP, here are the new reimbursement rates for child care!

The 2025–2026 CACFP Reimbursement Rates are here!

Updates include increases across meal types for homes and centers, as well as increased administrative rates for sponsors. Rates are effective July 1, 2025.

Read the full breakdown on our blog: https://www.cacfp.org/2025/07/24/2025-2026-cacfp-reimbursement-rates

07/09/2025

📢 July meeting info 📢

Come hang out with fellow early childhood educators this Thursday at Nicoletti’s in California, MD, starting at 6:30 pm.

Below is the agenda.

06/21/2025

Elizabeth Homan

06/18/2025

Good news!!!

Maryland EXCELS has renewed funding for bonuses! Bonuses will continue from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 for programs that improve their quality ratings.

If your program publishes any quality rating for the first time and/or maintains a Quality Rating 4 or 5, you may be entitled to bonuses ranging $1,000-$13,500*.

Need help with your Maryland EXCELS rating? In addition to reaching out to MD EXCELS directly, getting a membership for ECHOES gives you opportunities for support from other child care providers! We have programs that are at levels 4 and 5 and would be more than happy to assist and give guidance.

Reach out today to learn more about ECHOES benefits.

*bonuses depend on a program’s type and capacity.

06/18/2025

The Maryland SUN Meals program has begun! FREE SUMMER MEALS for Maryland kids 18 and under.

Visit https://mars.msde.maryland.gov/mars_sitesearch/ to locate a meal site near you.

06/12/2025

Be sure to stop by either Zoom or at the Leonardtown Library tonight.

Take a look at our agenda and hope to see you there!

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Topic: June Meeting | ECHOES
Time: Jun 12, 2025 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89749497886?pwd=bq8MYHoCQBG1wbySJeFtBmEepdCEOQ.1

Meeting ID: 897 4949 7886
Passcode: ECHOES

05/28/2025

Come out and join us at Board & Brush studio in Leonardtown for our first ECHOES fundraiser on Monday, June 16th at 6:00 PM! You don’t have to be an ECHOES member to attend and the event is open to the public. Feel free to invite family and friends, hope to see you there!! (Registration link below)

05/19/2025

News Release: Applications are now open for the new MSDE Outdoor Nature-Based Child Care License Pilot Program, which will allow qualified providers to operate licensed programs where children engage in full-day, nature-based learning activities year-round.

🔗: https://news.maryland.gov/msde/outdoor-pilot-program/

05/07/2025

Join us May 8th on Zoom or at the Leonardtown Library starting at 6:30 pm woth meet and greet at 6:00 pm!

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Topic: April Meeting | ECHOES
Time: May 8, 2025 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81593256377?pwd=EaqRzx3oZlYY6vmtzv0RmL7vu3yLlM.1

Meeting ID: 815 9325 6377
Passcode: ECHOES

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Below is the agenda ⬇️