Celebrate Caring Adults Through Inclusive Art

Father's Day can be a wonderful opportunity for children to express appreciation for the important people in their lives. Since families come in many forms and not every child has a father or a positive father figure, consider offering open-ended art experiences that allow children to create a gift for any special grown-up who cares for them. Using inclusive language such as "someone who cares for you," or "someone who helps you grow," or even "someone you love" ensures that every toddler and preschooler can participate with pride while celebrating the meaningful relationships that help them learn, grow, and thrive.

This is just another way to make art inclusive for all.

For toddlers and preschoolers, simple projects such as handprint art, decorated picture frames, painted flowerpots, or "I Love You Because" cards encourage creativity and provide opportunities for self-expression while helping every child feel seen, valued, and included, and at the same time, honor the unique relationships in each child's life.

What other ways do you normalize more inclusive ways to celebrate "holidays" in your classroom?

Picture Yourself Here this August!

In just over two months, early childhood educators from across Maryland will gather at the Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick for the Many Colors, One Canvas: MD ECE Conference.

Imagine spending a day surrounded by fellow educators, exploring creative strategies that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the unique strengths of every child. You will leave with practical ideas you can implement immediately, valuable professional development ideas, PAUs for the Maryland Child Care Credential, goodies & prizes, and renewed inspiration for the year ahead.

Whether you are a classroom teacher, family child care provider, director, or support staff member, this conference was designed with you in mind. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your spot - registration is growing, and August will be here before we know it!

We can't wait to learn, create and grow with you.

Did you hold an active Maryland Child Care Credential Level 2 or higher as of July 1, 2024? You may qualify for a $315 voucher to cover the full cost of your conference registration if you apply by June 19! Regular training vouchers will still be available to cover the $399 cost of online pre-service training.

Don't qualify for a voucher (or prefer to use a voucher for pre-service training) but still want to attend without breaking the bank? Our individual registration offer of $150 ends this week. You'll earn training hours, PAUs, ready-to-use classroom ideas, connect with fellow educators and MSDE representatives, prizes and more!

MSDE continues to accept credential renewal applications in a phased approach until June 30th. Don't miss out on future vouchers and additional benefits such as Staff Achievement Bonuses up to $1000 and Administrator Achievement Bonuses up to $1500! Read the FAQs for more information and if in doubt, apply anyway!

Looking for a meaningful and affordable professional development opportunity for your staff? Register your team before June 30th to take advantage of special pricing and let us do the work for you! Call the office or schedule a call and bring your entire team for less than the cost of multiple individual training events.

Don't forget - Attending the conference is your chance to gain insight directly from the people helping shape Maryland's early childhood landscape:

👉 MSDE Director of Licensing Office Of Child Care

👉 MSDE Regional Manager, Montgomery County Office of Child Care

👉 MSDE Program Manager

Call the office at 833-283-2241 for the $100 Group Admin Special

Special $150 Individual Registration ends Friday!