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Friday Postings

IMPORTANT TUESDAY TIDBITS EXTRACTS

• Available for Public Comment: Educational Programs in Non-Public Nursery Schools (Family) Regulation Amendment
• Open Enrollment with Maryland Health Connection
• Maryland Communicable Diseases Summary A Guide for School Health Services

Instructor-Led Classes

Ideas for Holiday Stress Management

Activity Suggestions for the Holidays

🎁 🎶 🎄 ❄️

Available for Public Comment: Educational Programs in Non-Public Nursery Schools (Family) Regulation Amendment

The proposed regulation amendment regarding Educational Programs in Non-Public Nursery Schools (Family) is posted to the Maryland Registrar now and will be available for public comment until December 15, 2025.

The proposed amendments and new chapter would allow family child care programs to operate as a non-public nursery school. As a result, family child care providers would also be eligible to participate in an approved preparation program and therefore in public prekindergarten.

To review the regulations and submit a public comment, visit the Maryland Registrar website linked below.

Open Enrollment with Maryland Health Connection

Open Enrollment for 2026 health, dental, and vision coverage is happening now! Maryland Health Connection—the state’s official health insurance marketplace—offers free, year-round support to help Marylanders understand their options, compare plans, and enroll in quality, affordable coverage.

Now through Jan. 15, Marylanders can shop for 2026 health plans. Coverage begins Jan. 1 for plans selected by Dec. 31.

All plans available through Maryland Health Connection include essential health benefits like doctor visits, prescriptions, and more.

Maryland Health Connection offers trusted insurance companies you know, including CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente, UnitedHealthcare, and Wellpoint. Wherever you live in Maryland, you'll have the freedom to choose from multiple options to suit your needs. Dental and vision plans are also available through Maryland Health Connection.

Free virtual and in-person events and enrollment help is available near you. Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov/Help to get connected to support.

Maryland Communicable Diseases Summary A Guide for School Health Services Personnel, Child Care Providers and Youth Camps

We have moved into the 2025-2026 cold and flu season. The most recent copy of the MD Communicable Diseases Summary is available for download at the following link:

https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/system/files/filedepot/3/communicablediseasesummary_1_0.pdf

Have a safe and healthful winter season! ❄️ 🐻 🎄 🏡

Monday, Dec. 22 - 6:45pm to 9:45pm

Tuesday, Jan. 06 – 6:45pm to 9:45pm

Saturday, Jan. 10 – 8:30am to 11:30am

Wednesday, Dec. 17 - 6:45pm to 9:45pm

Monday, Dec. 22 - 6:45pm to 9:45pm

Sunday, Jan. 04 – 8:00am to 11:00am

Mon./Wed., December 15/December 17 - 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Saturday, Jan. 03 – 8:30am to 3:00pm

Mon./Wed., Jan. 12 Jan. – 6:30pm to 9:30pm

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Sunday, Dec. 14 – 9:00am to 10:00am

Thursday, Dec. 18 – 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Sunday, Dec. 21 – 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Sunday, Dec. 21 - 8:30am to 12:30pm

Saturday, January 24 – 8:30am to 12:30pm

Sunday, February 8 – 8:30am to 12:30pm

If you want access to past coupons from the holiday countdown event make sure to visit the Offers & Coupons page. There are goodies for First Aid & CPR and 9 Hour Communications too!

The coming holiday season will be filled with lots of joy and the expected... / ...unexpected stress from tantrums, food, activities, and whatever else you can add to the list. Having a plan with a plan A and plan B can ease the anxiety of waiting for something to happen.

Take a few moments read about plans and tools/activities that can be used as a kit to aid in the plans. The ChildCareED team want to wish one and all happy holidays and happy new year.

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The holidays can be a happy time spent with family, leading to wonderful memories. But it can also be busy and stressful for parents. The pressure to make every moment perfect for your loved ones can take a toll. While making plans for pleasant times is a great idea, it will also be useful to consider steps to take if something does not go smoothly.

Maybe a child will have a meltdown. Maybe a family photo does not turn out the way you hoped. Remember: an activity does not have to go precisely according to plan to be enjoyable or meaningful. Letting go of perfection can help you relax and enjoy the present with your loved ones.

If you or your child needs a break from holiday fun, it will be helpful to have some ideas of how to cool off ahead of time. A change of scenery, such as moving to another, quieter room or stepping outside, can help you or your child calm down. Taking a break and giving yourself time to breathe can ground you, make you feel better, and

allow you to feel ready to return to your holiday activities. Whether or not a tough moment happens, having a plan in place just in case can reduce your stress and let you look forward to the holidays this season!

Sometimes pictures are better than words when dealing with a frustrated child The calm-down kit is another way to communicate with young children.

These cards typically feature simple images and phrases that guide users through calming techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. By providing clear, visual reminders, these cue cards can empower users to take proactive steps toward emotional regulation in challenging situations.

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Doesn't matter your age, a break from all the tumult of chatting, music, and conversation can get to be a bit much. A peace corner or mindfulness nook can be a good place to use the calm-down kit described above.

A quiet place to recharge and reset can be a useful tool for anyone to regain self-control. The peace corner or mindfulness nook can be a great idea. The handout has some great suggestions to outfit the corner.

Glittery Christmas Tree

Winter holidays are a wonderful time for crafts. It's fun to create something from the heart to share with friends and family.

Cup Flip Tic-Tac Toe

Check out this new spin on tic-tac-toe. A cup is flipped to a standing position so your can take a turn! Everyone will want to try out the game corner for this new take on tic-tac-toe.

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