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

05/15/2026

📣📣FREE training - LIMITED spots📣📣

Current ECHOES Members get first priority for this FREE training until May 22nd!

After May 22nd, registration opens to ALL child care providers.

Only 30 seats are available and are going FAST.

Light dinner is included.

05/12/2026

USDA released a final rule that allows whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk to be offered to participants ages two and up in the CACFP, National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Special Milk Program (SMP).

This rule does not require CACFP operators to offer whole and reduced-fat milk but allows operators the flexibility to offer these types of milk to participants two and up if it makes sense for their program. The rule will be effective June 8, 2026.

Read more about this final rule on our blog: https://www.cacfp.org/2026/05/08/final-rule-expanding-fluid-milk-options-in-cnps/

05/04/2026

Child care programs that achieve a Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating 3 or higher receive increased reimbursements for Child Care Scholarships. These EXCELS payments can add up to thousands in additional income every year!

Learn more: marylandexcels.org/resource/tiered-reimbursement

04/29/2026

From the Division of Early Childhood regarding the Maryland Child Care Credential!

04/20/2026

Coming soon! We are very excited to announce that the Maryland Child Care Credential will begin a phased relaunch, starting with renewal applications. Applications will be accepted in waves according to credential levels.

Are you ready to renew? You can prepare to apply by collecting your employment verification information and Party ID number from the bottom of your credential certificate.

Keep an eye on your inbox for updates in the coming weeks.

04/19/2026

Prices go up August 1st! Jump into a class now!

04/07/2026

This Thursday!! April 9, 2026 at 6:PM
Don’t forget to register online then attend this zoom training with us!! Come out and get your dinner at Nicollettis in California and earn continued education hours at the same time!

https://reg130.imperisoft.com/ChildResourceConnect/Search/Registration.aspx

03/12/2026

From the Mod Pizza fundraiser last month!

Thank you to those who support us!

03/12/2026

Tonight’s meeting is going to get sandy, literally!

Our meeting is at Sleep in Heavenly Peace in their workshop in Lexington Park.

We will be sanding wood that will be used to make beds for children.

If you haven’t signed up, here’s the link -> https://volunteer.shpbeds.org/opportunities/yNdW2v3Ull?_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXr9BLz0nJ08vM10%2FVz03yMo6ISkwsNUiyrytKTUstKsrMS49PKsovL04tsvXNT8rMSVU1MghOTEssygQAUtfBeUIAAAA%3D&%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=1517678992045254443

See you there!

Instantly see availabilities and sign up today!