Public Policy

Our Work

In partnership with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), MDAEYC is committed to developing a system of quality early care and education (birth to 8) and supporting a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession. To achieve these goals, MDAEYC informs members and allies about local, state, and federal policies and advocates on behalf of the early care and education workforce, allied professionals, and families with young children.

MDAEYC Public Policy Agenda

Our 2021 state legislative agenda focuses on three policy areas:

Support new and increased investments in child care and early childhood education to help address the catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early childhood educators, children, and families.
Support enactment of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the Kirwan Commission’s recommendations for early childhood education and education reform, helping every child succeed.
Support passage of the Time to Care Act for Paid Family Leave to enable Marylanders to afford time off to care for a family member who is ill or has a disability, a newborn or a newly adopted child.

Our 2021 federal legislative agenda aligns with our national organization, the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

MDAEYC 2021 public policy agenda (PDF) (or text)

1. Addressing the COVID-19 Child Care Crisis

Child Care Provider Support Act – HB 608. This bill, introduced by Delegate Jared Solomon (D-18), would create a grant fund to provide financial resources to child care programs affected by the pandemic.
- Bill status page
- Full text of legislation
- One-page summary of bill from Del. Solomon’s office.
- Rally in support of HB 608 on Thursday, 2/4
  - Rally flyer and sign-up from Del. Solomon’s office.

MDAEYC’s Child Care Provider Support Act resource page.

2. Enacting the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future

During the 2020 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a sweeping education reform bill that includes early education funding and a phase-in of Universal pre-K. Educators who have been following this legislation will remember that it is based on the Kirwan Commission’s recommendations for improving education in our state.
MDAEYC supports this once-in-a-generation opportunity to make substantial new investments in education and implement needed reforms. MDAEYC is a member of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Coalition and partners with Strong Schools Maryland.
Visit the Blueprint Coalition’s page to learn what you can do to support the override of the Governor’s veto so we can create a world-class education system in Maryland, from birth through college.

MDAEYC’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Future resource page.

3. Supporting Passage of the Time To Care Act

MDAEYC supports SB 211, which would establish a Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program that will enable employees to take up to 12 weeks of partially paid leave to care for new children, family members with serious illnesses or disabilities, or themselves.