In 2023, Maryland launched an expansion of its Prekindergarten Program under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (HB-1300), with the goal of providing free, full-day Pre-K to all three- and four-year-olds from families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL), with subsidized options on a sliding scale for families earning up to 600% FPL. Overseen by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), the program relies on a mixed-delivery model in which public schools and private providers share responsibility for Pre-K slots, with a goal of filling half of all slots through private providers by the 2026-27 school year. A 2024 survey found that only 13% of private child care providers planned to participate, while nearly 40% said they would not. Providers cited staffing shortages, new teacher qualification requirements, concerns about increased state oversight, and in some cases, a simple lack of awareness of the program. In 2023-2024, Maryland served 38% of four-year-olds and 7% of three-year-olds.
Sources:
Maryland State Department of Education. (n.d.). Blueprint Pillar 1: Early Childhood Education.
Maryland State Department of Education. (n.d.). Prekindergarten Expansion and Improvements.
National Institute for Early Education Research. (2025). Maryland Increases Pre-K Investments as States Hit New National Records for Preschool Enrollment.
Keefe, A., & Beinart, M. (2024, July 31). Maryland’s pre-K expansion plan proves to be unpopular with child care providers. Maryland Matters.
Connections to Key Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H) Findings:
The early education workforce is the foundation upon which all daily work and any expansion and quality improvement efforts rest. Research suggests that states and cities should invest in the workforce across all early education setting types, focusing on enhancing educators’ professional learning, compensation, and workplace conditions.
Findings from the Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H) show:
- Early educators play a critical role in supporting the well-being of young children and families across setting types.
- Yet their pay, benefits, and other professional supports are often inadequate in light of the job demands and their cost of living.