Latest News & Articles

Photo from L - R: Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, former Superintendent, Maryland State Department of Education; Laura Weeldreyer, Executive Director, Maryland Family Network; President Bill Ferguson, Maryland Senate; and Kesha-Simone Jones, Board Chair, Maryland Family Network

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson Honored for Work on Behalf of Young Children

Maryland Family Network honored Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson yesterday with the Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick Leadership Award in Early Care & Education. President Ferguson has championed the critical role that quality early care and learning will play in transforming public education in Maryland into a world-class system, and his leadership has ensured that new parents and all Marylanders will never be forced to choose between the jobs they need and the families they love. 
Parents with their baby.

Parents – We Need Your Experience and Insight

We have an opportunity for parents to share their voice with the goal of strengthening child care in Maryland and making Child Care Scholarship easier to access. 
Young child looking directly at camera.

The Unrealized Potential of Child Care Scholarship in Maryland

Earlier this year, we convened town hall discussions with hundreds of child care providers across the state to learn more about their experiences with MSDE’s Child Care Scholarship program. What we learned is that for too many providers the system is too slow, too cumbersome, and too unreliable for early childhood educators to depend upon it as a reliable source of income.
MFN Auction 2022

MFN Auction is Live!

MFN's virtual auction fundraiser is live! The auction features eight fabulous vacation packages for two and includes destinations like Greece, Costa Rica, Italy, Ireland, and more. Register here to bid on one of eight incredible vacation packages! All trips are valid for three years with no blackout dates and include deluxe accommodations for two. Bidding is open from June 1 - 13, so don't miss your chance at one of these trips of a lifetime! Presented in partnership with American Fundraising Foundation. 
Crowd gathers for Washington County CCRC Ribbon Cutting

New Washington County Child Care Resource Center Opens Its Doors

A new Child Care Resource Center has come to town! On April 20, 2022 Child Care Choices and Maryland Family Network held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of a new Washington County Office of Maryland’s Child Care Resource Network. Representatives from MFN and Child Care Choices were joined by Maryland State Delegate Brenda J. Thiam to help cut the ribbon. 
Father and toddler son playing.

Near Quarter of a Million Dollar Investment in Child Abuse Prevention Awarded to The Family Tree

In Maryland, a child is reported abused or neglected every 10 minutes, despite there being proven ways to prevent child maltreatment. Maryland Family Network (MFN) is pleased to announce that it is doing its part by awarding The Family Tree a $225,000 grant to help further its mission of strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect.  Together, we are working to see that more children are raised in safe and supportive families and communities.
Happy parents and toddler laying on floor.

Near Quarter of a Million Dollar Investment in Child Abuse Prevention Awarded to The Family Tree

In Maryland, a child is reported abused or neglected every 10 minutes, despite there being proven ways to prevent child maltreatment. Maryland Family Network (MFN) is pleased to announce that it is doing its part by awarding The Family Tree a $225,000 grant to help further its mission of strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect.  Together, we are working to see that more children are raised in safe and supportive families and communities.
Two toddlers playing.

MARYLAND FAMILY NETWORK ANNOUNCES Change to CHILD CARE RESOURCE CENTERS

Child care educators work hard and are essential to our community. That’s why the Maryland Child Care Resource Network is here to help. We are pleased to announce that the bid process was completed in October 2021 and eight agencies have been selected to operate Child Care Resource Centers (CCRCs) beginning January 1, 2022. CCRCs provide leadership, training, coaching, program supports and other services to child care providers as well as assist families in finding child care and navigating support services such as Child Care Scholarship assistance. While the structure has changed, the services remain the same and are even more convenient. The eight CCRCs in Maryland work collaboratively with local and state partners to ensure every child care educator and program are provided high quality professional development and support services.
B3 Equity Report Cover

Just Published: First of Its Kind Equity Report Examining Early Childhood Access & Care

Building Better Beginnings (B3), a collaborative effort to leverage the expertise and diverse perspectives of Maryland’s early childhood experts, released a first of its kind report today aimed at expanding high-quality services available for expectant families and families with children birth to age three, especially those who are living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Building Better Beginnings for Maryland’s Children: Maryland’s Prenatal to Three Equity Report examines many factors of prenatal to three health, education, and well-being including prenatal care, home visiting, temporary assistance, child care, substance exposure, and others.