Enhancement Grants for Private Providers

Grants are awarded to state-regulated, private providers of early child care and education services, such as center-based and family child care, Child Care Resource Centers, and colleges. Staff training organizations that are approved by the Department of Human Resources/Child Care Administration (MSDE/OCC) are also eligible to receive Enhancement Grants. These organizations work with private providers to help them complete national or state program accreditation.

Enhancement Grant funds may be used to pay for:

• Compensation for early child care and education teaching staff in the form of salary, benefit enhancement, or bonus as a result of improved professional qualifications
• Staff development activities and mentoring early care and education teaching staff (e.g., qualified advisors who provide professional support to child care staff and family day care providers)
• Purchasing a state recommended curriculum. (additional information)
• Registration fee, training cost for the recommended curriculum
• Classroom equipment, educational materials and supplies
• Costs associated with the project evaluation
• Application fee for program or center accreditation

How have some private providers used these funds?

Garrett County Community Action Committee received an enhancement grant to assist three Head Start Centers improve the quality of their early learning environment and become MSDE accredited. The centers received technical and financial assistance. Professional development goals were developed and achieved, and are being maintained. Networking meetings, facilitated by peer mentors were held to address areas of concern and an "Accreditation Awards Luncheon” was held to celebrate the programs success and accreditation. (MSDE)

Sandi's Learning Center received an enhancement grant to assist their program with pursing MSDE accreditation. Requested funds were used to purchase additional classroom equipment for all classrooms, assist staff with training requirements and provide staff development activities. The staff received incentives for their commendable and outstanding performance appraisals. Sandi's Learning Center was accredited, and maintains its accreditation status while continuing to provide quality care to Maryland's young learners, "preparing them to enter school ready to learn".

What is the process for applying for an Enhancement Grant?

Institutions should submit a competitive grant application in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the Maryland State Department of Education. For more information contact:
Joyce Nixon
Grant Manager
Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Telephone: 410-767-4441
E-mail: jnixon1@msde.state.md.us