Who can participate in Maryland EXCELS?

Maryland EXCELS is a voluntary program for licensed child care and early education programs and there is no cost to participate. However, programs accepting Child Care Scholarship reimbursement are required to participate. All programs benefit from a commitment to providing quality care and early education.

How can I explain to families what it means to participate in Maryland EXCELS?

Explain to families that by participating in Maryland EXCELS, your program is committed to continuous quality improvement by meeting standards that exceed the state’s licensing requirements. This continuous improvement process includes evaluating your program with feedback from families and staff with guidance from education professionals statewide, and making improvements to increase the quality of the services you provide.

Consider sharing with families examples of the requirements your program met to achieve its quality rating. 

I currently have a wait list for families to enroll in my program. Do I still need to participate in Maryland EXCELS?

While Maryland EXCELS is a voluntary system, we encourage all child care and early education programs to participate to show their commitment to quality.  If you wish to enroll a child whose family uses Child Care Scholarship, you must be a Maryland EXCELS participant. In addition, you are joining a community that is dedicated to improving the quality of child care and early education.

I’m already in Maryland EXCELS, but I need help to get to the next rating level. Who can I talk to?

There are many people available to assist you with Maryland EXCELS. When you need assistance, you may contact your assigned Program Coordinator (PC), your regional Quality Assurance Specialist (QAS), or your local Child Care Resource and Referral Center (CCRC). Technology Support is also available 24/7. For more information on where to get help, please visit the Maryland EXCELS Support Team Contact Information page.

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