Welcome! This Toolkit provides information and resources to support you in making quality improvements in your early childhood or school-age program. We invite you to explore these resources designed to guide your Maryland EXCELS experience and enhance the quality of your program.
Let’s begin with some options for exploring the Toolkit. Learn more about Maryland EXCELS and the tips and tricks for successful participation. Or, jump right in to get started. Engage with the resources at your own pace and in your own time.
Important: If you have been contacted about an expiration date, please select "Go to Urgent Prep" option for a specific guide to help you.
Maryland EXCELS stands for Excellence Counts in Early Learning and School-Age Care.
Maryland EXCELS is a tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) that emphasizes:
Maryland EXCELS aims to:
Any licensed or registered child care program and all public prekindergarten programs are eligible to participate in Maryland EXCELS.
The Maryland EXCELS standards promote inclusive practices. In an inclusive program, children with and without special health care needs or disabilities have access to the same routines, play, and learning experiences. All children benefit from participating in programs that are responsive to each child’s strengths and needs.
Maryland EXCELS participants have access to a variety of benefits such as discounts, personalized help both online and face-to-face, and free marketing and advertising opportunities.
Publishing a Maryland EXCELS quality rating allows programs to receive Child Care Subsidy reimbursements . These funds may be used however a program chooses. For example, the payments can be used to decrease the cost of care for families, provide benefits for staff, or to make quality improvements to your program.
Increased subsidy payments are available to programs that publish at Quality Ratings 3, 4, or 5. These increases range from 10% to 44%.
Maryland EXCELS recognizes programs that go above and beyond the Maryland EXCELS Quality Ratings. Programs that earn any of these Additional Achievements will receive badges that are posted on the Maryland EXCELS website and mobile app. Families looking for care can easily identify programs that have earned any of these Additional Achievements:
Maryland EXCELS is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Follow us for more tips and great resources.
Best business practices support the idea that the more organized we are, the more efficient we are at the work we do. We are also viewed and treated more professionally by others.
Organizing the documents you use in your program contributes to your success and helps you achieve a Maryland EXCELS quality rating.
Consider making a list of goals you would like to accomplish with Maryland EXCELS.
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-oriented and help you focus your efforts to achieve your goals.
You are juggling many responsibilities. Whether you have 30 minutes or 3 hours, setting aside specific time to work on Maryland EXCELS may help to minimize feeling overwhelmed. Remember that your Program Coordinator is available by appointment, and even during non-traditional business hours to help you.
Checking your email every few days helps you stay in touch with the Maryland EXCELS team.
The primary goal of Maryland EXCELS is ongoing improvement. There is no “race to the finish”; once your application is accepted you have 12 months to achieve and publish a quality rating. This is a personalized experience of growth that allows you to move at your own pace and in a way that makes sense for you. Do not be discouraged by minor setbacks. Instead, reflect on where you’ve been, how far you’ve come, and where you are headed. You have an incredible opportunity to impact many lives in the work you do. Celebrate small successes and embrace the power you hold to improve the quality of care for children and families.
Maryland EXCELS offers a wide range of supports and resources to participating programs. Take advantage of the help that is available. There are teams of Program Coordinators (PCs), Quality Assurance Specialists (QASs), Technical Assistance Specialists (TAs), and Technology Support Staff are available to assist you in your journey.
