1. RACE TO THE TOP: EARLY LEARNING CHALLENGE Overview

2. Nine states were awarded a Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge Grant: California, Delaware, MARYLAND, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington

3. Project 1 Establish local Early Childhood Advisory Councils in all 24 local jurisdictions Project Lead: Linda Zang

4. Project 2 Implementation of a Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System for ALL early learning and development programs Project Lead: Liz Kelley

5. Project 3 Establishing Early Childhood Breakthrough Centers Community Hubs Judy Center Partnerships Preschool for All Coaching & Mentoring Inclusion Project Project Lead: Rolf Grafwallner

6. Project 4 Statewide High Quality Early Learning and Development Standards VIOLETS Guide to Early Childhood Pedagogy Project Lead: Valerie Kaufmann

7. Project 5 Professional Development to promote the use of early learning standards by all early learning and development programs. Project Lead: Valerie Kaufmann

8. Project 6 Refine Maryland’s comprehensive assessment system in early childhood, including the MMSR Ongoing Coaching Ongoing Consultation Communities of Practice Pre-AdministrationAdministration Use of Data Assessment Tools: Screening, Developmental Learning Progression, Kindergarten/School Readiness Audiences: i.e., Child Care Providers, Trainers, Teachers, School Administrators, District Administrators Online/Web-based Procedural Facilitators Online/Web-based Resources Validation through Virtual Simulations Purpose of Assessment Tools Parent Communication Data Security and integrity Administration processes/procedures Administrative tools/materials Review of Student Work Samples Performance Assessments Use of data collection and reporting system Considerations for Special Needs Populations Training on Child Response to Testing/Assessment Understanding scores Communicating with Parents Making Instructional Decisions Determining Data Quality/Integrity Project Lead: Rolf Grafwallner

9. Project 7 Child Development Innovations: Early Intervention and Prevention Programs to support health and behavioral needs Maryland’s Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) Consultation Project: For Pediatricians Developmental Screening for all Early Learning and Development Programs and Pediatricians Project Lead: Linda Zang

10. Project 8 Create a Coalition for Family Engagement Family Advisory Councils in all libraries in Title I school attendance areas & Family Information Centers Parent-Child Learning Parties Expansion to 25% of Title 1 school attendance areas. Project Lead: Linda Zang

11. Project 9 Leadership Learning Academies to teach rigorous, developmentally appropriate instructional practices that support the Common Core Standards. Project Lead: Valerie Kaufmann

12. Project 10 Early Care and Education Data System MD EXCELS Enrollment and Attendance Reporting Enhanced Child Care Automated Tracking System MD Longitudinal Data System Project Lead: Phil Koshkin

13. Next Steps Completed scope of work March 30, 2012 submission Federal Conference Call (SOW templates) Role of ECAC Questions/comments

14. Questions Race to the Top Executive Summary: http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/child_care/pubs Race to the Top Press Release and Maryland’s winning application: http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/child_care/announce Maryland EXCELS (QRIS) draft standards for Child Care Centers, Family Child Care and School-Age Only Programs: http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/child_care/announce