Embracing Without Spacing: Pre-K Expansion and Early Childhood Education

Counties are tasked with supporting the expansion of full-day Pre-K and early childhood education under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. However, the context in which the Blueprint was enacted differs post-pandemic and amidst economic uncertainty.

Counties now face unexpected obstacles to expanding full-day Pre-K, including a limited workforce, supply chain, and construction disruptions, new budgetary considerations, and a jarring lack of dedicated space for early education teaching. This panel will tackle some of the challenges and opportunities of Pre-K expansion and the counties’ role in ensuring all Maryland children can access quality early childhood education. 

Embracing Without Spacing: Pre-K Expansion and Early Childhood Education

The 2023 MACo Summer Conference general session “Embracing Without Spacing: Pre-K Expansion and Early Childhood Education” will examine the capital challenges and opportunities of Pre-K expansion in Maryland, including facility space and funding.

Speakers

  • Alex Donahue, Executive Director, Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) (confirmed)
  • Bill Hudson, Executive Director, Project Director, PreK Pilot Project, Family Child Care Alliance of Maryland (confirmed)  
  • Dr. Jennifer Lynch, member of the Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) and Baltimore County Senior Policy Advisor for Education and Workforce (confirmed)
  • Chris Peusch, Executive Director, Maryland State Child Care Association (confirmed)   

Moderator: The Honorable Senator Alonzo Washington (confirmed)

Date/Time: Saturday, August 19, 2023; 10:00 am – 11:00 am

The 2023 MACo Summer Conference will be held at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD, on August 16-19. This year’s theme is “Where the Rubber Meets the Road.” More information can be found on our conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: