Pre-kindergarten expansion has not kept pace with estimated timelines and advocates believe language barriers play a role. 

Last weekend, a group of advocates from the Maryland Just Power Alliance came together to rally on behalf of a handful of legislative initiatives the group hopes to pass during the 2025 legislative session. Pre-kindergarten (pre-k) expansion to three and four year old children was on the list of efforts to focus on. Of particular importance in this area was a language barrier issue that has come up with the pre-k expansion grants and technical assistance documents that are being provided by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

From the Maryland Matters article on the rally:

“We have to make sure that there is language access for providers and for parents,” said Del. Jessica Feldmark (D-Howard), a member of the Ways and Means Committee that reviews education policy.

Feedback from the rally seems to point towards leadership from the Maryland Just Power Alliance intending to mandate that MSDE make certain documents, including the pre-k expansion grant application and technical assistance documents, available in multiple languages. This is not a change that would necessarily require legislation, but a bill can sometimes add reassurance and adherence to a particular timeline. Pre-k expansion across public and private providers, is a part of the Blueprint plan.