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What is Maryland EXCELS?
Maryland EXCELS is the state’s quality rating and improvement system for child care and early education programs that meet nationally recognized quality standards.
Maryland EXCELS rates the quality of child care and early education programs on a scale of 1 to 5. Programs with a quality rating of 5 meet the highest standards in Maryland EXCELS and are state or nationally accredited.
Why does quality matter?
You will consider cost, convenience, and location of a program. But what about quality? Research shows that the first five years of a child’s life build an important foundation for how children succeed in school and life. Your child deserves to be in an environment that engages with your family, is sensitive to your child’s needs and promotes your child’s love of learning. Choosing child care and early education for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make.
Need help paying for child care?
The Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families in Maryland. To use the CCS Program, families must enroll their children in programs participating in Maryland EXCELS. Find out if you are eligible for financial assistance by accessing Child Care Scholarship Program.
Download the Maryland EXCELS resources below for more information about finding and choosing quality child care and early education!
A Parent's Guide to Quality Care (English)
A Parent's Guide to Quality Care (Spanish)