Bonuses Available for All Eligible Programs

The Maryland State Department of Education is distributing $5 million in bonuses to child care programs participating in Maryland EXCELS as part of the transformative Blueprint for Maryland’s Future landmark legislation.

Eligible programs receive bonuses ranging from $1,000 to $13,500 based on the type of program, quality rating, and capacity.

Between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2025, programs receive bonuses for each time they accomplish the following:

  • Publish any quality rating for the first time
  • Re-publish a quality rating 4 or 5

Programs are also required to be in compliance with all Maryland EXCELS regulations, including participation in scheduled Continuous Quality Improvement visits.

The tables below indicate how bonuses are determined:

Quality Rating

Child Care Center
Capacity 1-50

Child Care Center
Capacity 51-100

Child Care Center
Capacity 101+

Fiscal Year 25 Bonuses

Fiscal Year 25 Bonuses

Fiscal Year 25 Bonuses
1 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000
2 $2,000 $2,500 $3,000
3 $3,000 $3,500 $4,000
4 $4,000 $6,000 $9,000
5 $4,500 $9,000 $13,500

 

Quality Rating

Family Child Care

Large Family Home
Fiscal Year 25 Bonuses Fiscal Year 25 Bonuses
1 $1,000 $1,000
2 $1,800 $2,000
3 $2,800 $3,000
4 $3,800 $4,000
5 $4,300 $4,500

Watch our video below to learn more about how bonuses have helped Maryland EXCELS participants.

Video Transcript (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Do I need to apply or submit forms to receive a Maryland EXCELS bonus?
Answer: No, if you are eligible for a bonus, you will simply receive the payment by check or direct deposit.

Question: Is the bonus amount multiplied per child?
Answer: No, the bonus you will receive is the flat amount found in our bonus chart.

Question: When will I receive my Maryland EXCELS bonus payment?
Answer: Bonuses are typically processed within 60 days of the date the quality rating is published. You can check the status of your payment on the General Accounting Division (GAD) website once you have registered on the GAD website.

Question: How may the bonus be spent?
Answer: Bonuses are spent at the discretion of the program.

Question: How often will bonuses be distributed?
Answer: A program will receive a bonus for each time that they meet the eligibility criteria. For example, a program that publishes two first-time quality ratings would receive two bonuses.

Question: Are the bonuses taxable?
Answer: Yes. Bonuses will be received as income and will be subject to taxes.

Question: If my quality rating has remained the same since July 1, 2023, will I receive a bonus?
Answer: No. To receive a bonus, a program would publish a first-time quality rating or re-publish a Quality Rating 4 or 5.

Question: How do I increase my quality rating?
Answer: Contacting your regional Quality Assurance Specialist is the first step to understanding your quality rating and getting personalized guidance for quality improvement.

Question: Will Maryland EXCELS bonuses continue after June 30, 2025?
Answer: If funding is available for Maryland EXCELS bonuses to continue beyond June 30, 2025, the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Early Childhood will announce the continuation of bonuses.

Question: How do I participate in Maryland EXCELS?
Answer: A Quality Assurance Specialist can help you create an account and take your first steps as a Maryland EXCELS participant.

Question: Who do I contact if I have questions about my Maryland EXCELS bonus payment?
Answer: Contact your Maryland EXCELS Quality Assurance Specialist with any questions regarding bonus payment.