Maryland EXCELS is the state’s quality rating and improvement system for child care and early education programs that works to improve the quality of child care across Maryland and to educate families about how to choose high-quality care.
When you see a Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating Badge or certificate, you can be confident that the program is committed to providing the best quality service for children from birth through school-age. Check out our new video Because Quality Matters to learn more about participating in Maryland EXCELS.
Do you support families in searching for a child care program? Checklist Moments provides tips to consider when choosing a high-quality child care program.
Questions about a program’s Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating or using these materials? Contact a member of our Support Team or email info@marylandexcels.org.
![Family outside with child](https://marylandexcels.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Family-with-Child.jpg)
Help families to better understand why finding a high-quality program matters.
![Two infants eating in a preschool classroom](https://marylandexcels.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Two_Infants_Eating1.png)
Guide families in choosing high-quality child care with these valuable resources.
![Maryland EXCELS Logo](https://marylandexcels.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MD_EXCELS_Logo.jpg)
Learn more about resources to help programs get started in Maryland EXCELS.
![Children playing with blocks](https://marylandexcels.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Children-playing-with-blocks2.jpg)
Support programs on how to increase their quality rating with these resources.
![Child care provider with two preschool children](https://marylandexcels.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Provider-with-Children.jpg)
Learn more about the benefits available to Maryland EXCELS participants.
![A woman holding a fan of money](https://marylandexcels.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/bonuses.jpg)
Bonuses are available for all eligible programs through June 30, 2025.