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About SEIU Kids First

We are Maryland’s family child care providers.  We raise and educate Maryland’s next generation.  Yet nearly half of us can’t afford health insurance, we get paid late, and we often struggle to cover our costs and pay our bills.

Now that we’ve won our union, we’re standing up for what’s fair and for the working families that depend on us every day.

Join us today!

Download a Membership Application

Simply download the membership application, print it off, and mail it back to the address provided. Or fill out an online application, and a Kids First representative will help get you signed up.

It’s the most important thing you can do to raise standards in your profession!

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    Professional Resources

    Get Started: MSDE’s Guide to Opening a Family Child Care Home

    Get Credentialed: 5 Easy Steps to Complete the Child Care Credentially application (KidsFirstMaryland exclusive!): COMING SOON

    Find trainings: MCC’s training database

    Learn about the Maryland Child Care Credential Program: MSDE’s credentialing resource center

    Maryland Child Care Tiered Reimbursement: Tiered Reimbursement for child care programs goes beyond the requirements of State licensing and registration regulations. The State pays providers a higher rate for meeting specified quality enhancement criteria.

    MSDE Partners Newsletter

    Family Day Care Manual: MSDE has put together a manual to explain to Family Child Care Providers the requirements of the regulations governing family child care and how compliance with those requirements is assessed. While much of this information is still vital for providers, regulations numbers have changed recently. Please check the restructuring of Child Care Regulations link below for new numbers.

    State regulations governing child care

    Restructuring of Child Care Regulations (Effective October 20, 2008)

    Funding for Providers

    New! The Child and Adult Care Food Program: This program provides cash reimbursements for meals served at licensed family child care homes. 

    Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund: For registered providers who participate in the Credentialing Program to receive funds toward the costs of a college course/s in early childhood education or related field.

    The Family Day Care Provider Grant Program: MSDE administers a program that allows family child care providers apply for grant money up to $500 as reimbursement for some of the costs involved in setting up and running a Family Child Care Home.

    Child Care Quality Incentive Grant Program: For Family child care providers who take POC children grants of up to $1,000 are available to improve the quality of care they provide through the purchase of approved materials, equipment, and supplies. The Program has been redesigned to support projects related to training offered through the Credentialing Branch and improving children’s school performance.

    Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: MSDE continues to provide funds for training, mentoring, TA and other incentives to child care providers caring for infants and toddlers with disabilities. Training is contracted out to a non-profit entity—OUNCE.

    MD Child Care Credential Program: Vouchers to pay for training, bonuses for completed training and financial assistance for accreditation application costs: (Scroll down to “INCENTIVES” to learn more.)

    Judy Centers and Early Child Care and Education Enhancement Grants: for private early care and education providers that offer comprehensive (full day/full year) services for at-risk children from birth to age 6, helping them make progress toward school readiness. Providers can use grant money to get professional development and for the accreditation process.

    Financial and Health Care Resources

    The Earned Income Credit: a tax benefit for people who work. Payments vary based on income and family size. Many working families will get up to $6,000. Workers can claim the Earned Income Credit, even if they do not owe income tax, simply by filing federal and state income tax returns.
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    Note: As self-employed workers, family child care providers must submit a Schedule C. Most free tax return locations can’t help with the Schedule C, but two sites in the Baltimore area can — Bon Secours of Maryland Foundation (tel: 410-234-8008) and Tax Solutions (tel: 410-391-4051). The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development at Mondawmin Mall (tel: 410-234-8008) and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (tel: 410-234-8008) can assist with Schedule C-EZ (for businesses that do not have deductions above $5,000).

    Maryland’s Office of Home Energy Programs: Information on a number of programs that assist low-income Maryland citizens to minimize heating costs, including help paying past due electric bills and free weatherizing materials.

    Financial Concerns: Facing foreclosure, looking to refinance, need help with the Earned Income Tax Credit? Contact ACORN to learn about your options and taking control of your financial burden.

    Health Care: This chart can help you to determine your eligibility for a Maryland Medical Care Program.