February 2026 Newsletter
The Sandbox: Stories From the Front Lines
In the latest edition of The Sandbox, Children’s Opportunity Alliance Executive Director Kimberly Rusnak reflects on the stories shared by educators at our recent Educator Stories Forum. Five educators from across the County recounted their experiences as part of the early care and education (ECE) workforce — their passions, their struggles, and the shared belief in our ability to build a system that helps everyone thrive.
Read their firsthand accounts, which serve as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of prioritizing the people who support our youngest learners.
Watch the Stories Forum Recording
If you missed the Educator Stories Forum on January 29, don’t worry — the full recording is available to watch on our website. There, you can also view related resources, sign on to our letter advocating for ECE investments, and share your own story about your experiences with ECE in Montgomery County.
Advocacy in Action: An Evening in Annapolis
On February 9, more than 50 early care and education advocates and stakeholders joined the Alliance for an evening in Annapolis to champion child care initiatives, defend critical investments in child care, and bring the power of our collective voice to our elected officials. We met with 16 Montgomery County legislators from both the House and Senate, and we stood alongside more than 200 advocates from across the state to send a unified message that child care matters.
Our conversations with legislators focused on the importance of sustaining key state programs, including the Child Care Scholarship, the Maryland Child Care Credential Program, and the Pre-K Expansion Grant. These are programs that families and providers rely on every day, and our presence sent a clear message to our government that these initiatives are critical to communities across Maryland.
This powerful night of advocacy was made possible by our partners and co-sponsors, whose support helped fill the buses and bring the event to life.
Breeze Thru the Trees
Breeze Thru the Trees is back! Bring your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors for an energizing run to kick off the spring season. Breeze Thru the Trees, a 5K race and one-mile fun run winding through beautiful Ruppery Nurseries in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve on Sunday, March 22, will again benefit the Children’s Opportunity Alliance. This event is sponsored by Rupport Nurseries and Sophie Felts Floral.
Date:
Sunday, March 22, 2026, 9 a.m.
Location:
Ruppert Nurseries
23601 Laytonsville Rd., Laytonsville, MD 20882
Now Open: Maryland Pre-K Expansion Grant
The Maryland Pre-K Expansion Grant application is now open for the 2026-2027 school year. This grant provides state funding to eligible providers who are interested in offering Pre-K services. The grant information guide provides detailed information about eligibility, application steps, virtual office hours, and technical assistance.
All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on March 9, 2026. For more information, visit the grant application page or pushtoprek.com.