July 2025 Newsletter

The Sandbox: Learning from Educators in Early Care Expansion

In the latest edition of The Sandbox, Children’s Opportunity Alliance Executive Director Kimberly Rusnak reflects on the insights we’ve gathered from family child care, and shares how their expertise is shaping expanded access to early care in Montgomery County.

We believe that building an equitable early care and education (ECE) system starts with listening, especially to those closest to the work. Read how local educators are leading the way, and what we’re doing to support them.


Show Your Support for the Alliance on July 15

You’re invited to join us at a public hearing this coming Tuesday, July 15.

Montgomery County Council is considering legislation to update the language about the duties and responsibilities of the Alliance (as the Early Care and Education Coordinating Entity for the County). Members of our team and partners will be testifying to provide suggestions for these language refinements, and we want to pack the room with our supporters!

Please consider joining us for the hearing on Tuesday, July 15 at 1:30 pm in the Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD - Third Floor Hearing Room.


Share Your Expertise by Joining Our Board

The Alliance is looking for educators and philanthropic leaders who are passionate about early care and education (ECE) to join our Board of Directors. We currently have two open spots accepting applications:

  • One center-based ECE educator

  • One representative of a philanthropic foundation

Board members serve for three years and, among other duties, develop recommendations for increasing availability and access to high-quality ECE programs. Public Board members are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for in-person meetings attended.

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 16.

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The Sandbox: Seeing the Whole Elephant - Listening, Learning, and Lifting Up Educator Voices in Early Care Expansion