November 2025 Newsletter
The Sandbox: Supporting Our ECE Workforce
In the latest edition of The Sandbox, Children’s Opportunity Alliance Executive Director Kimberly Rusnak discusses the current state of the early care and education (ECE) workforce and makes the case for immediate and sustainable action.
The ECE workforce is the backbone of Montgomery County’s economy – and it needs our support. Learn more about the local and statewide efforts to improve working conditions for ECE educators, and read about opportunities for advocacy and involvement.
Workforce News from the Network
Take the Workforce Poll
Montgomery Moving Forward is driving the ECE Workforce Project, which recognizes the vital role the workforce plays in children’s long-term success. The project is focused on building tools such as a Workforce Registry and Career Ladder to support professional growth and recognition. The Alliance is one of many ECE and community partners contributing to this initiative.
Your voice is essential in shaping how these strategies are developed and implemented. If you are a member of the ECE workforce, we want to hear from you! Please take this short poll by Friday, December 5, to share your experience and help shape the new initiatives.
Participate in NAFCC Observer Training
Accreditation from the National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC) is a requirement for the highest levels of Maryland EXCELS and for fully participating in the state’s Pre-K Expansion Grant. There are currently no NAFCC observers in our state, and many educators are waiting more than a year for observations. This delays their ability to advance, access bonuses, and increase their income. With hundreds of providers applying for accreditation, this backlog is only getting worse.
To help remedy this shortage, Montgomery College and Latino Child Care Association of Maryland are hosting a two-day NAFCC observer training on Dec. 11 and 12. Participants who meet the requirements and complete the training will earn observer certification, helping expand Maryland’s capacity for timely observations and supporting ECE educators in reaching higher EXCELS levels faster. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the experience of the ECE workforce.
For more information on requirements or to register, email Nelida Andres at nelida.andres@montgomerycollege.edu.
Additional Alliance News
A Win for ECE
On November 4, the County Council voted in support of legislation that preserved the independence of the Children’s Opportunity Alliance, allowing us to continue advancing strategic work in alignment with our shared Common Agenda through intentional funding and grantmaking decisions. This positive vote strengthens our ability to advocate effectively for the needs of young children in our community by ensuring that we can remain nimble, innovative, and strategic.
This legislative outcome was a result of the advocacy of many. We are deeply appreciative of all who spoke at Council sessions, wrote letters in support of the Alliance, and stood with us to protect the needs of the children and families in our County.
Join the Educator Town Hall Planning Committee
In early 2026, the Alliance plans to host an ECE Educator Town Hall, an opportunity for educators to share their stories directly with elected leaders. Consider joining our Town Hall Planning Committee to help us make it a success.
Stay tuned for more details as we bring this event to life.
Watch the Fiscal Map Webinar
The Alliance recently hosted a webinar on the FY24 Montgomery County ECE Fiscal Map. In this webinar, we dug into the data and explored what investments could get us closer to building the ECE system our children and families deserve.