State board approves publication of safe‑sleep COMAR changes; MSDE reports faster childcare scholarship enrollment

The Maryland State Board of Education authorized the State Superintendent to publish amendments to COMAR governing family child care, child care centers and large family child care homes that align safe‑sleep policy with American Academy of Pediatrics guidance and restrict weighted sleep items for infants under 12 months.

MSDE Assistant State Superintendent Dr. Shana Cook told the board the proposed amendments require firm, flat sleep surfaces unless a licensed healthcare provider has authorized an exception, prohibit weighted blankets and weighted sleepers for children under 12 months, and emphasize supervised tummy time when the child is awake. During discussion board members asked that the published language reference AAP guidance and explicitly require adult supervision; the board adopted an amendment adding a reference to AAP recommendations and the supervision requirement and then voted to publish the amended rules.

Separately, MSDE staff described the Fast Track Childcare Scholarship application launched in July. Under the fast‑track process, eligible families provide proof of Maryland residency and proof of activity (work, training, or enrollment), receive an initial 60‑day scholarship decision within a few days, and then submit full documentation to receive a 52‑week award. MSDE reported the median time from application to usable scholarship shrank from more than 30 days to roughly 3.8 days and that online portal features (mobile upload, nudges and customer support) have improved access for families. Funding comes from the Child Care and Development Fund with a state match, MSDE said, and staff warned that without additional appropriation the program could face a waitlist in January under current reimbursement and eligibility rates.

Board members discussed provider supply and the need to coordinate reimbursement policies and capacity building with local jurisdictions. MSDE described ongoing technical assistance for providers, pre‑K capacity grants, and pilot efforts to facilitate advanced payments and improved provider invoicing as part of provider support and sustainability work.

The board also received an update on the new statewide finance and student data system (PowerSchool) required under the Blueprint, showing initial LEA finance files and dashboard previews; MSDE emphasized a run‑in period to improve data quality ahead of statutory reporting deadlines.