State Board adopts adult high‑school pilot regulation and agrees to publish child‑care ITIN amendments

The State Board voted on two regulatory matters April 25.

First, the board unanimously adopted COMAR 13A.05.14, an adult high‑school pilot program regulation that formalizes existing pilots such as the South Baltimore Adult School (sponsored by Elevate) and a planned Goodwill pilot. MSDE said the regulation follows legislation enabling adult‑education pilots and that the rule had no public comments during its posting period.

Second, MSDE requested permission to publish amendments across four COMAR chapters (13A.15.x, 13A.16.x, 13A.17.x and 13A.18.x) to allow applicants for childcare licensure or registration who do not have Social Security numbers to instead provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Dr. Shana Cook (Assistant State Superintendent, Division of Early Childhood) said stakeholders reported Social Security‑number requirements were a barrier for prospective providers and that adding ITIN recognition would broaden the pool of regulated providers and address equity concerns. The board voted unanimously to publish the proposed amendments for public comment.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the pilot sites and the policy rationale for the ITIN change. No dissenting votes were recorded. MSDE will post the childcare language for solicitation of public comment and will implement the adult‑education regulation as adopted.