​In a diverse city like Baltimore, some communities are underserved by public schools because they do not have enough seats, infrastructure, or capacity to serve everyone. Offering free consulting services to center-based child care providers will remove barriers and level the playing field. The Equity in Early Education for Baltimore (E3B) Cohort Program creates a clear pathway to excellence, supporting center-based providers in achieving the requirements for Blueprint state-funding.

To learn more about the program, attend a 30-minute virtual information session.
Why E3B Matters

​Without adequate intervention and support services like E3B, many Baltimore City child care providers will not be eligible for participation in the Mixed-Delivery PreK Expansion Program and this poses several significant problems for the city and many communities at-large.

Equity gaps will widen: Working and lower income families and those living in childcare deserts will be disproportionately affected. Without access to high-quality PreK programs, children will miss out on crucial early learning opportunities, further entrenching educational and socio-economic disparities.

Shrinkage of ECE businesses: Struggling providers may cease to exist without participation in the expansion program.  Blueprint state funding can alleviate financial burdens and help centers hire more staff and ensure ongoing training.
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Impede goals of the PreK Expansion Program: If too many providers don’t seek eligibility and participate, the program cannot fully achieve its goal of providing access to comprehensive early education for all children.
E3B Cohort Program Overview

Months 1-2: Assessment & Planning Phase

Months 3-8: Intensive Support Phase

​Months 9-10: Quality Achievement Phase
What Participants Will Receive Throughout the Program
  • 8 hours per month of support services, technical assistance, instructional coaching, professional development, and sustainability strategies
  • 3 physical site observations to assess and evaluate classrooms, materials, equipment and facilities based on criteria from MD EXCELS Quality Ratings and MSDE PreK Accreditation
  • 3 practice observations using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS)
  • 2 practice teacher evaluation cycles using the Danielson Framework
  • Monthly progress monitoring using templates in alignment with local, state, national, and external goals for early childhood education
  • Monthly data dives into student assessment data to monitor goals and track achievement
  • Monthly surveys to collect feedback from all participants and stakeholders

Alignment with State & National Regulatory Standards
  • Blueprint for Maryland's Future
  • Mixed-Delivery PreK Expansion Program
  • Maryland Early Learning Standards
  • Maryland EXCELS Quality Improvement
  • School Readiness Objectives
  • MSDE Accreditation for PreK
  • NAEYC Accreditation (ITERS and ECERS)