MHSA Partners
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Head Start State Collaboration Office
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MHSA works with the Maryland Head Start State Collaboration Office to accomplish five priorities:
1. Partner with State Childcare Systems emphasizing the Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership (EHS-CC) Initiatives.​
2. Work with the State efforts to collect data regarding early childhood programs and child outcomes.​
3. Support the expansion and access for high-quality, workforce, and career development opportunities for staff.​
4. Collaborate with State Quality Improvement System (QRIS).​
5. Work with State School Systems to ensure continuity between Head Start and Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA).
Maryland EXCELS
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Based on nationally recognized quality standards and best practices, Maryland EXCELS equips providers with an understanding of how far they’ve come in providing quality care – and how they can continue to deliver quality care.
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Maryland EXCELS promotes quality by awarding ratings to Child Care Centers, School-Age Child Care Programs, Family Child Care Homes and Public Prekindergarten programs. These ratings are available to families as a way to help them make informed choices in the care of their children.
Office of Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network
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MHSA works with the Office of Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Network to provide training & technical assistance and professional development for Head Start staff and parents throughout the State of Maryland. We participate in monthly calls with T&TA to discuss the needs of programs in Maryland, coordinate training efforts and develop a statewide training plan to address the needs of the state.
National Head Start Association
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MHSA works with the National Head Start Association (NHSA) to advocate for Head Start on a federal level. Each year we partner with NHSA and Head Start Associations across the country to organize a parent rally in Washington DC, participate in visits to our congressman on Capitol Hill and work on issues that impact Head Start nationally.
