Pass HB 1475! – Mixed Delivery Model Viability Act

I am writing to urge your favorable support for HB1475, a critical piece of legislation that holds the key to shaping a brighter future for our state's families, children, and economy. As we address the pressing challenges faced by the childcare community in Maryland, HB 1475 will efficiently enable mixed delivery of prekindergarten programs, while tackling workforce shortages among early childhood educators. 

While investing in our state’s youngest citizens, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future underscores the importance of a Mixed-Delivery Pre-K system, which integrates both public schools and private community-based childcare providers. HB1475 aligns perfectly with this vision by requiring a Governor’s Council with a diverse group of stakeholders, including MSDE leadership, to study the current barriers to success in the state’s mixed-delivery model for pre-kindergarten and lay out proactive measures to ensure the successful implementation of such a system. 

The current implementation of the Pillar 1 sliding scale is divisive and confusing, creating potential gaps between public schools and community-based programs. This misalignment has the potential to further decrease the viability of the mixed delivery system. HB 1475 aims to simplify and address these issues, creating a more cohesive and viable framework. While both public schools and community-based programs fall under the authority of MSDE, the disparities between their policies, funding, oversight, staff qualifications, and workdays present challenges in the mixed delivery system. There are several discrepancies and inequities between state policies regulating community-based providers and public PreK providers, including reimbursement methods, quality rating systems, and funding mechanisms. HB 1475 addresses these inconsistencies and creates a pathway for a more equitable and efficient mixed delivery system. Additionally, the legislation provides a plan to streamline administrative processes for private PreK providers, including establishing a centralized substitute teacher pool and exploring opportunities for pooling resources among providers to offer employee benefits.

HB 1475 actively engages practitioners, proximity experts, MSDE leaders, and stakeholders through the Governor’s Office of Child Care Advisory Council. This collaboration ensures that feedback from public and private PreK programs, as well as essential child care providers, working together in shaping future recommendations for improving the system. Importantly, this no cost bill also includes a roadmap and a defined timeline for reporting to state leaders and policymakers, providing a structured approach to improving the implementation of Blueprint Pillar 1. This ensures accountability and continuous progress towards achieving Blueprint’s goals.

As an early childhood education advocate, I understand that the success of universal prekindergarten programs hinges on the strength and viability of the childcare community. HB1475 acknowledges this fact and takes essential steps to tackle the impediments to successful implementation of the mixed-delivery model, resulting in more prekindergarten teachers and substantial increases in prekindergarten slots across every district in Maryland. By creating a clear framework for overcoming existing challenges in the mixed-delivery model, this bill will foster the growth of a diverse and vibrant and viable early childhood education landscape in our state.

The childcare business model is not sustainable without the inclusion of preschoolers. Without adequate support, the consequences could be dire, resulting in diminished access, affordability, and lower quality of care for our youngest citizens. HB1475 mitigates these risks by addressing barriers and inequities head-on, without compromising on quality or forcing businesses to close their doors.

Thank you for investing in Maryland’s children, families, and the economy. Please support HB1475.

Pass HB 1475! – Mixed Delivery Model Viability Act