Summary - 2026 Maryland State Child Care Association Hybrid Leadership Symposium: Elevating Early Childhood Through Advocacy

The Maryland State Child Care Association (MSCCA) proudly invites early childhood professionals, program leaders, advocates, and partners across the state to our Annual Statewide Leadership Symposium—a full day dedicated to strengthening Maryland’s early childhood ecosystem through leadership, collaboration, and high‑quality professional learning.

(CWO-164764)

This year’s theme, Elevating Early Childhood Through Advocacy, reflects our commitment to elevating the field through advocacy, coalition building, and shared expertise.

Training Format & Location

Participants may join us in person at the DoubleTree Hilton, Columbia, MD, or virtually through our hybrid learning platform. The symposium includes 6 hours of Core of Knowledge training (CWO‑164764) designed to support leaders in advancing high‑quality child care and early education across Maryland.

Featured State Leadership & Expert Presenters

We are honored to welcome Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) leadership, including Sarah Neville Morgan, the new Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Child Care, Division of Early Childhood. She will share important updates and new initiatives related to:

Child Care Scholarship Program
Child Care Credentialing Program
Maryland EXCELS changes
Licensing updates
Career Lattice enhancements

These sessions will provide timely insights into Maryland’s evolving early childhood landscape and the opportunities ahead for programs and professionals.

Legislative & Advocacy Focus

MSCCA is honored to welcome Maryland State Legislators and Leaders to highlight current legislative efforts with policy leaders, offering a deep dive into:

New laws impacting child care/ECE programs
Funding opportunities and budget updates
Workforce supports and initiatives
Next steps for statewide child care advocacy

This discussion will strengthen understanding of how advocacy and policy decisions shape the future of child care -early childhood education —and how stakeholders, practitioners, and leaders can engage effectively.

Why Attend

This symposium is designed for leaders, stakeholders, and practitioners who want to:

Strengthen their advocacy voice
Build coalitions with stakeholders across Maryland
Stay informed on state initiatives and regulatory updates
Support the child care workforce and elevate program quality
Connect with peers, experts, and policymakers