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Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency does not include the date the detailed report containing the results of the MRS or ACF pre-approved alternative methodology and the Narrow Cost Analysis was completed, made widely available, or was posted. Additionally, the Lead Agency does not describe their response to partner views and comments on the detailed report, as required by 98.45(f)(1) and 98.45(f)(1)(iii). (Plan Questions 4.2.3i, 4.2.3ii, 4.2.3iii, and 4.2.3iv) • The Lead Agency does not describe how its policies to prevent the suspension and expulsion of children from birth to age 5 in child care and other early childhood programs receiving CCDF funds are shared with families, providers, and the general public, as required by 98.33(b)(1)(v). (Plan Question 9.3.7a) Overall Target Completion Date: 09/30/2025 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 (1st Bullet) The Lead Agency does not include the date the detailed report containing the results of the MRS or ACF pre-approved alternative methodology and the Narrow Cost Analysis was completed, made widely available, or was posted. 05/30/2025 Additionally, the Lead Agency does not describe their response to partner views and comments on the detailed report, as required by 98.45(f)(1) and 98.45(f)(1)(iii). (Plan Questions 4.2.3i, 4.2.3ii, 4.2.3iii, and 4.2.3iv): MSDE is reviewing the final Market Rate Survey (MRS) and Narrow Cost Analysis (NCA) provided by Prenatal to Five Fiscal Strategies for accuracy. 2 (1st Bullet) The Lead Agency does not include the date the detailed report containing the results of the MRS or ACF pre-approved alternative methodology and the Narrow Cost Analysis was completed, made widely available, or was posted. Additionally, the Lead Agency does not describe their response to partner views and comments on the detailed report, as required by 98.45(f)(1) and 98.45(f)(1)(iii). (Plan Questions 4.2.3i, 4.2.3ii, 4.2.3iii, and 4.2.3iv): MSDE will then share results of the draft report with leadership and other supporting agencies (Governor’s office), in preparation of posting the information as required, once all parties agree on the results and implications. 08/29/2025 3 (1st Bullet) The Lead Agency does not include the date the detailed report containing the results of the MRS or ACF pre-approved alternative methodology and the Narrow Cost Analysis was completed, made widely available, or was posted. Additionally, the Lead Agency does not describe their response to partner views and comments on the detailed report, as required by 98.45(f)(1) and 98.45(f)(1)(iii). (Plan Questions 4.2.3i, 4.2.3ii, 4.2.3iii, and 4.2.3iv): MSDE will make amendments to the State Plan based on the MRS and NCA. Then post the report as required. 09/30/2025 4 (2nd Bullet) The Lead Agency does not describe how its policies to prevent the suspension and expulsion of children from birth to age 5 in child care and other early childhood programs receiving CCDF funds are shared with families, providers, and the general public, as required by 98.33(b)(1)(v). (Plan Question 9.3.7a): MSDE will conduct surveys from the child care community requesting their current practices/policies regarding suspension and expulsion, including 07/31/2025 soft suspensions and expulsions, of children from birth to age 5 in child care and other early childhood. MSDE will also review and utilize Child Trends findings of providers' understanding of suspension and expulsion policy, based on the study they did as well. Overall Target Completion Date: December 5 (2nd Bullet) The Lead Agency does not describe how its policies to prevent the suspension and expulsion of children from birth to age 5 in child care and other early childhood programs receiving CCDF funds are shared with families, providers, and the general public, as required by 98.33(b)(1)(v). (Plan Question 9.3.7a): Based on the feedback received, MSDE would then do some research and request TA from other states (and other school readiness divisions in MSDE) as to what practices they utilize to prevent the suspension and expulsion of children from birth to age 5 in child care and other early childhood. 12/31/2025 6 (2nd Bullet) The Lead Agency does not describe how its policies to prevent the suspension and expulsion of children from birth to age 5 in child care and other early childhood programs receiving CCDF funds are shared with families, providers, and the general public, as required by 98.33(b)(1)(v). (Plan Question 9.3.7a): Based on the ACF TA received, MSDE will then draft its own policy regarding the prevention of the suspension and expulsion of children from birth to age 5. The drafted policies would then be shared with stakeholders for feedback. Edits and revisions to the drafted regulations will occur during this timeframe. The drafted policies would then be submitted to leadership and the Maryland State Board of Education and the Accountability Implementation Board for review and approval. 07/31/2026 7 (2nd Bullet) The Lead Agency does not describe how its policies to prevent the suspension and expulsion of children from birth to age 5 in child care and other early childhood programs receiving CCDF funds are shared with families, providers, and the general public, as required by 98.33(b)(1)(v). (Plan Question 9.3.7a): MSDE will ensure to post information and policies in relation 12/31/2026 to the prevention of the suspension and expulsion of children from birth to age 5. and update staff and child care providers on the new policy, while educating providers on the topic via meetings and/or listening sessions. If a regulations amendment is required, MSDE would then follow suit with making regulations amendments as well, throughout the process. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND SUPPORT FOR CHILD CARE