The years from birth to age five are the most crucial period of learning in a child’s life. This is the “window” in which a child’s greatest brain development takes place. In fact, nearly 90% of a child’s brain development — in response to the stimulation the child receives — happens by age 5. Early experiences lay the groundwork for a child’s lifelong learning and behavior.
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has established a number of early childhood initiatives promoting best practices in early pedagogy in support of Maryland school reform efforts.
Maryland Model for School Readiness
General MMSR Information
State Curriculum Framework and Standards for Prekindergarten and Kindergarten
Assessment Guidelines: MMSR Exemplars
Children Entering School Ready to Learn Each year, MSDE publishes the report "Children Entering School Ready to Learn," which provides information about the school readiness skills of Maryland kindergarteners during the current year. School Readiness Reports from previous years are also available.
Standards and Instructional Toolkit (Prek – 8) Reading - Mathematics - Science - Social Studies
Common Core Standards and Curriculum Frameworks Reading/ELA and Mathematics
Division of Early Childhood http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/child_care/
Division of Special Education and Early Intervention Services http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/earlyinterv/
