Maryland-Momentum-Strategic-Plan-2025-Updated - Flipbook - Page 17
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY IN
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
PRE-K ACCESSIBILITY &
AFFORDABILITY
Children naturally learn through play by
Under the Blueprint, income eligibility for
engaging in and making sense of their world.
prekindergarten enrollment is based on a
The best preschool programs take a “playful
system of tiers ranging from no cost, subsidized,
learning” approach, teaching early academic
to full cost Pre-K. The Maryland State
and social-emotional skills together through
Department of Education is implementing a
play and exploration. Studies have long found
sliding scale to offset the cost for families
positive physical, social, emotional, and
depending on their income. Maryland has also
cognitive effects of play.
increased the income limits as well as the value
of scholarships in the Child Care Scholarship
Program to allow more families to qualify.
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