The Child and Family Development Center at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has reached a milestone in its goal toward achieving accreditation. The center earned the Maryland State Department of Education’s Level 4 quality EXCELS rating. The announcement was made Jan. 28.
“This step toward accreditation is a reflection of the high-quality standards maintained by the center and the dedication and care of its staff. UMES is pleased to provide this vital service to parents on campus and throughout the region,” said Dr. Moses T. Kairo, dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences. “What has been achieved so far is praiseworthy, and I salute the center’s continual pursuit of excellence.”
Level 5 EXCELS rating is earned upon completion of program accreditation.
A Level 4 rating indicates that child care and early education programs have advanced standards for staff qualifications, professional development, and evidence-based practices and curriculum. Moving to Level 4 in Maryland EXCELS gives the program incentives for participating and achieving a rating among the highest levels.
Based on capacity size for Level 4 rating, UMES’ Child and Family Development Center has earned a $6,000 fiscal year 2026 one-time bonus. In addition, it will receive an increase in bi-weekly tiered payments based on a percentage for children under 2 years of age and another for those 2 years and over. According to Donna Long, director of the CFDC, the new designation will generate approximately an additional $2,000 monthly.
The center, which will mark its 30th anniversary of operation on Sep. 30, 2026, must continue to follow all Maryland EXCELS and licensing regulations to maintain the new rating.
For the spring semester, the center is scheduled to provide child care to 52 children ages 5 months to 7 years among three classrooms (infant/toddler, young preschool and preschool). The center serves the both the campus and community at large.
“Our team is 18-strong. Ten of our staff members are pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees at the university and five are alumnae,” Long said.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu., 410-621-3850.
Photo by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu.
