Local Early Childhood Advisory Council (LECAC) System Improvement Grant

The Local Early Childhood Advisory Council (LECAC) System Improvement Grant aims to bolster early childhood systems across Maryland by supporting local ECACs in developing strategies that are tailored to community needs and aligned with statewide and federal priorities. These councils conduct regular needs assessments, identify barriers to access and quality, and craft local action plans that foster collaboration with entities such as Judy and Patty Centers and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Their efforts focus on enhancing program quality, increasing family engagement, and ensuring early childhood educators meet necessary qualifications through evidence-based training programs. Additionally, local ECACs are responsible for reporting their priorities, data, and outcomes to the State ECAC, thereby contributing to statewide early childhood system improvements. The grant, titled the Local Early Childhood Advisory Council (LECAC) System Improvement Grant, is managed by the Maryland State Department of Education and has a funding range between $500,000 and $2,000,000. It was posted in July 2025 with a response deadline in August 2025. The program emphasizes strengthening local early childhood initiatives through strategic planning, data collection, and stakeholder collaboration, ultimately aiming to improve early childhood education quality and accessibility across Maryland. The primary contact for this grant is Angeline Bishop-Oshoko, and additional information can be accessed through the Maryland Department of Education’s website.