Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center
Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center (BCCCRC) serves as the hub for issues relating to the care and education of young children in the City of Baltimore. BCCCRC is a member agency of the Maryland Child Care Resource Network, and serves parents, child care providers, the business community and others who are interested in early care and education. BCCCRC is committed to providing leadership and services to improve the quality, accessibility and affordability of child care in Baltimore City.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING COVID-19
Out of caution for the health and welfare of staff and clients, BCCCRC offices at The Family Tree are opened with staff working on a hybrid schedule, two days in the office and three days working from home.
BCCCRC Staff is available, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Staff can be reached by email, and telephone messages left on office phones will be delivered to each staff member via email if it is not their scheduled day in the office.
At this time face-to-face training classes are not being held. A full schedule of classes are being offered remotely on the Zoom platform. Updated schedule of classes will be posted on routinely on the BCCCRC web site, on the BCCCRC Facebook page, and through email blasts. Important information is posted on the BCCCRC Facebook page daily. Please be sure to “like” the BCCCRC page and check regularly to receive up to date information.
We are all here to assist you through this crisis. Do not hesitate to reach out to any staff member during the coming days and weeks:
- Tracy Harris, General information and inquires: tharris@familytreemd.org
- Jennifer Lentz, Training and CDA Project: jlentz@familytreemd.org
- Brandi Walker, Technical Assistance for Family Child Care: bwalker@familytreemd.org
- Chaquana Truitt, Technical Assistance for Center-based Programs: ctruitt@familytreemd.org
- Courtney Ross, Technical Assistance Specialist for Growing Opportunities in Family Child Care: cross@familytreemd.org
- Sue Penix, Infant Toddler Programing: spenix@familytreemd.org
- Suzanne Funk, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: sfunk@familytreemd.org
- Tova Hoicowitz, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: thoicowitz@familytreemd.org
- Chakyra Whittington, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: cwhittington@familytreemd.org
- Kelly Darcy, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: kdarcey@familytreemd.org
- LaTonya Anderson, Family Resource Specialist: latonyaa@familytreemd.org
- Nea Williams, Family Resource Specialist: nwilliams@familytreemd.org
- Michelle Giove, Early Childhood Business Coach: mgiove@familytreemd.org
- Jennell Bailey, Training registration, general information: jbailey@familytreemd.org
April & May 2023 Virtual Training Schedule
Avoiding Burnout in a Demanding Occupation NEW
Do you work in the early childhood education field? Are you stressed? Burnt out? This training is for early childhood educators who need strategies to boost your health and wellness.
Topic: 2 hours Health, Safety, Nutrition, 1 hour Professionalism
Date: Saturday, April 29th
Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Cost: $10.00; Must pre-register
Outdoor Environment Design for Infants & Toddlers
Infants & Toddlers are natural investigators. Fueled by their curiosity, they use their senses to learn about the world. This workshop focuses on how to curate an outdoor learning environment for infants and toddlers to grow and learn.
Topic: 1 hour Child Development, 2 hours Curriculum
Date: Saturday, May 6
Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Cost: $10.00; Must pre-register
Cost: $10.00; Must pre-register
Seizure Disorders (NEW)
This training will provide participants with a foundational understanding of seizure disorders. Through engaging activities and discussions, participants will learn strength based approaches to working with children with seizure disorders.
Topic: 2 hours Special Needs
Date: Wednesday May 10
Time: 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Cost: $10.00; Must pre-register
Developmental Delays
This workshop will teach childcare providers the basics of developmental delays in children. Individuals attending this workshop will learn practical ways to support children with developmental delays in their childcare programs.
Topic: 1 hour Child Development, 1 hour Special Needs
Date: Thursday, May 11
Time: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Cost: $10.00; Must pre-register
Medication Administration (In-person)
Note: This class will be held at the Julie Center- 100 S Washington St, Baltimore, MD 21231. This class fulfills the MSDE/OCC requirement for all childcare professionals.
Topic: 6 hours Health, Safety and Nutrition
Date: Saturday, May 13
Time: 9:00 am-3:30 pm
Cost: $60.00; Must pre-register
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. – What Infants and Toddlers Want-Naptime Training
Participants will enhance their relationships and interactions with infants and toddlers in their care by learning to engage in respectful exchanges with children; and to recognize each child as a unique individual.
Topic: 2 hours Child Development
Date: Wednesday, May 17
Time: 12:30 pm-2:30 pm
Cost: $5.00; Must pre-register
What to Do? Ethics and the Early Childhood Educator
As an early childhood educator you impact children, their families, your colleagues, the community, and society. A knowledge of ethics and the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct provides the guidance all early childhood educators need to be caring and competent professionals.
Topic: 3 hours Professionalism
Date: Saturday, May 20
Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Cost: $10.00; Must pre-register
Success Over Stress: Gain Control of Your Life
Working full time, providing quality childcare and managing your personal life can lead to large amounts of stress. Learn how to recognize and manage stress triggers and gain control of your life.
Topic: 3 hours Health, Safety, Nutrition
Date: Wednesday, May 24
Time: 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Cost: $10.00; Must pre-register
Redesign Your Circle Time
Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and thoughtful self-reflection, participants will explore developmentally appropriate best practices regarding Circle Time.
Topic: 2 hours Curriculum, 1 hour Special Needs
Date: Thursday, May 25
Time: 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Cost: $10.00; Must pre-register
Math is Fun!
This course is designed to guide childcare providers and teachers in implementing math curricular activities. Topics include helping children learn about math concepts as they explore and discover, looking beyond learning counting and numbers, and developing and extending children’s interest in mathematical concepts– inclusive for all early math learners.
Topic: 3 hours Curriculum
Date: Tuesday, May 30
Time: 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Cost: $10.00; Must pre-register
Who’s Coming To Your Program?
Communities are increasingly more diverse and the needs of the families representing that diversity must be recognized and supported. This training will define diversity and identify program planning considerations and family engagement strategies to help childcare providers offer well-rounded and responsive care and education.
Topic: 3 hours Community
Date: Wednesday, May 31
Time: 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Cost: $10.00; Must pre-register
Zoom In Spaces
“Zoom In” are spaces where you can connect with BCCCRC staff and the childcare community in Baltimore City. During these informal sessions you can ask questions, listen to what others share, and learn about a variety of topics related to childcare.
During “Zoom In” Child Development Associate (CDA) sessions you will join a cohort of family childcare providers who want to learn more about the process of earning their CDA’s.
When: Monthly
Time: 6:30-7:30
Preregistration is required.
For more information contact: Jennifer Lentz at jlentz@familytreemd.org
During “Zoom In” Family Childcare Accreditation Support Group sessions you learn about the process of becoming a nationally recognized family childcare program of excellence through NAFCC’s Accreditation Program.
When: Monthly
Time: 6:30-7:30
For more information contact Sue Penix at spenix@familytreemd.org
During “Zoom In” Infant & Toddler Advisory Committee sessions you will learn more about caring for infants and toddlers, curriculum ideas, and resources to share with new parents.
When: Monthly
Time: 11:30-12:30
For more information contact Sue Penix at spenix@familytreemd.org
During “Zoom In” Childcare Provider Virtual Support Group sessions you will be given space to
share personal experiences, offer one another emotional and moral support, and discuss a range of topics with the BCCCRC Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants.
When: 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 12:30-1:30
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86487817720
Zoom Meeting ID: 864 8781 7720
Preregistration is not required.
For more information contact: Suzanne Funk sfunk@familytreemd.org or Tova Hoicowitz thoicowitz@familytreemd.org
During “Zoom In” STEAM in a Backpack sessions you will join a community of learners in a discussion group where all things science, technology, engineering, art, and math are shared with an emphasis on the incorporating the natural sciences in fun and exciting ways into your program.
When: Monthly
Time: 6:30-7:30
For more information contact Sue Penix at spenix@familytreemd.org
During “Zoom In” Credentialing Support Group sessions you will have the opportunity to learn about the credential and receive assistance going through the initial credentialing process or renewing your credential.
When: Monthly
Time: 6:30-7:30
For more information contact Sue Penix at spenix@familytreemd.org
Find a BCCCRC Group on Facebook
Supporting Infants and Toddlers in Child Care – This group is a place for providers, parents and those working with infants and toddlers to share curriculum ideas and seek help with issues related to infants and toddlers. To find the group simply type Supporting Infants and Toddlers in Child Care in the in search box on Facebook. For more information contact Sue Penix at spenix@familytreemd.org
Free Swap Child Care Baltimore, Baltimore & Carroll Counties – This is a group where providers list FREE items related to caring for children that they no longer need but are still in good working order for others who may have a need for them in their program. Items being offered include art and crafts supplies, children’s books, resource books, toys, and furniture for childcare programs. Everything on the site is free. Exchanges are arranged between the two providers for pickup or delivery. To find the group simply type Free Swap Child Care Baltimore, Baltimore & Carroll Counties search box on Facebook. For more information contact Sue Penix at spenix@familytreemd.org
Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center-The official Facebook site for the Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center. To find the group simply type Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center in the search box on Facebook.
BCCCRC Programs

Training & Technical Assistance for Providers
BCCCRC provides technical assistance and high quality training on a wide variety of topics to assist early care and education providers and others in expanding their knowledge of child development and best practices for caring for young children. The Training Department offers 2-hour to 6-hour workshops, series trainings, and pre-service certificate trainings all of which meet the Office of Child Care’s regulation requirements as well as Core of Knowledge for the Maryland Child Care Credential.
Technical assistance, information, and expert advice are provided to current and prospective child care providers in both family and center based programs.

Early Intervention Project
Providing social/emotional support to Baltimore City pre-school children in child care settings. If you are concerned about your young child’s development, behavior, interaction with peers, or If your child has experienced difficulties in a group setting, the Early Intervention Project can help with free on-site consultation and support for young children in child care or nursery school settings.
Resources For Families & Parents
LOCATE Child Care
Selecting child care is an important decision for you and your child. The quality of care, cost and convenience of location will have a big impact on your lives. LOCATE: Child Care is a free phone service that can help you find child care that fills your needs. LOCATE can also help you find Head Start and Early Head Start programs, private nursery school and kindergarten programs, public pre-k programs, school age programs and summer camps.
LOCATE: Child Care Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Call LOCATE: Child Care at 1-877-261-0060
If you would like to save time and complete the intake form prior to talking with a LOCATE counselor, submit the Parent Intake Form online.
If at any time during your child care search or after making child care arrangements, you should have concerns regarding your child’s care, you can always call LOCATE: Child Care and speak with a referral counselor. If your concern is based on a regulatory issue, you can call the Office of Child Care at 410-554-8300 and describe your complaint to a licensing specialist or a LOCATE counselor can take the complaint and forward it to the Office of Child Care for you. For more information please review the LOCATE: Child Care Complaint Policy.
Special Needs Services
Do you have a child with a special need? Do you need child care?
LOCATE: Child Care can help you find care that meets your child’s needs!
Archived Newsletters
More Resources for Providers
Online Trainings
Great news….the 90-Hour Pre-service Training (Preschool) is now available through the eLearning platform. Go to the ONLINE CHILD CARE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CENTER for registration information and to see all the available high quality eLearning options available.
If you purchased elearning prior to December 7, 2021, you may continue to access those materials here. It is recommended that you complete all purchased training by June 30, 2022, prior to this website being deactivated. Should you have any questions, please contact Maryland Family Network at MCCRNinfo@marylandfamilynetwork.org.
LOCATE for Providers
LOCATE: Child Care is one (but not the only) tool that providers can use to market their programs. Program records that are complete and accurate help counselors serve the needs of parents best and help us to refer your program to parents looking for services you provide.
CDA Grant Program
Maryland Family Network, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), and the Council for Professional Recognition are partnering to provide thousands of Maryland’s early childhood educators with financial support to help them earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. These financial awards will cover registration and other fees as well as books required for the program. By earning their CDA, Maryland’s child care professionals will expand their career options and have greater knowledge with which to serve young children across our state.
Maryland Family Network’s LOCATE: Child Care is a comprehensive directory of child care offerings throughout the state. Because parents regularly visit this site to make informed decisions about child care, it is critically important that information be accurate and updated. The more complete your listing is, the better MFN can help parents find and choose your child care program.
Please review and, if necessary, update your record today.
Click to update your Child Care Provider Record
Helpful Links From MSDE
Other Important Data, Tools, and Resources
About BCCCRC
MISSION
BCCCRC helps parents who are looking for child care, provides training and technical assistance for child care professionals, and assists employers interested in helping their employees to balance work and family life. BCCCRC is Quality Assured by Child Care Aware America.
STAFF
Administration
- Tracy Harris, Director
- Jennell Bailey, Administrative Assistant
- Jennifer Lentz, Program Manager
Training and Technical Assistance
- Sue Penix, Infant Toddler Coach
- Brandi Walker, Early Childhood Coach, TA Family Child Care
- Chaquana Truitt, Early Childhood Coach, TA Center-based Programs
- Courtney Ross, Technical Assistance Specialist for Growing Opportunities in Family Child Care
- LaTonya Anderson, Family Resource Specialist
- Nea Williams, Family Resource Specialist
- Michelle Giove, Early Childhood Business Coach
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
- Suzanne Funk, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
- Tova Hoicowitz, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
- Kelly Darcey, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
- Chakyra Whittington, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address:
The Family Tree
2108 N Charles St.
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
Contact Us:
Phone: 410-889-2300
Fax: 410-637-8385
Email: childcare@bcccrc.org
The Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center is a member of the Maryland Child Care Resource Network with funding provided from the Maryland State Department of Education, through Maryland Family Network.