Sonya Odum's Daycare

08/19/2026

Dyscalculia is much more than simply “being bad at maths”.

For a child with dyscalculia, numbers themselves can feel difficult to make sense of. They may struggle with number sense, remembering maths facts, recognising patterns, telling the time, handling money or estimating quantities — even when they have had plenty of teaching and practice.

And because maths is woven through so much of everyday life, these difficulties can quickly affect confidence too.

A child who avoids maths, becomes anxious or says “I can’t do it” may not be lacking effort. They may genuinely be finding it harder to process and understand numerical information.

Recognising the signs can help us move away from frustration and towards the right support.

Save this post if you may need it later.

07/02/2026

Use the Child Care Weather Watch Chart to monitor how changes in weather can affect how comfortable it feels for a child outside. Find the chart on our website:https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/system/files/filedepot/3/child_care_weather_watch.pdf

06/13/2026

After a week of uncertainty at the Ohio Statehouse, families caring for loved ones with disabilities are breathing a sigh of relief.

05/06/2026

Applications are open for the fiscal year 2027 Judy Center Early Learning Hub Expansion Grant, Ulysses Currie Head Start Supplemental Funding Grant, MSDE Home Visiting - Healthy Families, and Therapeutic Child Care Grant. Visit the MSDE Grants website to learn about eligibility, how to apply, and more information regarding these early childhood grant opportunities: https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/OFPOS/GAC/GrantPrograms/index.aspx

05/05/2026

OT is OT, so why not just do it at school and make life easier, right? But here’s the scoop:

School-based OT is educationally driven.

It’s only provided if the child’s disability is impacting their ability to access or participate in their education. The OT’s job in this setting is to support function within the school environment, like:
• Holding a pencil to write
• Sensory supports
• Using scissors during class projects
• Organizing materials or managing transitions

It’s not about treating all developmental concerns, just the ones that interfere with educational access.

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Outpatient OT is medically based.

This focuses on overall development and function, not just how the child does at school. It covers:
• Sensory processing challenges at home and in the community
• Fine motor delays that may not affect schoolwork (yet)
• Feeding concerns, dressing, toileting, self-regulation, etc.

Even if a child doesn’t qualify for school OT (because their delays don’t impact school performance enough), they might still have real functional delays that need outpatient support.

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So why can’t school OT be used just for convenience?

Because it’s legally tied to educational necessity. It’s not meant to replace medical services, and schools aren’t allowed to provide therapy “just in case” or “to make life easier” even if we wish they could!

05/01/2026

Ask your facility, ECE educator, or provider their Maryland Credential level. Sonya Odum’s level is 6🎉Maryland Excel was published at level 5🎉. As parents, you should always ask those questions when seeking high-quality care for your babies regardless of their age.

Maryland Child Care Credential is kicking off a phased relaunch, beginning with renewal applications. Applications will be accepted in waves according to credential levels.

The portal is now accepting applications from providers who held a Staff Level 6 or an Admin Level 4. New waves are coming soon.

Please read more about the eligibility requirements and the wave schedule on the Division of Early Childhood website: https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/maryland-child-care-credential-renewal-application-launch

04/21/2026

Coming soon! We are very excited to announce that the Maryland Child Care Credential will begin a phased relaunch, starting with renewal applications. Applications will be accepted in waves according to credential levels.

Are you ready to renew? You can prepare to apply by collecting your employment verification information and Party ID number from the bottom of your credential certificate.

Keep an eye on your inbox for updates in the coming weeks.

04/15/2026

By participating in Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) or Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood PLUS (MCCYN PLUS), your child care program can accept fee assistance from military families. To meet the requirements, your program should either be accredited or have a Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating 3 with progress towards accreditation.

Learn more: tinyurl.com/md-mccyn-plus