THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.  Early Bloom Academy (EBA) at Catalyst MGMT Group, LLC (CMG), including its owners, affiliates, employees, successors, assigns, and agents (collectively, the “Indemnitees”), are not responsible or liable for any claim, suit, expense, or loss arising from your child’s participation in the Programs, even if such claim is based on the actual or alleged negligence of any Indemnitee.

• Family Resources
  • ChildCare.gov
  • Early Learning – US Department of Education
  • Parenting Resources (USA.gov)
  • HeadStart
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children
  • Child Development Resource Center
  • Early Care & Learning Council (ECLC)
  • EarlyChildhood.org
  • National Association for Family Child Care
  • National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care
  • Parent Today
  • American Montessori Society
  • ChildLink (Early Childhood Services)
  • Children’s Environmental Health Network
  • National Center for Healthy Housing
  • Parents’ Guide
  • ADA and Child Care – Resource Guide
  • Activities and Events at Marilyn J. Praisner Library (i.e., Storytimes, Language Learning, etc.)
  • Activities and Events at Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center (i.e., Sports, Games, etc.)

• Vaccine Information
  • Age-Appropriate Vaccination Requirements
  • DCDC Vaccine Information
  • Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age
  • ImmuNet
  • Public Health Foundation

• Family Financial Resources
  • Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
  • Child Care Aware (CCA)   
  • Maryland Scholarship Program (CCS)
  • The Working Parents Assistance Program (Montgomery County, MD)v
  • Maryland EXCELS
  • Child and Adult Care Food Program
  • National CACFP Association

Federal Food Program

Anti-Discrimination Policy

The U.S Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).

• Inclement Weather Policy (please refer to the Family Handbook for complete policy details)

This Inclement Weather Policy outlines Early Bloom Academy’s (EBA) procedures for closures, delays, and early dismissals due to adverse weather conditions. EBA prioritizes the safety of children, families, and staff and will make decisions based on available information, including but not limited to reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (www.noaa.gov) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).

Delayed Openings:

EBA generally follows the MCPS schedule for inclement weather-related delays. If MCPS announces a delayed opening, EBA will open no later than 8:30 AM. This delayed opening allows EBA staff time to clear walkways, stairs, and parking areas of snow and/or ice, ensuring a safe environment for arrival. It also provides time for road crews to treat and clear local streets. While families may arrive earlier than 8:30 AM, they do so at their own discretion and risk, acknowledging that full staff may not be present and all safety preparations may not be complete.

Disclaimer:

EBA’s decisions regarding closures and delays are made in the best interest of the community. While EBA strives to provide consistent service, the unpredictable nature of inclement weather may necessitate changes to operating hours with minimal notice. EBA is not liable for any inconvenience or hardship resulting from closures, delays, or early dismissals. This policy is subject to change at EBA’s discretion.

Supply and Clothing Requirements

EBA is committed to providing a nurturing and engaging environment for all children. To ensure their comfort, safety, and preparedness, we require the following:

• Daily Essentials
• Parents/guardians are responsible for providing an adequate supply of disposable diapers and wipes.
• A complete change of weather-appropriate, comfortable, washable clothing, suitable for active play and seasonal conditions (e.g., warm jacket, mittens, hat in winter), must be provided daily.
• All clothing items, including emergency change of clothing, must be clearly labeled with the child’s name.
• Emergency Preparedness
• Each infant, toddler, and preschool child is required to have a complete emergency change of clothing, clearly labeled with the child’s name, stored at the program.
• Parents/guardians are requested to promptly wash and return these emergency clothing items when sent home.
• Footwear and Rest
• For daily safety, open-toed shoes and flip-flops are not permitted, except during designated water play activities (if any).
• Children aged two years and older (or younger, depending on individual developmental readiness) must provide a labeled toddler nap mat with an attached pillow or sleeping bag for designated rest periods. This requirement ensures a safe, comfortable, and hygienic rest environment in compliance with Maryland childcare standards. Example: Toddler Nap Mat.
• Supply Replenishment and Special Projects
• Parents/guardians will be notified when their child’s supply of diapers or wipes is nearing depletion.
• From time to time, EBA may request specific materials for special projects. In such instances, a detailed request form will be sent home to parents/guardians, outlining the necessary items.