Early Childhood
Education Conference
Workshop H
Maryland EXCELS, Your Programs Path to Continuous Quality Improvement
Maryland EXCELS, Your Programs Path to Continuous Quality Improvement will explain the process for participation in Maryland EXCELS, the benefits of participation, and the resources available to increase quality ratings and support program improvement.
Jena Smith is the Director of the Quality Improvement Initiative Branch in the Division of Early Childhood for the Maryland State Department of Education. Jena began her career in early childhood education 28 years ago as a prekindergarten teacher in her hometown of Greenwich, Connecticut. Moving to Maryland in 2001, Jena was the Center Director, Education Coordinator, and Director of Education for the Community Action Council of Howard County Head Start. In October of 2009, Jena joined the Division of Early Childhood as the Training Approval Coordinator and later became the Quality Assurance Supervisor for Maryland EXCELS and is now the Director overseeing both Maryland’s Quality Rating and Improvement System and Maryland Accreditation.
Core of Knowledge: 2 Clock Hours of Professionalism