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Executive Update

August 2008

County Executive James T. Smith Jr.
400 Washington Avenue
Old Courthouse Mezzanine
Towson, Maryland 21204
410-887-2450
E-mail Address: jimsmith@baltimorecountymd.gov

Dear Friends of Baltimore County,

In Baltimore County and across Maryland, it is recognized that we have no greater responsibility than preparing our children for a successful future. Fulfilling this responsibility means ensuring that our children have access to the best schools, teachers, facilities, and curriculum. However, what we make available to our children in the years before they enter school is often just as important as any class they will ever take.

Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program

The preparation we give our children in their very early years makes a difference, and it particularly makes a difference for children with special needs.

The Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program provides services to children birth through 36 months who have developmental disabilities, delays, or special health needs. Many children receive multiple services. Last year, the Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers program received referrals for more than 1,700 young children and provided ongoing services to 1,950 eligible children and their families.

According to a national report, high quality early intervention programs, such as this one, have very positive results, which include increases in academic achievement in both the short and long term, reduction in grade retention, as well as reduction in special education referrals. And for many of the children who do need to go on to additional services, the extent to which special education services are required is often times reduced.

State Financially Supports Our County

Over the past three years, I have worked together with leaders from jurisdictions across Maryland in support of an increase in the State’s base financial commitment to this important program. While he served as Mayor of Baltimore City, Martin O’Malley was part of this effort.

During this past legislative session, Governor O’Malley stepped up his commitment to Maryland’s Infants and Toddler’s. Even in these tight fiscal times, his FY 09 budget included significant and much needed additional funding for this program.

The Governor’s supplemental budget allocation of $4.6 million for the Infants and Toddlers program added to the base funding will immediately have an impact on jurisdictions throughout Maryland. In Baltimore County alone, the additional funding amounts to almost $700,000 more than was originally projected to be received from the State. This funding will be used for additional teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, a service coordinator, and instructional assistants, and will enhance the quality of services and childcare for Baltimore County families.

Sustain Our Momentum

The Maryland Infants and Toddlers program makes a tremendous difference in the lives of children across this state everyday. On behalf of everyone in Baltimore County, I would like to thank Governor O’Malley for his support of this program. It is a great to work with a Governor who is so committed to making our children’s future a priority of government.

James T. Smith
County Executive

Revised July 30, 2008