#13 Guest: Laura Weeldreyer on MD Blueprint Pillar 1 (Early Childhood)

In this episode of Implement Change in Education, we’re joined by Laura Weeldreyer, Executive Director of the Maryland Family Network. With decades of leadership in public and private education, including key roles at Johns Hopkins and Baltimore City Schools, Laura brings a clear-eyed, mission-driven perspective on what it takes to build a truly integrated early childhood system. Drawing on her years of work in classrooms, central offices, and policy spaces, she shares how Maryland is working to expand high-quality pre-K while preserving the fragile childcare ecosystem that families rely on. “Investing in early childhood,” says Laura, “is one of the most impactful public investments we can make, benefiting two generations and shaping the future of our communities.” We explore: Why the zero-to-five window is critical for equity, development, and family connection Maryland’s Blueprint for education and the promise—and complexities—of Pillar One The challenges and opportunities in expanding mixed-delivery pre-K The tension between rapid seat expansion and preserving infant-toddler care How local communities like Washington County are modeling collaborative, system-level change If you care about the future of education, this is an episode you won’t want to miss—perfect for leaders, teachers, parents, policymakers, and advocates alike.