Port discovery children's museum will strengthen its education program by revitalizing its exhibition space, expanding programs, and implementing new activities and events

The Port Discovery Children's Museum in East Case, MD will strengthen its early childhood education programs through a $142,034 Museums for America Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Funded activities include enhancing an early childhood exhibit with improved learning materials; expanding the successful Fathers at Play program statewide to engage 60 additional fathers and children; introducing a new Kindergarten readiness program; and offering virtual Parent Cafe workshops in partnership with the Maryland Family Network to support early learning at home. Two new staff positions will assist with program implementation. An external evaluator will measure the impact on advancing early childhood learning opportunities. The Museums for America program aims to strengthen individual museums' ability to serve the public by supporting priority activities that advance their missions and strategic goals.

Project activities will include the enhancement of an early childhood exhibit with improved materials, books, and learning toys; statewide expansion of the fathers at play program to reach 60 fathers and 60 children; and the introduction of a kindergarten readiness program, set sail for kindergarten. In partnership with the maryland family network, the museum will offer three virtual parent café workshops per year, providing resources to help parents support early childhood learning, and incentivizing participation through compensation for their time and free passes. Two new positions will assist with program implementation and staff will participate in training to implement the activities. An external evaluator will measure the impact of the project on advancing opportunities for early childhood education.