Funds may not be:

Ø  Used for costs incurred by the applicant for:

·          Facility improvement; or

·          Staff training.

Ø  Made in an amount greater than the actual:

·          Amount of the fee charged by the accreditation organization, and may not exceed:

v  $2,500 for a child care center serving 100 or fewer children; or

v $3,000 for a child care center serving more than 100 children; and

·          Expense incurred to purchase approved instructional materials to meet MSDE accreditation standards, and may not exceed:

v $2,500 for a child care center serving 100 or fewer children; or

v $3,000 for a child care center serving more than 100 children.

No cost for accreditation fees or the purchase of materials may be paid for through this Fund if covered in any other funding source.

A program may receive more than one award during the availability of the fund up to the maximum allotted per program during an accreditation cycle.

Who Can Apply?

Applications will be accepted only from a:

·          Registered family child care provider; or

·          Licensed child care owner, operator, or director.

How To Apply?

National Accreditation Fees:

The applicant must submit to the Office a completed application that includes:

·          An application form, supplied by the Office, which has been completed and signed by the applicant;

·          A copy of the current Family Child Care Registration Certificate or Child Care Center License;

·          A copy of the completed application form for accreditation by an approved accreditation organization;

·          A copy of the current accreditation certificate (if applicable);

·          A copy of the application requirements and fees for the accrediting organization; and

·          An Accreditation/Reaccreditation work plan.

Instructional Materials to meet MSDE Accreditation Standards:

The applicant must submit to the Office a complete application that includes:

·          An application form, supplied by the Office, which has been completed and signed by the applicant;

·          A copy of the current Child Care Center License;

·          Receipts or copies of receipts and or cancelled check(s) for the instructional materials purchased; and

·          Completed Classroom Learning Materials Checklist(s).

If applicant is eligible to receive:

Ø  An award for cost associated with application fees for national accreditation:

·          An award letter will be issued stating the amount of the award and sent to the applicant and the national organization.

·          A check for the award amount will be issued through the comptroller’s office and sent to the accreditation organization 30-45 days after receipt of the award letter.

Ø  A reimbursement for cost associated with the purchase of instructional materials to meet MSDE accreditation standard:

·          An award letter will be issued stating the amount of the reimbursement and sent to the applicant.

·          A check for the reimbursement amount will be issued through the comptroller’s office and sent to the applicants 30-45 days after receipt of the award letter.

If the applicant is found ineligible for an award or reimbursement:

·          A written notification will be sent to the applicant of the determination of ineligibility, and all application materials submitted will be returned to the applicant.

Application for Accreditation Support

Click here for:  Application for National Accreditation Support

Click here for:  Application for MSDE Accreditation Support

Click here for:  Infant and Toddlers Classroom Learning Materials Checklist

Click here for:  3 & 4 Year-Old Classroom Learning Materials Checklist

Click here for:  Information on MSDE Accreditation

Click here for:  Accreditation Support regulations (COMAR 13A.14.10)

Have questions or need more information about Credentialing Branch programs?  Contact us:
-  by e-mail:  credential@msde.state.md.us
-  by phone:  1-877-605-1539