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Divisions
Divisions > Early Childhood Development > Credentialing Branch
Maryland Child Care Credential Program
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Overview |
The Maryland Child Care Credential recognizes child care providers who go beyond the requirements of State licensing and registration regulations. There are six credential levels and four administrator levels, each one recognizing a child care provider’s achievement of a specified number of training hours, years of experience and professional activities which lead to quality child care. Participating providers will complete training in topic areas to develop the knowledge and skills they need to provide the highest quality care for the children and families they serve. Though the Maryland Child Care Credential is a voluntary program, all regulated family child care providers and child care center staff are eligible and encouraged to participate.
Click here to download the Credentialing Booklet.
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The four major goals of the credential program are:
- A well-qualified workforce.
- Improved status and increased compensation for child care providers
- Recognition of for-credit and non-credit career preparation.
- To provide a structure for professional growth through professional competencies.
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Important Program Information |
Before considering any training course you must decide on your long-term career goals. Your options may include:
- The Maryland Child Care Credential
- The Child Development Associate (CDA)
- A college degree
- Certified school teacher
Once you have decided on your goals, you can then map out your training plan. You will need to take training from the appropriate organizations to meet your long-term goals.
- The Maryland Child Care Credential training from an Office of Child Care approved trainer or an accredited college or university.
- The CDA - courses that are approved as meeting the training requirements set by the National Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition.
- A college degree - courses for credit from an accredited college or university.
- MSDE teaching certification - check with the Maryland State Department of Education for further information.
DO NOT assume that any training you complete will automatically be accepted for college credit or meet the standards set by a national organization. You MUST check before taking any training to ensure that the training fits into your training plan and long-term goals.
Training that has been completed within the past five years of application to participate in the credentialing program may be accepted as meeting the requirements of the core of knowledge as determined by the Office of Child Care. However, college coursework, whether for credit or non-credit, will be accepted regardless of when completed.
Family child care providers or staff at centers applying for program accreditation should check with the accreditating organization on additional training criteria for the accreditation.
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Credential Requirements - Eligibility for Participation |
To participate in the credential program you must be:
- A registered family child care provider
- An operator, director, or staff member (senior staff, group leader, assistant group leader or aide) in a licensed child care center
When you apply to participate in the credential program, you agree to:
- Continue working in a child care setting for no less than one year from the date you are accepted into the credential program
- Complete continued training for the applicable credential level; and
- Participate in professional activities related to the child care profession
A credential is issued for a 12 month period and may be renewed each year.
Participants in the credential program may not be the subject of any sanction imposed by the Office of Child Care.
Substitutes or volunteers, whether working in a registered family child care home or licensed child care center, are not eligible to participate.
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There are incentives available to child care providers who choose to participate in the Maryland Child Care Credential program. They are available to providers participating in the credential program at Level Two and higher and include achievement bonuses and training vouchers.
Achievement Bonuses
To be eligible for an achievement bonus a provider must:
· Apply, be accepted, and credentialed at a level 2 or higher in the child care credential program.
· Complete continued training, professional activities and one year of continued employment in a child care facility.
A one-time bonus, at levels 2, 3, 4, and Administrator 1 and yearly bonuses for Levels 4+, 5, 6, Administrator 2, 3, and 4 will be paid directly to the participating provider. One half of the bonus will be paid initially and the remainder will be paid only upon the completion of all requirements the following year, in the following amounts:
Staff Credential Level Two - $200
Staff Credential Level Three - $300
Staff Credential Level Four - $500
Staff Credential Level Four Plus - $600
Staff Credential Level Five - $750
Staff Credential Level Six - $1,000
Administrator Credential Level One - $400
Administrator Credential Level Two - $750
Administrator Credential Level Three - $1,000 Administrator Credential Level Four - $1,500
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The Core of Knowledge is defined as theories and practices that are essential for individuals working with children in family child care homes and child care centers. The core of knowledge is divided into six major areas:
| Child Development |
Curriculum |
| Health, Safety & Nutrition |
Professionalism |
| Special Needs |
Community |
Training in the core of knowledge may be taken across all age groups or in a specific age group - infant/toddler, preschool or school-age. Training may be taken from an Office of Child Care approved trainer or an accredited college or university. The six Core of Knowledge areas are listed in the chart that follows with the information that is included in each one. Each bulleted item identifies the content of a workshop or a component of a college class. Use this information to identify the Core of Knowledge area under which any training taken may be applied.
The hours in parenthesis indicates the number of clock hours required to complete each Core of Knowledge area.
Click here for the Core of Knowledge Chart
*The file above is in pdf format.
You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it.
If you do not already have the reader click the image.
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Professional Activity Units |
Professional Activity Units are earned for participating in activities related to the child care profession. The chart below lists examples of professional activities and the number of units they earn. Professional activity participation is required to meet credential levels two and higher and must have been earned in the previous twelve month period and maintained for continued participation in the program. Providers may choose from the listing below according to their interests and may submit information on other activities related to the child care profession for consideration.
Click here for the Professional Activity Units Chart
*The file above is in pdf format.
You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it.
If you do not already have the reader, click this image:
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Credential Levels - There are six credential levels and four administrator levels, each one recognizing the completion of training within the core of knowledge, experience working with children and participation in professional activities. All criteria must be met to qualify for each credential level. At Level Two and higher, a provider participating in the credential program must complete an additional number of continued training hours than the regulations require and continue to participate in professional activities each year.
Click on one of the following Credential Level charts:
Administrator Credential
Staff Credential
*The file above is in pdf format.
You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it.
If you do not already have the reader, click this image:
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Click here for the Maryland Child Care Credential Program (MCCCP) Application Form
Click here for the MCCCP Application Checklist
Click here for the MCCCP Application Process
*The file above is in pdf format.
You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it.
If you do not already have the reader, click this image:
Have questions or need more information about Credentialing Branch programs? Contact us:
- by e-mail: credentialocc@msde.state.md.us
- by phone: 1-877-605-1539
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Division of Early Childhood Development
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