• 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.

• The Maryland Child Care Credential
• The Child Development Associate (CDA)
• A college degree
• Certified school teacher

• 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.

• 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

• 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

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

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 below for the Credential Levels Chart

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 the image.

• Only those participating in the credential program at Level Two and higher are eligible to receive training vouchers and/or reimbursement.
• A participant may receive up to $400, during each year of participation in the Credential Program.
• Each voucher is issued for one specific course, workshop or conference. Multiple sessions may not be combined on one voucher.
• Application form MUST be completed and signed in blue ink!

Awards

• Awards are assigned according to the incomes of all applicants who are eligible for an award, with higher priority given to lower income applicants.
• The Office of Child Care will make training voucher and reimbursement awards according to assigned award priority until:
  • An award has been made to each eligible applicant; or
  • As long as funds are available.

• If a participant uses a training voucher and, without good cause, fails to successfully complete the training, the participant will:
  • Be required to repay the amount of the training voucher to the Maryland State Department of Education, and
  • Not be eligible to receive further training vouchers.
    

• An application form that is complete and signed; and
• Documentation of the training for which the voucher will be used, including a copy of the:
  • Course catalog description;
  • Completed registration form; or
  • Training advertisement.

• Application is received at least 60 days prior to the training date;
• Application is complete;
• All required documentation is submitted;
• Amount requested does not exceed $400; and
• Applicant is eligible to receive a voucher.

• Transcript;
• Grade slip;
• Certificate; or
• Documentation given by the instructor that indicates successful completion of the training.
  

Instead of a training voucher, an individual may request and receive reimbursement for training if:

• They are participating in the credential program at Level Two or higher;
• The training is approved as meeting the Core of Knowledge;
• The training was successfully completed no more than 4 months before the date of the request; and
• The individual has not received their allotment of vouchers payments in the amount of $400 during the previous 12-month period.

Within 120 days after the successful completion of the training for which the reimbursement is sought, a complete application must be submitted to the Office of Child Care, Credentialing Branch including:

• An application form that is complete and signed by the applicant; and
• Documentation of the training for which the reimbursement is requested, including a copy of the:
  • Course catalog description,
  • Training advertisement, and
  • Grade slip, transcript, or certificate of completion.

The Office of Child Care will, within 30 days of receipt of the application and subject to funding availability, approve an applicant to receive a training reimbursement if the:

• Application is received within 120 days after the completion of training,
• Application is complete,
• Amount requested does not exceed $400, and
• Applicant is eligible to receive a reimbursement.