1
THE MARYLAND
CHILD CARE CREDENTIAL PROGRAM
2
CONTENTS
OVERVIEW 3
CREDENTIAL PROGRAM
REQUIREMENTS & INFORMATION
4
INCENTIVES 5
CORE OF KNOWLEDGE 6
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY UNITS 7
STAFF CREDENTIAL LEVELS 14
ADMINISTRATOR CREDENTIAL LEVELS 16
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 17
CREDENTIAL APPLICATION PROCESS 19
3
OVERVIEW
T
he Maryland Child Care Credential
is a quality incentive program that
recognizes child care providers
for exceeding the requirements of State
licensing regulations. It is a career
ladder that directs an individual to build
knowledge and skills in a cumulative
manner from introductory training to
advanced level education. The progression
of professional development reects
research and best practices to meet
the needs of infants and toddlers, and
preschool and school age children. It
aligns to foundational and specialized
professional competencies to improve
the quality and stability of the child care
workforce. Providers are required to
take training in areas that address child
development in all domains of learning and
cultural competencies.
There are seven sta credential levels, and four
administrator levels, Each level recognizes a child
care provider’s achievement of a specied number of
training, experience and professional activity important
for providing quality child care environments. The
Maryland Child Care Credential is a voluntary program,
and all registered family child care providers and
licensed child care center sta and administrators are
eligible and encouraged to apply.
PROGRAM GOALS
The major goals of the Credential Program
are to:
Produce a well-qualied workforce.
Increase the overall quality of child care programs
to ensure that all children enter school ready
to succeed.
Improve the status and increase compensation for
child care providers.
Recognize for-credit and non-credit career
preparation.
Provide a structure for professional growth through
professional competencies.
4
CREDENTIAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
& INFORMATION
ELIGIBILITY
Y
ou may participate in the Maryland
Child Care Credential Program if
you are:
A registered family child care
provider
An operator, director, or sta
member (teacher, assistant teacher,
or aide) in a licensed child care
center or letter of compliance
facility
APPLICATION TYPES
New - First time applicant for the Maryland
Child Care Credential Program.
Renewal - To renew a current credential within
the required timeframe.
Upgrade - To move to a higher level within the
credentialed year.
Update - To reactivate an expired credential.
HELPFUL INFORMATION
When you apply to participate in the Maryland Child
Care Credential program, you agree to:
Continue working in a child care setting for no
less than one year from the date you receive
your Maryland Child Care Credential;
Complete the required number of continued
training to maintain your credential level and;
Participate in the required number of
professional activities related to the child care
profession to maintain your credential level.
Approved training that has been completed within
ve years of the application date may be accepted
as meeting the requirements of the core of
knowledge. However, college coursework, whether
for credit or non-credit, and pre-service will be
accepted regardless of when it was completed.
You will need to take the appropriate training to
meet your long-term goals.
The Maryland Child Care Credential – you
must take training from an Oce of Child Care
(OCC) approved trainer, organization or an
accredited college or university.
The Child Development Associate (CDA)
– refer to the training requirements set by
the National Council for Early Childhood
Professional Recognition.
A college degree – courses taken for credit
from an accredited college or university.
MSDE teaching certication – check with
the Maryland State Department of Education
Teacher Certication Branch for information.
Call 410-767-0412 or 866-772-8922 for
additional information.
Family child care providers or sta at child care
centers applying for program accreditation should
check with the accrediting organization on any
additional training criteria needed to meet the
accreditation standard.
A Credential is issued for a 12-month period
and may be renewed each year.
Administrator credential level is not higher than
sta credential level.
INELIGIBILITY
You may not participate in the Credentialing
Program if you are the subject of any sanction
imposed by the Oce of Child Care.
Substitutes or volunteers, working in a registered
family child care home or licensed child care
center, are not eligible to participate.
Child care center employees who do not work
directly with children on a daily basis (regional/
district manager, administrative, maintenance,
food service) are not eligible to participate.
5
T
here are incentives available to
child care providers who choose to
participate in the Maryland Child Care
Credential Program. Incentives are
available to providers participating in
the Credential Program at Level Two and
higher.
ACHIEVEMENT BONUSES
Upon successful completion of the requirements,
sta will be awarded a one-time only achievement
bonus for credential levels two through four and
administrator level one. Bonuses are awarded
annually at sta levels four plus, ve and six and
administrator credential levels two, three and four.
To receive an achievement bonus, a participant
shall:
Meet the requirements for level two or higher
pursuant to COMAR 13A.14.09.05.
Submit a complete renewal application that
shows:
Documentation of continued training,
professional activities and
One year of continued employment in a
licensed child care program.
TRAINING VOUCHERS AND REIMBURSEMENT
Depending upon available funding, child care
providers participating in the Credential Program at
Level Two or higher are eligible for training vouchers or
reimbursement for approved training.
During each 12 months of participation, up to $400 is
available to program participants to pay for the cost
of additional training needed to complete the training
plan. Vouchers may only be issued for conferences,
pre-service and college coursework.
Training Voucher and Reimbursement Applications
can be submitted online.
Participants must be able to upload required
documents for each application.
Applications for a training voucher or reimbursement
Incomplete applications will be returned.
For more info visit:
http://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org
CHILD CARE CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT FUND (CCCPDF)
The CCCPDF is a tuition assistance program for
child care providers to obtain a college education at
participating colleges/universities in Maryland. Funding
is available for child care providers to earn a college
degree in the following areas:
Early Childhood Education
Child Development
Elementary Education
Special Education
Depending upon available funding, child care providers
participating in the Credential Program at level two
or higher with at least one year of documented
experience are eligible to apply.
CCCPDF applicants must meet the following
requirements to receive funds (COMAR 13A.14.09):
Participate in the Maryland Child Care
Credential Program at Level Two or higher
Work in a licensed child care center or be
a registered family child care provider in
Maryland and work at least 10 hours per week
Fulll entrance requirements at the
participating college of your choice
Have at least one year of documented
experience working with groups of children in
an approved setting
Maintain employment in a licensed Maryland
child care program while participating in the
CCCPDF
Agree to complete the child care service
requirement in Maryland for at least 10 hours
per week after completion of the degree
Maintain at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA
INCENTIVES
must be submitted through Maryland OneStop.
6
CORE OF KNOWLEDGE
Core of Knowledge is dened 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 may be taken from an Oce of Child Care approved trainer, training organization or an accredited
college or university. The six Core of Knowledge areas are listed in the chart that follows. Each bulleted item
under the Core of Knowledge area identies the content of a workshop or a component of a college class. The
hours in parenthesis indicates the number of clock hours required to complete each Core of Knowledge area for
credential level four.
Child growth and development theories and
eects on child care and education
Connections between development and learning
Methods of observation and developmental
screening
Familial, cultural, and environmental inuences
on development
Theories of respectful child guidance, behavior
modication, and behavior management
Positive child guidance strategies and behavior
expectations that promote pro-social behavior
Research in early brain development
Documentation of growth and learning, including
stages of development
Pace and range of development
Maryland Early Learning Standards which
incorporates and includes the Maryland’s College
and Career Ready Standards, and Healthy
Beginnings.
Signicance of play, emergent curriculum in
development and learning
Developmentally appropriate practices that focus
on children’s development, interests/needs, and
consider culturally valued content and home
experiences
Learning experiences that help children develop
emerging intellectual curiosity, problem solving
and decision making skills, and critical thinking
Use of formal and informal assessments to plan
activities, individualize lessons, and improve
quality
Approaches to learning and learning styles
Planning appropriate environments for all children,
including indoor and outdoor learning spaces
Anti-bias and cultural competency as it relates to
the classroom environment and materials
Health practices
Safety management practices
Illness and injury prevention
Emergency preparedness
Health and nutrition for all children to support
development
Health record keeping and policy considerations
Identication and reporting of abuse, neglect, and
injurious treatment
Sanitation practices and procedures
Developmentally appropriate supervision of all
children
Adverse childhood experiences’ impact on
children’s health and wellness
Resiliency
NOTE - First Aid/CPR may not be counted toward this
Core of Knowledge area
Current issues, trends, research, and opportunities
in the child care eld
Self-reection and assessment
Professional standards and ethics, including
condentiality, anti-bias, and cultural competency
Coaching and mentoring
Collaboration/collaborative process within the
early childhood community
Advocacy for children and child care
Awareness of professional organizations and
associations, community resources, education
opportunities, licensing regulations, and quality
improvement initiatives
Financial/budget planning and management
Sta/program development, supervision, and
evaluation
Leadership, teambuilding, and conict resolution
Eective interaction and communication skills
Human resources, marketing, and public relations
Developing program policies and procedures
CHILD DEVELOPMENT (45 clock hours)
CURRICULUM (30 clock hours)
HEALTH, SAFETY AND NUTRITION (20 clock hours)
PROFESSIONALISM (15 clock hours)
7
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY UNITS
T
he Maryland Child Care Credential
Program includes requirements for
participation in activities that contribute
to the professional growth and career
development of those working in the eld
of child care. These activity units are
earned through participation in activities
that contribute to quality child care and
the advancement of the profession.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE THOSE THAT:
Engage the participant in the broader aspect of the
eld of early childhood education as well as school-
age care.
Increase the knowledge of others in and outside of
the profession.
Demonstrate active involvement in professional
activities that promote and support the workforce
in ways such as workforce development and
program improvement, ultimately improving
outcomes for children.
increase competence, performance, and
eectiveness of those working with children
working in child care.
Completing approved training does not qualify
as a professional activity. However, coursework
completed at an accredited college or university for
credit with a grade of C or higher will count as two
(2) Professional Activity Units (PAUs). Please see
PAU chart for more details.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY UNITS (PAUs)
A PAU is the number assigned to an activity depending
on the number of hours spent, level of eort, or
commitment to an activity.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY UNIT
APPROVAL FORM
For any professional activity not listed on the PAU
chart, a Professional Activities Request Form must be
completed. The Oce of Child Care – Credentialing
Branch will review the information submitted and make
a determination within 60 days of receipt. A decision
letter will be sent via email.
The following PAU charts provide examples of PAUs
and are not a complete listing of possible activities.
Developmentally appropriate practices for children
with varying developmental, emotional, cognitive,
language and/or physical needs
Supports including accommodations, adaptations,
modications, inclusionary practices, and
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Eective engagement and collaborations with
parents/families, professionals, agencies, and
others to support children with disabilities, delays,
and/or special health care needs
Inclusionary practices, including applicable laws,
policies, and procedures
Understanding IEP/IFSP implementation in child
care programs
Design of inclusive and accessible learning
environments
Specic populations and medical considerations
Awareness of resource and referral agencies,
organizations, and professionals
Diverse family and community characteristics
Support and engage families and communities
through respectful and reciprocal relationships
Intentionally involve families and communities in
children’s development and learning
Community resources that support children
and families
Knowledge of/use of Maryland’s Family
Engagement Framework and Toolkit
Family dynamics
Recognition of diversity within families and
communities
Collaborative and supportive relationships
between child care programs and community
agencies, businesses, associations, professionals,
and others
SPECIAL NEEDS (15 clock hours)
COMMUNITY (10 clock hours)
CORE OF KNOWLEDGE (con’t)
8
(1 Unit) Awarded for Each Professional Activity Performed
Unit Professional Activity Denition Documentation
1
Member of a local, state or national
child care professional organization
(may count only one membership)*
Requires participant to obtain
membership to a child care
organization.
Membership card or receipt
showing that membership fees
have been paid.
1
Active Child Care Association
committee member
Elected or appointed to perform
some services or functions in
an organization as a committee
member.
Letter
1
verifying that
participant is a member of that
particular committee.
1
Child Care Conference committee
member
Serve as a member on a committee
in the capacity of volunteering as a
facilitator or contributing in the
planning of a local, state or national
conference.
Letter
1
indicating that
participant performs such
duties and a member of the
committee.
1
Child Care Center Event* Participate in a child care event that
is held at the center and parents are
invited to participate.
Letter
1
from Center Director
describing event and verifying
participation.
1
Community Child Care Event (such
as Week of the Young Child (WOYC),
festivals, community days) or fundraiser
campaign to benet children
Requires participation and/or
volunteer work at a child care
event. Ex: a center sets up a booth
to disseminate information, other
child care resources, and promote
their child care center.
Flyer full date (month, day and year)
of the activity and verication letter
1
detailing duties performed.
1
Responsible for the child care food
program for the child care center or
home
The sole responsible person for
the child care food program for the
center or home. Please note: center
must participate in the Maryland
Child and Adult Care Food Program
(CACFP).
Contract or certicate of
continued training for the child
care food program.
1
Presenter of in-service training or
workshop for sta
Requires the individual to conduct a
presentation to sta members.
Letter
1
from director with
details of presentation.
1
Informal mentor Serve as an informal mentor for
high school students, child care
sta or family child care provider.
Letter
1
from director verifying
mentorship.
1
Serve on accreditation committee
(center sta) Note: The year in which
the program is accredited
Participated in the accreditation
committee for a center going
through the accreditation process.
Letter
1
from the Director and
current accreditation certicate.
1
Hold a current teaching certicate Current teaching certicate in the
State of Maryland.
Current teaching certicate.
1
Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)
volunteer (6 clock hours each
credentialing year)
Volunteer hours at a CCRC. Letter
1
from CCRC representative
indicating volunteer activity and
number of hours.
NOTE:
1
All letters must be on ocial letterhead and completed by the individual responsible (typically the director,
conference chair, CCRC sta) for documenting the activity. *Counts only once during an application cycle.
Participation in the Maryland Child Care Credential Program includes performing activities that contribute to the
professional growth and career development of those working in the eld of child care.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY UNITS
9
Professional Activity Unit (PAU) refers to the number assigned to an activity depending
on the number of hours spent, level of effort, or commitment to the activity.
Unit Professional Activity Denition Documentation
1
Transition Plan Activities to support the children
during transition from home to
program, within the program,
and program to school. Includes
individualized plans for children
with disabilities and special health
care needs.
Letter
1
from Director with
supporting documentation.
1
Attend and participate in a local child
care conference*
Attendance at a local or regional
child care conference.
Conference certicate.
1
10 years of experience working with
children in a child care program
10 years of experience working
directly with children in a licensed
program.
Letter
1
from past employer(s) in-
dicating position working directly
with children and start and end
dates with hours worked.
First and last pay stubs indicating
hours worked.
Copy of the family child care
license.
1
Early Childhood Professional Expo* Sta an expo-activity booth for
early childhood professionals.
Expo passport documentation.
1
ECAC Leadership Retreat* Attend an ECAC leadership retreat to
strengthen partnership between public
schools and child care centers to
increase school readiness.
Verication letter
1
from the
CCRC or local ECAC.
1
Maryland EXCELS and accreditation
peer support group or
Community of Practice
Requires participation in the peer
support group or Community of
Practice for an extended period of
time.
Verication letter
1
from the
CCRC/approved trainer or
faciltator.
1
Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH)
Consultation Project
Receive services to improve the ability
of sta, programs and families to
prevent, identify, treat and reduce the
impact of social, emotional and other
mental health problems among children
birth through 5 years of age. Must:
• Be recommended by the
ECMH consultant
• Actively participate in the
consultation process
• Complete and return the
satisfaction survey.
Verication letter
1
from
the ECMH Consultant or
verication letter from
facilitating organization.
1
Developmental Screening Center or family child care provider
conducts developmental screening.
Verication letter
1
from the
Director of the program or
family provider.
1
School Board Liaison Serve on the board for a full school
year in the capacity of developing
policies, procedures, budget etc.
(School age teacher).
Letter
1
from Director of the
School Board describing
duties performed.
1
Professional child care book club Requires participant to facilitate a
book club. Ex: discussions, open
dialogue between sta and families and
coordination of book club eorts.
Letter
1
from Director stating
duties and responsibilities.
1
Public Policy Committee Requires participation on a
committee that addresses issues
related to child care.
Letter
1
from chairperson of the
committee.
NOTE:
1
All letters must be on ocial letterhead and completed by the individual responsible (typically the director,
conference chair, CCRC sta) for documenting the activity. * Counts only once during an application cycle.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY UNITS
10
(2 Units) Awarded for Each Professional Activity Performed
Unit Professional Activity Denition Documentation
2
Active Association Board Member* Board member of a local, state or
national child care related
association.
Letter
1
from representative of the
organization or printed distribution
material naming the individual as an
ocial board member.
2
Task Force Member (A group formed to
carry out a specic mission or project,
or to solve a problem that requires a
multidisciplinary approach.)
Advisory Group Member (A group
of volunteers that meets regularly
on a long-term basis to provide
advice and/or support to an institution,
agency or organization.)
Contributing member of a task
force/advisory group focused on
the child care community.
Letter
1
from lead of task
force/advisory group.
Printed acknowledgement naming
individual as a member.
2
Newsletter Contributor* Contribute written material for a
local or state distributed publication
(e.g. parent newsletter, school
newsletter).
Copy of the newsletter or article
identifying you as the author, editor,
or contributor and includes the
publication month and year.
2
Three credit college coursework Successful completion of three (3)
college credits.
Copy of current transcript.
2
Judy Center partner A collaborating partner in local Judy
Center.
Letter
1
or copy of agreement from
Judy Center representative.
2
Webpage development/maintenance Design, build and/or maintain a
webpage for a child care related
organization.
Letter
1
from representative dening
role/duties including the name and
purpose of website.
2
Program Accreditation (Center Director
family child care provider only)*
Lead facilitator in the accreditation
process.
Copy of accreditation
letter/certicate.
2
Director Consortium* Partnership of two or more
directors participating in a common
activity and/or pooling resources to
achieve a common child care
related goal.
Copy of minutes/agenda from
meeting.
NOTE:
1
All letters must be on ocial letterhead and completed by the individual responsible (typically the director,
conference chair, R&R sta) for documenting the activity. * Counts only once during an application cycle.
Participation in the Maryland Child Care Credential Program includes performing activities that contribute to the
professional growth and career development of those working in the eld of child care.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY UNITS
11
Professional Activity Unit (PAU) refers to the number assigned to an activity depending
on the number of hours spent, level of effort, or commitment to the activity.
Unit Professional Activity Denition Documentation
2
Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)
Volunteer (12 clock hours each
credentialing year)
Volunteer hours at a CCRC. Letter
1
from CCRC
representative indicating volunteer
activity and number of hours.
2
State Child Care Conference
attendance*
Attendance at an MSDE approved
state conference.
Certicate indicating date of
conference, sessions attended and
clock hours of sessions.
2
20 years of experience working
with children in a child care
program
20 years of experience working
directly with children in a licensed
program.
One of the following:
Letter
1
from past employer(s) in-
dicating position working directly
with children and start and end
dates with hours worked.
First and last pay stubs indicating
hours worked.
Copy of the family child care
license.
2
Completion of rating scale for own
program
Rate program using appropriate
rating scale (ITERS, ECERS,
SACERS, PAS, BAS, FCCERS,
CLASS).
Copy of self-evaluation.
2
Graduate with an Associate degree in
Early Childhood Education
Complete requirements for
an Associate degree in Early
Childhood Education from an
accredited college or university
within credential year.
Copy of complete transcript that
indicate participant name, name of
college/university and graduation
date.
Copy of degree.
2
Statewide Symposium* Attend a conference or meeting in
which several speakers discuss
topics related to child care.
Certicate of attendance indicating
date, topic(s) and speaker(s).
Include an agenda.
2
Child Care Community Events
Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Participate in the planning and
implementation of a child care
event to benet children, families
and/or community.
Copy of yer/advertisement of
event & a letter
1
of participation
from event representative.
Letter
1
indicating the who, what,
when, where and why of the event.
2
Volunteer site for program(s)
implementation
Volunteering for use as a
training site for programs
(Examples include: Maryland
EXCELS, Best Beginnings,
L.E.A.R.N. Pilot, PEEP).
Letter
1
of participation from lead of
MSDE approved pilot program or
approved facilitator.
NOTE:
1
All letters must be on ocial letterhead and completed by the individual responsible (typically the director,
conference chair, CCRC sta) for documenting the activity. *Counts only once during an application cycle.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY UNITS
12
(3 Units) Awarded for Each Professional Activity Performed
Unit Professional Activity Denition Documentation
3
National child care conference
attendance.*
Attendance to a national
conference.
Certicate indicating date of
conference, sessions attended and
clock hours of sessions.
3
Presenter at a local, state or
national conference
Conduct a child care presentation
at a local, state, or national
conference.
Letter
1
of conrmation from the
sponsoring organization.
A copy of the conference booklet.
3
Approved trainer/college instructor of
infant/toddler, early childhood, or
school-age training
Recognized by MSDE as an
approved trainer or college
instructor.
Current MSDE issued training
approval number.
Letter
1
from college department
head.
3
Author or contributor of material
to an early childhood or school-age
publication distributed nationally
Author, contribute, or assist with
writing material for a nationally
distributed publication (e.g. Young
Children; Childhood Education;
Childhood Explorer, etc).
A copy of the article identifying
you as the author or contributor.
3
Editor of local, state, or regional
child care newsletter
An editor is responsible for
checking, reviewing, correcting, and
perfecting written materials,
articles, and pieces.
Letter
1
from the organization
identifying you as the editor.
Copy of newsletter.
3
Child Development Associate
Professional Development
Specialist
Approved by the Council for
Professional Recognition.
Documentation of approval from
the Council for Professional
Recognition.
3
State and/or national accreditation
observer/validator/verier
Approved by an accrediting
organization to conduct
accreditation visits.
Documentation of approval from
the accrediting organization.
3
Reliable ECERS, ITERS, FCCERS,
SACERS, PAS, BAS, CLASS
validator/observer/assessor
Completed required training and
reliability process for a specic
assessment.
Letter
1
of Reliability from the
sponsoring organization.
3
Supervisor for student-teacher
ocially placed by a high school or
college/university
Supervise student-teachers in the
classroom.
Letter
1
from the high school
coordinator, college/university or
direct supervisor.
3
Successful completion of six (6)
college credits
Completion of six college credits
within the credential year.
Copy of current transcript.
3
Graduate with a Bachelor degree in
Early Childhood Education from an
accredited college/university
Completion of graduation
requirements for a Bachelor degree
within the credential year.
Copy of complete transcript that
indicate participant name, name of
college/university and graduation
date.
Copy of degree.
NOTE:
1
All letters must be on ocial letterhead and completed by the individual responsible (typically the director,
conference chair, R&R sta) for documenting the activity. * Counts only once during an application cycle.
Participation in the Maryland Child Care Credential Program includes performing activities that contribute to the
professional growth and career development of those working in the eld of child care.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY UNITS
13
Professional Activity Unit (PAU) refers to the number assigned to an activity depending
on the number of hours spent, level of effort, or commitment to the activity.
Unit Professional Activity Denition Documentation
3
Formal Mentor An experienced individual who is
committed to helping other adults
to become more eective at their
work ex. Mentor/mentee process;
supervises student teacher placed
in the classroom by a high school
or college, etc.
Mentor/Mentee Contract
identifying structure of the
process; length of time; and
activities/tasks completed during
the time.
3
Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)
Volunteer (18 clock hours each
credentialing year)
Volunteer hours at a CCRC. Letter
1
from the CCRC indicating
number of hours and volunteer
activities.
3
30 Years of experience working
with children in a child care
program
30 years of experience working
directly with children in a licensed
program.
Letter1 from past employer(s) in-
dicating position working directly
with children and start and end
dates with hours worked.
First and last pay stubs indicating
hours worked.
Copy of the family child care
license.
3
Testify at a legislative hearing on
early childhood policy/regulation
An individual who testies at a
legislative hearing on early
childhood policy and or regulations.
Agenda or copy of testimony.
3
Peer reviewer for training
proposals
Reviews early childhood training
proposal bi-monthly with the
training approval peer review team.
Letter
1
from Training Approval
Coordinator.
NOTE:
1
All letters must be on ocial letterhead and completed by the individual responsible (typically the director,
conference chair, CCRC sta) for documenting the activity. * Counts only once during an application cycle.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY UNITS
14
STAFF CREDENTIAL LEVELS
LEVEL
1 2 3 4
4+
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
CORE OF KNOWLEDGE TRAINING
EDUCATION/TRAINING
Meet OCC
Licensing
Requirements
45 clock hours:
Min of 20 hrs
CD
90 clock hours:
Min of 20 hrs
CD
20 hrs CM
135 clock
hours:
45 hrs CD
30 hrs CURR
20 hrs HSN
15 hrs SN
15 hrs PROF
10 hrs
COMM
or National
Child
Development
Associate
(CDA)
or Montessori
Teaching
Credential
135 clock hours
(meet training
requirements for level
4) and
Program
Accreditation (family
child care only)
135 clock hours, as
required in level 4,
and
15 college credit
hrs of approved
coursework (e.g., 5
approved three credit
college courses) that
include college credit
courses in CD &
CURR
135 clock hours
(meet training
requirements for level
4), and
Enrollment in an
approved college
course of study*
toward a degree. And
Accumulate 55 points
by earning 5 points
for each additional
early childhood
college credit course
and/or each year of
experience
EXPERIENCE
NA NA
1 year of exp
1 year of
college
Combined 1
year of exp and
college
2 years working
directly with
children in a
licensed child
care program
2 years working
directly with children
in a licensed child care
program
9 years working
directly with children
in a licensed child care
program
2 years working
directly with children
in a licensed child care
program
PAUs
NA 1 2 3 4
RENEWAL RENEWAL
RENEWAL
Clock Hours
NA 12 18 24 24
PAUs
NA 1 2 3 4
BONUS
NA $200 one-time $300 one-time $500 one-time $600 annually
NOTE
*Approved College Courses of Study: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, and Child Psychology
LEGEND
CURR - Curriculum Planning / CM - Curriculum Methods / CD - Child Development / SN - Special Needs / COMM - Community /
PROF - Professionalism / HSN – Health, Safety & Nutrition
15
STAFF CREDENTIAL LEVELS
LEVEL
5 6
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
EDUCATION
Associate degree
w/15 college credit
hrs of approved
coursework (e.g., 5
approved three credit
college courses) that
include CD & CM
30 college credit hrs of
approved coursework
(e.g., 10 approved three
credit college courses)
that include:
Child Development
Curriculum Planning
Health, Safety &
Nutrition
Special Needs
School Age
Infant Toddler
Language & Literacy
Child Care
Administration
15 college credit
hrs of approved
coursework (e.g., 5
approved three credit
college courses) and
Enrollment in an
approved college
course of study
toward a degree, and
Accumulate 45 points
by earning 5 points
for each additional
early childhood
college credit course
and/or each year of
experience
Bachelor, Master,
Doctorate degree in
ECE, Elem Ed, Spec
Ed, Child Psych, or
related eld*, and
College credit
courses in CD & CM
Bachelor, Master,
Doctorate degree
(nonrelated eld) and
30 college credit
hrs of approved
coursework (e.g., 10
approved three credit
college courses) that
include college credit
courses in CD & CM
Associate degree or
higher w/ 15 college
credit hrs of approved
coursework (e.g., 5
approved three credit
college courses) that
include CM & CD, and
Enrollment in an
approved course of
study toward a higher
degree, and
Accumulate 45 points
by earning 5 points for
each additional early
childhood course
and/or each year of
experience
EXPERIENCE
2 years working
directly with children
in a licensed child care
program
2 years working
directly with children
in a licensed child care
program
2 years working
directly with children
in a licensed child care
program
2 years working
directly with children
in a licensed child care
program
2 years working
directly with children
in a licensed child care
program
2 years working
directly with children
in a licensed child care
program
PAUs
4 5
RENEWAL RENEWAL
RENEWAL
Clock Hours
24 24
PAUs
4 5
BONUS
$750 annually $1000 annually
NOTE
Early Childhood Education Related Fields: Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Family and Consumer Science, Family Studies, Human Ecology.
*Approved Course of Study: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, and Child Psychology
LEGEND
CURR - Curriculum Planning / CM - Curriculum Methods / CD - Child Development / SN - Special Needs / COMM - Community /
PROF - Professionalism / HSN – Health, Safety & Nutrition
16
ADMINISTRATOR CREDENTIAL LEVELS
LEVEL
1 2 3 4
EDUCATION
240 clock hours of core of
knowledge training, consisting of:
45 clock hours in child
development;
45 clock hours in curriculum
development;
45 clock hours in health, safety,
and nutrition;
45 clock hours in special needs;
45 clock hours in professionalism;
and
15 clock hours in community
240 clock hours of core of
knowledge training consisting of:
45 clock hours in child
development;
45 clock hours in curriculum
development;
45 clock hours in health, safety,
and nutrition;
45 clock hours in special needs;
45 clock hours in professionalism;
15 clock hours in community; and
Achievement of at least one of the
following:
Completion of the National
Administrator’s Credential (NAC);
or
Completion of at least 30
college credit hrs of approved
coursework (e.g., 10 approved
three credit college courses)
Associate degree w/15 college
credit hrs of approved coursework
(e.g., 5 approved three credit
college courses) related to business
management and administration,
and
Completion of at least 1 three
credit college course in each of the
following areas:
Child development;
Curriculum methods; and
Administration of child care
programs
A bachelor, master, or doctorate
degree from an accredited
college or university in
Business Administration; Public
Administration and Management,
Public School Administration or a
related eld*, and
Completion of at least one three
credit college course in Child
development, Curriculum methods
and Administration of child care
programs, and
Completion of 45 clock hours of
training in the area of mentoring and
coaching sta
Alternative Pathway: Provider
must meet the requirement for level
6 option 1, including a 3 credit
coursework in “Administration
of Child Care Program” and
completion of 45 clock hours of
training in the area of mentoring and
coaching sta
EXPERIENCE
2 years working directly with children
in a licensed child care program
2 years working directly with children
in a licensed child care program
At least 4 years working directly
with children in a licensed child care
program
At least 5 years working directly
with children in a licensed child care
program
PAUs
4 5 5 6
RENEWAL
RENEWAL
Clock Hours
24 30 30 30
PAUs
4 5 5 6
BONUS
$600 one-time $750 annually $1000 annually $1500 annually
NOTE
• *Business Related Field: Accounting, Finance, Economics, Human Resources, Marketing
• Approved College Course of Study: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, and Child Psychology
17
Q – How do I know if my application has been received or what is the status of my application?
Q – When is the earliest that I can submit my application for renewal?
A – Applications can be submitted 60 days prior to renewal.
Q – I received my award letter, when will I receive my bonus?
A – 30-45 days after receiving an award letter. Checks are mailed from the Maryland State Comptroller’s Oce.
Q – I received my award letter and it has been over 45 days. I have not received my check.
What should I do?
A – Contact Child Care Central, be prepared to provide your phone number and email address. A response to
your inquiry will be made within 48 hours.
Q – Can I still send in my application after 30 days past the expiration grace period?
A – Yes, applications will be processed as an update. Note: This will change your credential anniversary date.
Training and PAUs must be within 12 months of the application date.
Q – Can I upgrade my credential level?
A – Yes, you can upgrade your credential level. Please check the upgrade box on the application and submit
current information that is within 12 months of the application date. Note: Your credential date will change.
Q – Do I have to wait until my renewal to upgrade my credential level?
A – No, you can upgrade your credential level at any time during your credential year by submitting the required
documentation. Note: Your credential date will change.
Q – Do I have to be credentialed at each level prior to reaching the highest credential level?
A – No, depending on the evaluation of education/training, experience and Professional Activity Units submitted,
you will be placed at the highest level.
Q – I moved - my address has changed, what should I do?
A – Please submit a “Change of Address” form to Child Care Central. The form can be downloaded
from the MSDE website
Q – When does my credential expire?
A – Please refer to your letter and certicate.
Q – Can I get a copy of my letter/certicate?
A – Yes, please provide Child Care Central with your full name, social security number or
CCATS ID #, and email address. A copy of your letter and certicate will be emailed within
5 business days.
Q – Can my credential level be downgraded?
A – No, we do not downgrade levels except when a family child care program is no
longer accredited or a provider is no longer enrolled in an approved course of study.
Q – I no longer work in child care, what should I do?
A – Please send a letter to Child Care Central indicating that you no longer work in
child care and include the eective date.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
18
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (con’t)
Q – I received an incomplete letter, what should I do?
A – Please refer to the incomplete letter and submit the missing documents.
Child Care Central can assist you with any additional questions.
Q – The dates on my certicate are incorrect, what should I do?
A – Contact Child Care Central; a new certicate will be issued.
Q – My level and bonus amount are incorrect; I should be on a higher level, what should I do?
A – Please provide Child Care Central with your social security or CCATS ID #, name, phone number and email
address. Your credential le will be reviewed and you will receive a response within 30 days.
Q – Do you conduct credentialing workshops and provide technical assistance at child care centers and
association meetings?
A – Yes, please contact Child Care Central and provide your name and number.
Q – What do I need to include in my packet for it to be complete?
A – Refer to the Application Process section on page 19.
Q – Can I use any training towards my credential?
A – All early childhood education related courses/training submitted must be from an Oce of Child Care (OCC)
approved trainer, organization or an accredited college or university. (Online courses from an accredited
college are accepted.)
Q – My incomplete letter states that I am missing PAUs. What PAUs have already been accepted?
A – Please refer to your incomplete letter for the list of PAUs that have been accepted.
Q – If I have a PAU that is not on the approved list, how do I get it approved?
A – Complete and email the Professional Activity Unit (PAU) Approval Form located on the credentialing website.
http://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org Email the form to [email protected]
Q – What do I need to submit as documentation for a national conference?
A – Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be required to verify attendance at virtual and in-person national
Q – I am a new applicant, how many years of training can I submit?
A – Early childhood education related courses/training completed within the past 5 years of application date will
be accepted. Early childhood pre-service and college coursework (credit or non-credit) will also be accepted
regardless of completion date.
Q – Where can I nd approved trainings?
A – Approved trainings can be found by accessing the Statewide Training Clearinghouse Calendar on the MSDE
website at http://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/child-care-providers/training.
conferences. Verification will be required for credentialing purposes as well as for training reimbursement.
19
MAIL OR FAX DOCUMENTS
Mail the completed original application with all documentation to:
MAKE COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS
Make a copy of the completed application, documentation of training,
professional activity and experience and any other documentation
required by level for your les.
APPLICATION PROCESS
COMPLETE THE APPLICATION
Complete the Maryland Child Care Credential Application, both front
and back. Attach copies of professional activity and experience
documentation, as required by level. Attach copies of all certicates,
transcripts and any other documentation of training completed.
IMPORTANT:
Please be sure to use the appropriate
amount of postage and that the original
application and copies of all documents
are enclosed.
Should any information change during your
credential year (address, place of employment,
employment status, phone number, etc.) you
must notify Child Care Central immediately.
1
2
3
Child Care Central
PO Box 598
Baltimore, MD 21203
Copies of the application can also be faxed to 410.229.0145
For questions call 1.877.355.1229 option 4 or
email [email protected]
D
O
U
B
L
E
C
H
E
C
K
20
THE MARYLAND CHILD CARE CREDENTIAL PROGRAM
Division of Early Childhood
Office of Child Care – Workforce Advancement Branch
200 West Baltimore Street, 10th Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
workforceadvancementocc[email protected]
http://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/child-care-providers/credentialing
Revised March 2018
