FREE MONEY FOR YOUR TRAINING CLASSES AT ChildCareEd - post

If you are a Level Two or higher participant in the Credential Program, here's some exciting news for you 6 the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is providing training vouchers that cover the costs of your training classes. ChildCareEd courses such as 45-Hour Growth & Development Buy Now $399.00 and 45-Hour Infant & Toddler Methods Buy Now $399.00 accept MSDE vouchers and are commonly redeemed with vouchers. This initiative supports your professional development with financial assistance for essential training. Below we explain eligibility, timelines, how to redeem at ChildCareEd, what documentation the Child Care Administration (CCA) needs, and where to find Maryland-specific guidance.

Who is eligible and what is the application timeline?

Eligibility is limited to Level Two and higher participants in the Maryland Child Care Credential Program; the voucher is intended to offset training costs for credential progression. To receive a voucher in time, you must submit a completed application package to the Office of Child Care at least 60 days before the training start date. Required documentation typically includes a signed voucher application form plus one document that identifies the target training (for example, a course catalog description, registration form, or event flyer).

Once the Office of Child Care receives a complete application, they will generally make a funding decision within 30 days, subject to available funds. The application must request no more than the maximum voucher amount (currently $200). If approved, the Office will issue a voucher that lists the training name, the approved trainer or organization, and the voucher amount. For step-by-step state-level application guidance, see How to Apply for an MSDE Training Voucher and the program overview at Maryland Child Care Training Voucher Program. The core MSDE timelines (60-day submission, approval within 30 days) are reflected in program guidance available from program materials and the voucher notice (see the program post linked below).

Practical tip: plan your training at least 10 612 weeks ahead so you can gather documentation, submit the application, allow for the 30-day approval window, and avoid missing registration deadlines. If your voucher will pay for a conference or multi-day event, include the event flyer or conference schedule with your application so the Office can match the request to an eligible training activity.

How do I redeem an MSDE voucher at ChildCareEd?

ChildCareEd accepts MSDE training vouchers for eligible courses. To redeem, follow these practical steps so enrollment and documentation are processed smoothly.

1. Sign and send the voucher: Sign and date your voucher in blue ink and email a scanned copy to info@ChildCareEd.com. The Office of Child Care issues vouchers that name the approved training; include that voucher page with your email so ChildCareEd can match the voucher to the correct course.
2. Course match and enrollment: After ChildCareEd receives your voucher, staff will add the approved course to your ChildCareEd account and confirm registration. If the voucher lists a conference or event, include the event flyer when you send the voucher (a common required attachment).
3. Timing and expiration: Note the voucher expiration date. Many ChildCareEd Maryland courses (for example, the 45-Hour Growth & Development and 45-Hour Infant & Toddler methods courses) must be completed before that date; check your voucher for any completion deadline.

Which ChildCareEd courses commonly accept MSDE vouchers?

Maryland providers frequently use vouchers for foundational credential courses. Examples of ChildCareEd courses that accept vouchers include:

• 45 Hour Child Growth and Development Buy Now $399.00 (counts toward the 90-hour requirement)
• 45 Hour Infant and Toddler Methods and Materials Buy Now $399.00 (counts toward the 90-hour requirement)
• CDA Preschool Credential Buy Now $400.00 and CDA Family Child Care Credential Buy Now $500.00$375.00 (used by providers pursuing CDA)

If you need help identifying an MSDE-approved session, contact ChildCareEd or consult the MSDE voucher application guidance: How to Apply for an MSDE Training Voucher.

What completion documentation do I submit to CCA?

After you finish the course listed on your voucher, provide the Child Care Administration (CCA) with proof of successful completion. Acceptable documents include a course certificate, transcript, grade slip, or an instructor-signed completion notice. Keep a copy of your ChildCareEd completion certificate and, if ChildCareEd issued a transcript or CEU record, include that when you submit to the CCA.

For Maryland-specific credential and renewal questions see Maryland Child Care Credential: Levels and Renewal and guidance on MSDE-approved online options at MSDE-Approved Online Courses for Child Care Providers.

Where can I learn about additional funding or free-training events?

H&H and other local providers sometimes host promotional events with free training hours and giveaways; one past H&H event offering free hours and linking to ChildCareEd was publicized in event materials (see event promotion H&H event notice). For MD-specific scholarships and free CDA help see Free CDA Training in Maryland and strategies to pay less for CDA training at How can Maryland providers pay less for CDA training.

What should I do next?

1) Check your credential level and confirm eligibility. 2) Choose an MSDE-approved session and gather the course flyer or registration page. 3) Submit your voucher application at least 60 days before the course start date. 4) If approved, sign and email your voucher to info@ChildCareEd.com to enroll. For direct application steps see How to Apply for an MSDE Training Voucher. For a program overview, see Maryland Child Care Training Voucher Program.

Need help? ChildCareEd can assist with matching voucher details to courses and confirming MSDE approval numbers. If you want scholarship or CDA-specific options, also review How to get a CDA for free and the CDA benefits overview at What are the benefits of getting a CDA? For ongoing support during and after your training, including help with paperwork and next steps, see H&H's More than just the Training.

References: Program details reflected in the ChildCareEd notice about MSDE vouchers (MSDE voucher post) and local event promotion (H&H event notice).

Summary: plan early, include precise course documentation in your application, and contact ChildCareEd for voucher redemption help.