Learn how to use the Maryland Child Care Credential Program and MSDE Training Reimbursement to get #free childcare training with certificates in Maryland.
Are you looking for free online childcare training with certificates in Maryland? Keep reading to learn how you can use the childcare training reimbursement program developed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to get up to $400 in free childcare training!!
Unlocking $400 Worth of Free Childcare Training Reimbursements in Maryland
If you're on the hunt for free childcare training in Maryland, your search ends here! Marylanders can obtain free childcare training opportunities, complete with certificates, thanks to the childcare training reimbursement program initiated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
The Maryland State Department of Education Office of Childcare (MSDE OCC) extends training reimbursements to childcare providers across the state. Child care providers participating in the Credential Program at level two or higher are entitled to receive $400 worth of free training annually. Yes, you read that right – $400 worth of training at absolutely no cost each year!
These reimbursements can be utilized for approved Core of Knowledge training, pre-service training, as well as approved conference and college courses. Additionally, you can leverage these reimbursements to acquire the necessary training for the renewal or application of your CDA credential.
How to Submit Your Maryland Training Reimbursement Application
To initiate your MSDE training reimbursement application:
- Visit the Maryland OneStop website and select the apply online option.
- Create an account.
- Upload the necessary documents and submit your application.
Required documents and information include:
- CCATS/Party ID# (found on your credential certificate)
- Certificate of completion from your ChildCareEd training course(s)
- Receipt for the purchased course(s)
Applications are free, take between 10 to 30 minutes to complete, and typically receive approval within 1 to 30 days.
Attaining a Level Two Maryland Childcare Credential
To qualify for training reimbursements through the state, you must hold a level two childcare #staff credential. Let's delve into the purpose and general prerequisites for this staff credential.
The Maryland childcare credential program aims to cultivate a highly skilled workforce, elevate the quality of childcare programs, and enhance the status and compensation of childcare providers. Eligibility for the program extends to all registered family childcare providers and childcare center staff in licensed facilities.
Applicants commit to engaging directly with children daily within a childcare setting for at least one year. They are also required to complete mandatory continued education training hours and professional #development activities. MSDE issues credentials valid for 12 months, with an annual renewal requirement. Those pursuing the Credential can undergo training from an accredited organization like ChildCareEd.
Substitutes or volunteers at registered family childcare #homes or licensed childcare centers are not eligible for the program.
Level 1 Staff Credential:
- To obtain a level one credential, childcare providers must be licensed and maintain good compliance with licensing requirements.
Level 2 Staff Credential:
- To attain a level two credential, applicants must:
- Complete 45 clock hours of Core of Knowledge approved training, with a minimum of 20 hours focused on the Child Development Core of Knowledge area.
- Fulfill 1 Professional Activity Unit (PAU). PAU activities vary and must be approved. However, obtaining 1 PAU can be easily accomplished by participating in a childcare event where #parents are invited or by becoming a member of a local, state, or national childcare professional organization such as NAEYC.
- Complete 12 clock hours of training annually. Providers can utilize the reimbursement program to cover these 12 hours of training.
To apply for or elevate your credential level, complete the credential application available on the MSDE OCC website, adhering to the outlined steps. First-time applicants must compose a brief reflective essay, and all applicants should familiarize themselves with the Child Care Credential Program Booklet before submitting the application. It's recommended that all applicants review the helpful resources, tips, and guides listed on the OCC website before completing the application.
Approval and Additional Information
Upon approval, you'll receive a one-time #bonus of $200 (in the form of a check) and become eligible for $400 in free childcare training reimbursements annually!
Each level beyond level two offers additional cash incentives and benefits. Refer to the charts provided on pages 14 to 16 of the program booklet to explore the perks of higher credential levels.
Professional Activity Units (PAUs) are a measure of professional activities engaging participants in the broader aspects of #early-childhood-education. PAUs serve to enhance understanding of the profession, promote #early-childhood education, and further participants' knowledge. Approved training does not count toward PAUs. The Maryland childcare credential program booklet offers a comprehensive list of PAU examples.
Free childcare training with ChildCareEd
MSDE OCC approves all ChildCareEd trainings providing 2 or more clock hours for Core of Knowledge training requirements. Childcare professionals can undergo these courses with full reimbursement through the Maryland training reimbursement program, up to $400 per year.
ChildCareEd's Core of Knowledge training organization number is CKO-380. Our continued training organization number is CTO-161605, and our pre-service organization number is PSO-30299.
ChildCareEd is committed to supporting childcare providers in their crucial work with young children. Recognizing the time constraints faced by providers, the platform offers over 100 FREE resources on its Resources Page. These resources are designed to complement training courses and provide practical tools for immediate use in the classroom.
Additionally, ChildCareEd extends its support to administrators through the Group Admin program. This feature empowers administrators to track their #staff's professional development hours and assign courses as needed. To gain a deeper understanding of the Group Admin program, administrators can refer to ChildCareEd's dedicated article outlining its features.