Maryland State Department of Education Credentialing Program: The Basics
What is the #MSDE-Credentialing Program?
The #Maryland-Child-Care-Credential Program is an optional initiative that surpasses the basic requirements of state licensing and registration regulations. The program aims to acknowledge and commend the dedicated efforts of child care providers who are devoted to continuous professional growth and excellence in their profession.
This program operates on a tiered system, consisting of six levels for staff credentials and four levels for administrators. Each level is specifically designed to acknowledge and reward child care providers based on a combination of professional development, education, years of experience, and involvement in professional activities. This comprehensive approach ensures that the credentials granted truly reflect an individual's commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge in the field of child care.
What are the benefits?
Staff who successfully complete the requirements will receive a one-time achievement #bonus for credential levels two through four and administrator level one. Bonuses are given annually for staff at levels four plus, five, and six, and for administrators at credential levels two, three, and four.
- The staff credential achievement bonus ranges from $200 to $1,000 and is paid to the provider after reaching a specific level. Staff members are paid only once at levels 2 through 4, while they are paid annually at levels 4 and above.
- The administrator credential achievement bonus ranges from $600 to $1,500. Administrators receive the bonus only once at level 1 and annually at levels 2 and above
Child care providers participating in the Credential Program at Level Two or higher may be eligible for training vouchers or reimbursement for approved training, depending on the availability of funding.
Child care providers participating in the Credential Program at level two or higher, with at least one year of documented experience, may be eligible to apply for the Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund (#CCCPDF). This program provides tuition assistance for child care providers to pursue a college education at participating colleges/universities in Maryland, subject to the availability of funding.
Who is eligible?
- Staff members in a licensed child care facility
- Director of a licensed child care facility
- Registered family child care providers
- Director/staff in a letter of compliance facility
The following is a list of individuals considered to be ineligible to apply:
- Substitutes
- Volunteers
- Employees at a child care program who do not interact with children on a daily basis
- Individuals who are a subject of sanction imposed by the Office of Child Care