90 Hour School Age Certification Maryland: Steps, Requirements, and Online Options - post

This short guide answers the most common questions about the #90Hour #schoolage #certification in #Maryland and how to finish it #online. If you work with school-age children (about ages 6–12), this certificate matters for your job and for licensing. 

The steps below are friendly and practical for busy providers and directors. Links point to trusted ChildCareEd resources so you can register or read more right away.

What is the 90-Hour School Age certificate and who needs it?

The 90-Hour Certificate is a training requirement used in Maryland for lead teachers and staff who work with children. It is made of two 45-hour courses:

1. 45 hours of Child Growth and Development (birth to age 12).
2. 45 hours of age-appropriate Curriculum / Methods and Materials for the school-age group.

These trainings are used by many centers to qualify lead teachers and meet MSDE expectations. If you already have one 45-hour piece (like Growth and Development), you may only need the school-age 45-hour course to be certified in that age group — see The 90-Hour Certificate FAQs.

What steps should I follow to earn the 90-Hour School Age certificate?

• 🔍 Decide which age group you need: choose School-Age. See ChildCareEd age options at 90 Hour Certification Training.
• 📝 Register for the two 45-hour courses (Growth & Development + School-Age Curriculum). You can start at ChildCareEd 90 Hour-School Age Training.
• ⏱️ Plan your schedule: online courses are often self-paced. Set weekly study hours and a finish target.
• 📚 Complete lessons, quizzes, and any practicum or online surveys required by the course provider.
• 📄 Save both certificates and receipts in one folder for your personnel file.
• 📞 Share proof with your director or include it in licensing or credentialing applications (if asked).
• 🔁 If you want another age group later, you may only need the 45-hour curriculum for that group — ask your trainer or MSDE specialist.
• ✅ Keep extra copies and digital scans. Many employers ask for certificates when hiring or promoting staff.

For a step-by-step checklist and tips for busy providers see How to Earn Your 90-Hour Child Care Certification.

Can I complete the 90-Hour training online and what formats are available?

Yes. Many providers complete all or part of the 90 hours online. ChildCareEd and other local providers offer several formats:

• 🖥️ Fully online, self-paced: do lessons on your schedule. Good when you need flexibility. See 90 Hour Child Care Certification Online.
• 🏫 Hybrid / Zoom: some trainings combine online modules with live Zoom or in-person sessions for practice hours.
• 📅 In-person instructor-led: scheduled class days and in-class practicum. This can be faster if you prefer face-to-face learning.

Tips for online success:

• 📌 Set a weekly goal (example: 4–6 hours per week).
• 🗂️ Keep files and screenshots of completion pages.
• 💬 Ask your instructor early about required quizzes, surveys, or practicum hours.

ChildCareEd lists course formats and registration on their 90-hour pages, and local colleges and training centers (for example Montgomery College or community college continuing education) also offer these courses as credit or noncredit options — see local training lists such as Childcare Courses in Maryland and college pages referenced by ChildCareEd.

What paperwork do I need, what are common mistakes, and how will this help my program and #career?

Paperwork to keep and share:

• 📄 Both 45-hour certificates (Growth & Development and School-Age Curriculum).
• 📧 Registration receipts and course completion emails.
• 🗃️ Any practicum verification or instructor sign-offs (if required).
• 📋 Copies of state forms if you submit credentials to MSDE or licensing.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• ⚠️ Waiting until the last minute. Start early and pace yourself.
• ❌ Enrolling in the wrong age-group course. Double-check the course title before paying.
• 🔎 Losing certificates. Scan and save digital copies right away.
• 📵 Assuming all online courses meet state needs — confirm MSDE approval if your program requires it. See 90-Hour Certificate FAQs.

How this helps your program and career:

• ✅ It qualifies lead teachers and meets MSDE training expectations.
• ✅ It builds staff skills in child development, curriculum planning, safety, and family partnership.
• ✅ It can lead to promotions, higher pay, and a pathway to the CDA with additional hours.

If you need help with MSDE forms and next steps, ChildCareEd has a helpful guide at MSDE Forms Made Easy. 

Conclusion

The 90-Hour School Age certificate is practical and reachable for busy providers. Key actions: choose the right 45-hour pair, save your certificates, and pick the course format that fits your schedule.

Use ChildCareEd’s pages to register and learn more: 90 Hour-School Age Training and How to Earn Your 90-Hour Child Care Certification. You’re building skills that help children, families, and your career. Good luck — you’ve got this!