1. Office of Child Care
Credentialing Branch

2. Credentialing Branch
There are Six Programs in the Credentialing Branch
The Maryland Child Care Credential
Tiered Reimbursement
Training Approval
Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund
Voucher/Tuition Reimbursement
Accreditation Support

3. Overview - The Maryland Child Care Credentialing Program
The Maryland Child Care Credential program started July 01, The Credential program is a pathway to professional development. The program recognizes child care providers who go beyond the requirements of the licensing and registration regulations by participating in training, professional activity units and continuing to work in child care. There are six staff credential levels and four administrator credential levels.

4. Goals Produce a well-qualified workforce.
Increase the overall quality of child care programs.
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.

5. Eligibility Requirements
In order to participate in the credential program you must be:
A registered family child care provider in the State of Maryland,
An operator, director, or staff member in a licensed child care center in the State of Maryland.
Participate in Professional Activities related to the child care profession.
Continue working in the child care setting for no less than one year from the date you are accepted into the credential program.
Complete continued training for the applicable credential level.

6. Persons who are not Eligible to apply
Applicants or participants may not be the subject of any sanction imposed by OCC.
Substitutes or volunteers, whether working in a registered family child care home or licensed child care center are not eligible to participate.
Child Care Center employee who do not work directly with children on a daily basis are not eligible to participate.

7. Core of Knowledge There are six Core of Knowledge: Child Development
Curriculum
Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Special Needs
Professionalism
Community
Training that has been completed within the past five years of application may be accepted as determined by the Office of Child Care. College course work for credit or non-credit and pre-service training will be accepted regardless of when completed.

8. The Core of Knowledge Core of Knowledge Training means:
Training that meets the requirements of the Maryland Child Care Credentialing program.
Training identified as Child Development, Curriculum, Special Needs, Professionalism, Community or Health, Safety, and Nutrition.
The participant has successfully completed the training, including an appropriate assessment.
A certificate is awarded to each participant stating that the participant has “successfully completed” the training.

9. Pre-Service Pre-Service Training means:
Training that meets the 45 or 90 clock hour requirements of COMAR13A if taken for:
College credits; or
Non-credit from a college or a trainer approved by the Office.

10. Continued Training Continued Training means:
Training given to meet the requirements of licensing regulations for child care homes and centers, but does not meet core of knowledge/credentialing requirements.
Participants have attended a training session to complete a number of clock hours.
Training as identified as Child Health Issues, Child Development, Age-Appropriate Activities, or Business Practices.
A certificate is awarded to each participant that states that the participant has “participated in” or “attended” training.

11. Staff Credential Levels One and Two
Meet CCA Licensing or Registration Requirements
There are no incentives at Level One.
To Achieve:
45 clock hours Core of Knowledge training that includes:
A minimum of 20 clock hours in child development
1 professional activity unit
To Maintain:
12 clock hours of continued training, and
1 professional activity unit (PAU)
Bonus amount - $200 (one time only)

12. Staff Credential Level Three
To Achieve:
90 clock hours Core of Knowledge training that includes:
A minimum of 20 clock hours in child development, and
20 clock hours in curriculum methods.
2 professional activity units, and
1 year of experience or 1 year of college
To Maintain:
18 clock hours of continued training, and
2 PAU’s
Bonus Amount - $300 (one time only)
The 45 clock hours completed at level two carries over to level three.

13. Staff Credential Level Four
To Achieve:
135 clock hours Core of Knowledge training consisting of:
45 clock hours child development
30 clock hours curriculum methods
20 clock hours health, safety & nutrition
15 clock hours special needs
15 clock hours professionalism
10 clock hours community issues
3 professional activity units, and
2 years of experience
To Maintain:
24 clock hours of continued training, and
3 PAU’s
Bonus Amount - $500 (one time only)
The 90 clock hours completed at level three carries over to level four.

14. Staff Credential Level Four Plus
To Achieve:
Level Four requirements plus:
Option One –
Current accreditation through the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), and
At least two year of experience
Option Two –
15 semester hours of approved coursework,
Coursework in child development and curriculum planning, and
At least 9 years of experience
Option Three –
Enrollment in an approved college course of study toward a degree,
Accumulate 55 points by earning 5 points for each early childhood course and/or each additional year of experience (a minimum of two years of experience required)
4 professional activity units
To Maintain:
24 clock hours of continued training, and
4 PAU’s
Bonus Amount - $600 (annually)

15. Staff Credential Level Five
To Achieve:
Option One –
An Associate Degree with 15 semester hours of approved coursework
Course work in Child Development and Curriculum Methods, and
At least two years of experience and Four PAUs
Option Two –
30 semester hours of approved coursework that includes: Child Development, Curriculum Planning, Health and Safety, Special Needs, School Age, Infant Toddler, Language and Literacy, and Child Care Administration, and
Option Three –
15 semester hours of approved college coursework,
Enrollment in an approved college course of study toward a degree,
Accumulate 45 points by earning 5 points for each early childhood course and/or each additional year of experience (a minimum of two years experience required) and Four PAUs
4 professional activity units
To Maintain:
24 clock hours of continued training, and
4 PAU’s
Bonus Amount - $750 (annually)

16. Staff Credential Level Six
To Achieve:
Option One –
Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in:
Early childhood education , Elementary education, Special education, Family studies, Child development, or A related discipline (must include a minimum of 15 credit hours of approved coursework)
At least two years of experience
Option Two –
Bachelor’s, Masters, Doctorate (non-related field),
30 semester hours of approved coursework that includes Child Development & Curriculum Methods, and
At least two year of experience
Option Three –
Associate or higher degree with 15 semester hours of approved coursework,
Enrollment in an approved college course of study toward a higher degree, and
Accumulate 45 points by earning 5 points for each early childhood course and/or each additional year of experience (at least two years experience required),
5 professional activity units
To Maintain:
24 clock hours of continued training, and
5 PAU’s
Bonus Amount - $1,000 (annually)

17. Administrator Credential Level One
To Achieve:
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 issues
Four Professional Activity Units (PAUs), and
2 years working directly with children in an approved setting
To Maintain:
24 clock hours of continued training, and
4 PAU’s
Bonus Amount - $600 (one time only)

18. Administrator Credential Level Two
To Achieve:
Successful completion of 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 issues
Achievement of at least one of the following:
Completion of the National Administrator’s Credential; or
Successful completion of at least 30 semester hours of college coursework in an approved course of study;
2 years working directly with children in an approved setting, and
5 PAUs
To Maintain:
30 clock hours of continued training, and
5 PAU’s
Bonus Amount - $750 (Annually)

19. Administrator Credential Level Three
To Achieve:
An associate degree from an accredited college, that includes:
A minimum of 15 semester hours of course work related to business management, administration, and
Completion of at least one course in each of the following areas: Child development; Curriculum development; and Administration of Child Care Programs
At least 4 years working directly with children in an approved setting, and
5 PAUs
To Maintain:
30 clock hours of continued training, and
5 PAU’s
Bonus Amount - $1,000 (Annually)

20. Administrator Credential Level Four
To Achieve:
A bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in:
Business Administration;
Public Administration and Management:
Public School Administration; or
A related discipline;
Completion of at least one course in each of the following: Child development; Curriculum development; and Administration of Child Care Programs
Completion of 45 clock hours of training in the area of mentoring and coaching staff.
At least 5 years working directly with children in an approved setting, and
6 PAUs
To Maintain:
30 clock hours of continued training, and
5 PAU’s
Bonus Amount - $1,500 (Annually)

21. Professional Activity Units
PAUs are earned for participating in activities related to the child care profession.
PAUs must be earned within the previous twelve month period.
PAUs must be maintained for continued participation in the program.

22. Incentives
Bonuses
Achievement bonus – one-half of the bonus is paid when the credential level is awarded (Level Two or higher)
Maintenance bonus – the second half of the bonus is paid at the time of renewal

23. At time of Level Achievement
Credentialing Bonus Payment Schedule  All bonuses are paid contingent on the verification of meeting and maintaining all requirements.
Staff Credential
Level
One
Two
(one time only)
Three
Four
Four Plus
Five
Six
Bonus
At time of Level Achievement
No Bonus
$100
$150
$250
$300
$375
$500
At time of Renewal
$600
(each year)
$750
$1,000
Administrator Credential
$1,500

24. Application Process MSDE OCC – Credentialing Branch
Complete application, sign and date
Attach all required documentation:
Training Certificates
PAU information
Experience
Send to:
MSDE
OCC – Credentialing Branch
200 West Baltimore Street, 10th Floor
Baltimore MD 21201

25. Training Vouchers/Reimbursement
Only those participating in the credential program at Level Two and higher are eligible to receive training vouchers and/or reimbursement.
A participant may receive no more than $400, during any year of participation.
Each voucher is issued for one specific course, workshop or conference.

26. Eligibility Requirements
An application form must be complete and signed with blue ink.
Documentation of the training for which the voucher will be used must include a copy of the:
Course catalog description;
Completed registration form; or
Training advertisement.
Application is received at least 60 days prior to the training date.
Amount requested does not exceed $400.
Applicant is eligible to receive a voucher.

27. Training Reimbursement
They are participating in the credential program at Level Two or higher;
The training is approved as meeting the Core of Knowledge;
The training was successfully completed no more than 4 months before the date of the request; and
The individual has not received training vouchers up to $400 during the previous
12-month period.

28. Awards
Awards are assigned according to the incomes of all applicants who are eligible for an award, with higher priority given to lower income applicants.
The Office of Child Care will make training voucher and reimbursement awards according to assigned award priority.
An award has been made to each eligible applicant; or
As long as funds are available.

29. Tiered Reimbursement Overview
The Maryland Child Care Tiered Reimbursement recognizes child care programs that go beyond the requirements of state licensing and registration regulations. This program pays additional incentives to child care programs approved for Tiered Level 2 or higher and who receives vouchers from the Subsidy program. There are fours levels of tiered reimbursement.
This program pays additional incentives to child care programs approved for Tier Level 2 or higher and who receive vouchers from the Child Care Subsidy program.

30. Program Goals Promote a well-qualified workforce.
Increase the amount of subsidy payments to family child care providers and child care programs.
Promote a high level of program quality through the application of standards for program accreditation and ERS.
Encourage parent involvement in child care setting.

31. Program Information
Reimbursement is paid only for Subsidy vouchers receipted by the family child care provider or child care center.
The accreditation organization used must meet the criteria set and approved by the Office of Child Care.

32. Eligibility Requirements
Maintain compliance with all applicable child care regulations
Develop, evaluate and revise program goals.
Actively pursue program accreditation
Participate in the credential program at level two or higher.
Program schedule
Parent Involvement
Assessed program using the environmental rating scales
Parent evaluations
Continued training
Center:
Incremental salary scale
Benefit package
Staff evaluations

33. Components Accreditation Status Staff Credentialing
Learning Environment
Parent Involvement
Program Evaluation
Staff Compensation

34. Components - Continued
Staff Credentialing- At tiered reimbursement Level 2 or higher, family child care providers and at least 60% of lead staff persons in child care centers must have Maryland Child Care Credential at the appropriate level. Lead staff persons in child care centers include the director, senior staff, and group leaders. Continued Training- Continued training is required at each of the tiered reimbursement levels based on the position held in the child care facility and must be maintained throughout the period of approval at each tiered reimbursement level. Learning Environment- Participation in the tiered reimbursement program requires that child care facilities enhance the learning environment beyond the regulatory requirements. Programs must include in their daily activities at least 15 minutes of reading activities per day for all ages of children served. Staff Compensation- Child care centers are required to include in their business plan, incentives for staff including an incremental salary scale based on education and experience. Child care centers participating in the highest level of tiered reimbursement need to have a benefits package for staff as well.

35. Components - Continued
Parent Involvement- Parents are an important component of quality child care services. Family child care providers and child care centers participating in the tiered reimbursement program are required to include and involve parents in a variety of ways. Each facility has the option to use a variety of activities and opportunities for parent involvement, including but not limited to:
parent bulletin boards
open door policy
parent handbook
parent/staff conferences
classroom helpers
newsletters
workshops
programs
field trips
preparing materials at home
support of the program operation
suggestion box

36. Component - Continued
Program Evaluation- Each family child care home and child care center will use an appropriate early childhood environment rating scale to assess the program.
Family child care providers will use the Family Day Care Environment Rating Scale (FDCERS).
Child care centers will use the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS), the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) and the School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale (SACERS). The scale to be used will be determined by the type of program, home or center, and the ages of the children served.

37. Tiered Reimbursement Level 2
Accreditation self-study begun
Credentialed at level 2 or higher (center staff – 60% of teachers).
Meets licensing requirements plus 15 minutes of reading activities per day with the children
Involved parents in at least 2 ways
Self assessment using the ERS
Staff evaluation developed and implemented( child care centers only)
Incremental salary scale based on education and experience (center only)
Continued training
Assistant group leaders and aides must complete 6 clock hours per year.

38. Tiered Reimbursement Level 3
Accreditation self-study completed
Credentialed at level 3 or higher (center staff – 60% of teachers).
Meets licensing requirements plus 15 minutes of reading activities per day with the children
Involved parents in at least 4 ways
Independent assessment using the ERS - average score per group assessed of 4 or higher
Staff evaluation used regularly implemented( child care centers only)
Incremental salary scale based on education and experience (center only)
Benefit Package (center only)
Continued training
Assistant group leaders and aides must complete 9 clock hours per year.

39. Tiered Reimbursement Level 4
Accreditation self-study completed
Credentialed at level 4 or higher (center staff – 60% of teachers).
Meets licensing requirements plus 15 minutes of reading activities per day with the children
Involved parents in at least 6 ways
Independent assessment using the ERS - average score per group assessed of 5 or higher
Staff evaluation used regularly( child care centers only)
Incremental salary scale based on education and experience (center only)
Benefit Package (center only)
Continued training
Assistant group leaders and aides must complete 12 clock hours per year.

40. Application process Complete application, sign and date using blue ink
Attach all required documentation:
Accreditation
Registration/Licensing certificate
Credentialing certificate/s
Program daily schedule
Verification of parent involvement
ERS score sheet
Staff evaluations
Staff and parent survey
Verification of incremental salary
Benefit package
Continued training
Send to:
MSDE
OCC – Credentialing Branch
200 West Baltimore Street, 10th Floor
Baltimore MD 21201

41. POC Differential Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 11% 22% 29% 10% 21% 28% 37%
Type of Setting
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
FAMILY CHILD CARE
Under 2
11%
22%
29%
2 and Over
10%
21%
28%
CHILD CARE CENTER
37%
44%
19%
26%

42. Accreditation Support
Funds are available to registered family child care providers and licensed child care centers to pay for the cost of the program accreditation application fee.
Awards made through this fund may not be used for any other cost of meeting the requirements of program accreditation.

43. Application Fees
An applicant may receive no more than: The actual cost of the accreditation application fee up to a maximum of:
$700 for a family child care home, or
$1,000 for a child care center.
A family child care provider or child care center may apply for accreditation support to pay for:
The initial accreditation application, including the self-study phase; or
A renewal accreditation application.
A program may receive more than one award during the availability of the fund, but no more than one award per year.

44. Accreditation Support Awards
Awards are assigned a priority by the Office of Child Care, with the highest priority given to programs serving Title 1 school districts. OCC will make accreditation support awards:
Until an award has been made to each eligible applicant; or
As long as funds are available.

45. Accreditation Organizations recognized by MSDE
For Family Child Care Providers
The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
For Child Care Centers
American Montessori Internationale/USA (AMI/USA)
American Montessori Society (AMS)
Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS)
Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA)
Middle States Commission – Early Ages (MSCES-Early Years)
Middle States Commission of Elementary Schools (MSCES)
National Accreditation Commission (NAC)
National Afterschool Association (NAA)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)

46. Web-Sites E-mail Addresses
MSDE – Maryland State Department of Education
NAEYC – National Association for the Education for Young Children
NECPA – National Early Childhood Program Accreditation
NAA – National After School Association
NAFCC – National Association for Family Child Care
NCCIC – National Child Care Information Center
NECTAC – National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center
Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute