Education & Training
Child Care Management
Obtaining affordable, quality child care, especially for children under age 5, is a major concern for many parents – especially for those who are employed outside of the home. However, child care needs can be met in many different ways -- care in the child’s home, care in an organized child care facility, or care in a provider’s home are all common arrangements for preschool-age children. Older children can receive care during the school year through both before- and after-care programs in their schools or through churches or other approved training venues. When school is not in session, children may receive care in summer programs at approved training sites and in family child care homes. With the increasing number of women in the workforce, child care services have become one of the fastest growing industries in the US economy.
When considering a career in child care, there are two areas of focus based on the ages of the children for which care will be provided:
- Preschool Care,
for infants, toddlers, and preschool children -- generally referred to as "child care;" and
- School-Age Care,
for children in Grades pre-K to 13 -- generally referred to as "before and after care."
Within each of these focuses, there are several career opportunities – each level increasing in responsibility based on the level of education and experience of the provider:
- Aide, who supports the classroom teacher in general activities
- Assistant (formerly called Assistant Group Leaders)
- Teacher (formerly called Senior Staff or Group Leaders)
- Center Director
There are also various types of facilities in which each of these child care professions can work:
- Family Care Facilities, which provide in-home care (in the home of the child care provider) for 8 or fewer children;
- Small Group Centers, which provide in-home care for 9-12 children; and
- Child Care Centers, which are professional facilities licensed based on the applicant’s credentials and the available space.
While anyone wishing to become a child care provider can begin at an entry level and work one’s way up, there is a well-defined career ladder for both Preschool and Schools Age care providers. Please see
Program Requirements following.
Employment Trends
- Preschool teachers, teacher assistants, and childcare workers account for about 3 out of 4 educational jobs – many of which are self-employed and provide child care in their homes.
- Educational requirements range from high school to some college, often at noncredit levels for entry-level positions.
- Favorable job prospects are expected as the number of women in the workforce increase and the number of single-parent families grow.
- Many workers leave these jobs every year, creating good job opportunities.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) based on classroom contact hours
- A college-awarded Continuing Education Certificate in the Child Care Management Program
- Progress towards a degree program in Early Childhood Education
- Coursework required to participate in the Maryland Child Care Credential Program and state licensure
- Continuing education needed to maintain state licensure
Program Requirements As these programs constitute a “professional career” licensed by the state,
students must have strong English language speaking, reading, and writing skills.
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care (OCC), has released new licensing requirements that will become effective on July 1, 2008. These requirements will affect all those in the child care profession either beginning as a new hire or being promoted to a new position after this date. Additional information is available at:
Requirements for Child Care Aides:
- Must be at least 16 years of age and in good health
- Must be enrolled in a recognized high school child development or career-tech child development program, or must complete a 3 clock hour orientation training.
Requirements for Child Care Assistants:
Have three training options –
- Must have 800 hours of experience, or
- Must have 600 hours of experience and 15 clock hours of approved college coursework, or
- Must have 400 hours of experience and 45 clock hours of approved training.
Requirements for Child Care Teachers, Infant/Toddler Programs
Have two training options –
- Must have 90 clock hours Child Development and Curriculum Planning plus 45 clock hours of Infant/Toddler training, or
- Must have 90 clock hours Infant/toddler Child Development and Curriculum Planning.
Requirements for Child Care Teachers, Preschool Programs
- Must have 90 clock hours Child Development and Curriculum Planning plus 9 clock hours of training in communicating with staff, parents, and the public.
Requirements for Child Care Teacher, School-Age Programs
- Must have 45 clock hours Child Development (birth through adolescent), plus 45 clock hours Curriculum for School-Age Care, plus 9 clock hours of training in communicating with staff, parents, and the public.
Requirements for Child Care CenterDirectors
- Must meet the general requirements for all age-groupings, including: 40-45 clock hours of administrative training, plus 9 clock hours of training in communicating with staff, parents, and the public, plus 3 clock hours of regulation training conducted by the Office of Child Care; and
- Must meet specific requirements based on their area of focus, including:
- Infant/Toddler Directors must have 45 clock hours of Infant/Toddler training and 90 clock hours Preschool Child Development and Curriculum Planning; and/or
- Preschool Directors must have 90 clock hours of Preschool Child Development and Curriculum Planning; and/or
- School-Age Directors must have 45 clock hours of Child Development (birth through adolescent) and 45 clock hours in Curriculum for School-age.
Program Curriculum
The Continuing Education Certificate in Early Childhood Program Management is awarded upon completion of specific courses designed to provide a solid foundation in the theory and applied principles of child care management. To earn the PGCC Continuing Education Certificate, students are required to successfully complete four core courses and two special topic courses. The Maryland State Department of Education recognizes this certificate as competency in the 2008 requirements for "management and administration." The four core courses must be taken in the order listed – a series typically beginning each Spring and Fall.
| Crs # |
Course Name |
Hrs |
|
Prerequisite |
|
| S380 |
CPR/First Aide for Child Care Providers |
7 |
|
|
|
|
Core Courses to be taken order listed: |
|
| DCR395 |
Introduction to the Business of Early Childhood |
12 |
| DCR397 |
Planning and Developing Early Childhood Programs |
12 |
| DCR398 |
Financial Management of Early Childhood Programs |
12 |
|
|
|
|
Special Topics from which two* must be selected: |
|
| DCR429 |
Business Writing in Early Childhood Programs |
12 |
| DCR396 |
Working with Families in Early Childhood Programs |
12 |
| DCR331 |
Personnel Management of Early Childhood Programs |
12 |
|
Program total |
60 |
Please check the
Schedule of Courses for courses currently offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the “90 hour” training take?
This depends entirely on the schedule of the classes for which you register. A “90 hour course” means that there are 90 hours of in-class time. Some courses are scheduled to meet twice a week, some classes meet on Saturdays as well. PGCC may also offer an excellered summer class that meets all day, Monday through Friday. For most students, the etire Child Care Management Program typically takes from nine months to one year complete. Please check the
Schedule of Courses for specific dates and durations.
For what jobs does the 90 Hour Child Care Program qualify me?
PGCC now offers two different 90 Hour Programs – one for Toddler/Preschool Care and another for School-Age Child Care. Depending on your area of focus, the 90 Hour Program qualifiies you for a career as: 1) A child care teacher in a child care center, or 2) in a before- and after-care program. You are also qualified to become 3) a director of 9 to 12 children in your home (small group center), or 3) for 13 to 20 children in a center outside your home. You may also use the 90 Hour Program in place of the new 24 hours of family child care pre-service training needed to 4) provide family child care in your home for up to 8 children.
How do I decide between taking credit or noncredit courses?
Consider your career goals. If you are considering child care as a permanent career or for an extended period of time, your long-term potential for promotion and earnings are likely best served by a credit program, such as an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. However, if you’re looking for more immediate entry into the child care field, a noncredit certification program is an excellent choice.
If I decide to pursue an AA degree in Early Childhood Education and I have already taken Child Care 90 Hours will I automatically get credit for that course?
No. However, you may take the two challenge exams to earn academic credit toward a degree program. These include: ECE151, Child Growth and Development, and ECE257, Curriculum Development -- developed from a bank of questions submitted by the Early Childhood Education Departments throughout the Maryland Community College System. They are offered by the PGCC Testing Centerfor approximately $35 each. You will be awarded three credits for each test that you pass. If you take these tests as part of ECE101, Transition to Early Childhood Education, you will not have to pay the additional charges. This is a review course for those beginning work on their AA degree.
Can I be the director of my own child care center even if I have no college credits?
Yes, but limited to the care of up to only 20 children. If you want a larger center, you can hire a college-trained and approved stand-in director while you continue the required education to meet the licensing requirements.
- A center for 21-40 requires 60 college credits in any program plus the Child Care 90 Hours course or six college credits in Early Childhood Education (ECE151 and ECE257).
- A center for 41 or more children requires an AA in Early Childhood Education or a BA in any program plus the Child Care 90 Hours course or six college credits in Early Childhood Education (ECE151 and ECE257).
What is required to care for children in my home?
The Maryland Office of Child Care requires a mandatory orientation in order to start in-home child care. There is no charge for this orientation. To register for the next available program, call 301-333-6940 on Tuesdays or Wednesdays before noon to register for the next available session. Please note:
- You must arrive on time and stay for the entire orientation.
- You may not bring children with you.
- You must complete and submit the application
- You must fulfill all other requirements, such as medical and background checks and a home inspection.
Then, check the PGCC Schedule of Courses to register for and attend the courses listed:
- CPR/First Aid for Child Care Providers, AND
- Option 1. New family child care pre-service training modules (six 4 hour modules), OR
- Option 2. Child Care 90 Hours
The college recommends Option 2, the expanded program which will make you far more marketable given your extended training in child and curriculum development.
While it is not required, you might also consider taking DCR347, Starting a Licensed Family Child Care Business.
- How long will it take to get licensed to care for children in my home?
This depends entirely on the schedule of classes you take and how quickly you are able to meet the state licensing requirements. Most students can complete the entire process in approximately three to six months.
- What is the difference between "Family Child Care" in my home and a "Small Group Center" in my home?
This is a distinction made by the Office of Child Care. If you attend “Family Child Care Orientation,” you may care for up to eight children. If you attend the “Small Group Center Orientation” you to can care for up to twelve children in your home. For more information call the Office of Child Care at 301-333-6940.
- What is required to open my own child care center?
Once your educational requirements have been met, call the Office of Child Care (Tuesday or Wednesday before noon at 301-333-6940) to reserve a space at the next free orientation. At the orientation, you will be given an application that must be completed within one year of the orientation. Next, the Fire Department will perform an inspection of the facility. Both the director’s training and the square footage of the facility are considered when determining the capacity. “Time under Supervision” is a requirement that surprises many who want to open a center. In addition to your education, you have one year of experience under supervision for 9 to 20 children and two years of experience under supervision for 21 and above children. Contact the Office of Child Care at 301-333-6940 for any other age-appropriate situations, i.e., church nursery, etc.
- Is the Continuing Education Certificate in Early Childhood Program Management required by the Office of Child Care?
No, however, there is a training requirement of 40-45 hours for directors. You may use the four core classes of this certificate to meet the administrative training requirement. It is recommended, however, to complete the full certificate for use in the Maryland Credential Program under Professionalism. These courses will greatly add to a portfolio making you more marketable.
- Can I count family child care as time under supervision?
Yes, but it is valued at half time only. That means that family child care for two years is counted as only one year under supervision.
- What is the MarylandCredential Program?
In 2001, the State of Marylandlaunched the voluntary Maryland Credential Program that recognizes child care providers who go beyond the state requirements for licensing and registration. There are six credential levels, each recognizing achievement of a specified number of training hours, years of experience, and professional activities that lead to the improved quality of child care, including:
D: Child Development
C: Curriculum
H: Health, safety, and nutrition
P: Professionalism
L: Community
S: Special needs
In addition to personal satisfaction and professional growth, program participants are eligible for a bonus at each level. For more information about the program and how to apply, call the Office of Child Care at 301-333-6940 or the Maryland Credential Office in Baltimoreat 410-767-7852.
- What is the CDA?
The Child Development Associate (CDA) is a professional certification from the Council for Early Childhood Recognition that is recognized nationally. The benefit of having a CDA certification is that if you move to another state, you will not be required to retake your 90 Hours training to be hired in a child care center. The CDA requires 120 hours of training in age-appropriate course work. Within five years of taking the 90 Hour program, you must complete the CDA application and other requirements; such as preparing a portfolio, securing an advisor, observing a center in operation, and writing the competency statements. When this has been completed, you submit the paperwork and have your interview and testing. You must complete the process within six months. For additional information, can link to or call the Council for Early Childhood Recognition in Washington, DC, at 202-265-9090
- Who can I contact for more information?
Mary Anne Ryan, PGCC Program Coordinator
301-386-7545, mryan@pgcc.edu
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