Child Care Management
Program Summary
Obtaining affordable, quality child care, especially for children under age 5, is a major concern for many parents. Child care needs are met in many different ways. Care in a 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 may receive child care services when they are not in school, generally through before- and after-school programs or private summer school programs. With the increasing number of women in the workforce, child care services have been one of the most talked about and fastest growing industries in the US economy.
When considering a career in child care, there are two distinct focuses in child care that are based on the age of the child:
Preschool -- for infants, toddlers, and preschool children (generally referred to as " child care " ) and
School-Age -- for children in Grades K-13 (generally referred to as " before and after care " ).
Within each of these areas and based on the level of education and experience, there are several career opportunities:
Aides, who must be at least 16 years of age and in good health, support the licensed staff in general activities No prior training is required, but many centers are now focusing on aides to enter the field with the 90 hour training;
Senior Staff or Group Leaders, who have primary responsibility for the children and their activities; and
Directors, who may work with the children and also have responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business.
There are also various types of facilities in which Aides, Senior Staff, Group Leaders, and Directors may 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, professional facilities which are licensed based on the applicant ’ s credential and the available space.
While anyone wishing to become a child care provider can " start at the bottom " and work their way up as they go, there is a well-defined career ladder for both options and requirements.
The Maryland State Department of Education is releasing new licensing requirements that will be effective July 1, 2008. The new requirements will effect anyone coming into the child care profession and those who are promoted to a new position after this date. Information is available on the Maryland State Department of Education's website ( www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE ) or you contact the regional Office of Child Care in your area. In Prince George's County, the number is 301-333-6940. Specific questions about state licensure or credentialing should be directed to the Office of Child Care at 301-333-6940.
As these programs are required for a professional career, licensed by the State of Maryland, students must have strong English language speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Employment Trends
Preschool teachers, teacher assistants, and childcare workers account for about 3 out of 4 jobs.
Training requirements for entry-level jobs are at a noncredit level.
Program Objectives
Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion and CEUs
State licensure by the Office of C hild Care
Continuing education needed to maintain state licensure
Coursework required to participate in The Maryland Child Care Credential Program
A college-awarded Continuing Education Certificate in the Early Childhood Management Program
Progress toward a degree program in Early Childhood Education
Program Requirements
The Continuing Education Certificate in Child Care Management is awarded upon completion of specific courses designed to provide a solid foundation in the theory and applied principles of child care management. The requirements for awarding the Continuing Education Certificate are successful completion of four core courses and two special topic courses – which typically takes from nine months to one year. The Maryland State Department of Education recognizes this continuing education certificate as competency in the " management " area. Courses are listed in suggested sequential order.
Program Curriculum
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Crs #
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Course Name
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Hrs
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Core Courses to be taken order listed:
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DCR395
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Introduction to the Business of Early Childhood
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12
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DCR397
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Planning and Developing Early Childhood Programs
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12
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DCR398
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Financial Management of Early Childhood Programs
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12
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DCR331
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Personnel Management of Early Childhood Programs
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12
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Core subtotal
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48
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Special Topics from which two* must be selected:
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DCR429
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Business Writing in Early Childhood Programs
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12
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DCR396
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DCR396 Working with Families in Early Childhood Programs
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12
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DCR332
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Managing the Early Childhood Environment
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12
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* While only two electives are required, students are
encouraged to take all four.
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Elective subtotal
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24
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Program total
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60
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How long does the 90 Hour training take?
The Child Care 90 Hour course takes three months if taking a Saturday class or an evening class. It takes 6 to 7 weeks if taking a daytime course (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)4 two days a week. We offer it this way at the University Town Center (UTC) in Hyattsville during the spring and fall semesters. We do offer a fast-paced course in the summer, and it is a daytime training (8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.). Over the course of a month, you attend 15 sessions Monday through Friday with one week off during that time frame.
Most 45 hour courses take a month to six weeks depending on how they are scheduled. If taken on a Saturday, classes take 6 sessions and if taken as a combination (two nights a week and Saturdays) it is 10 sessions and is done in a month).
If I take Child Care 90 Hours, what am I qualified to do?
You can be a lead teacher or senior staff member in a child care center. Or, you can be the director of 9 to 12 children in your home (small group center) or 13 to 20 children outside your home. You may also use it in place of the 8 hour training needed to do family child care in your home up to 8 children.
Should I take credit or noncredit courses?
That depends on your career goals. If you plan to work in the child care field for an extended period of time, you will go further and make more money with a degree in Early Childhood Education.
If I decide to pursue an AA 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 challenge exam offered in the testing office for $35 a test. The tests are for ECE151 Child Growth and Development and ECE257 Curriculum/Activities. If you pass one or both, your will be given three or six college credits on your transcript. You do not pay an additional charge for the tests if you take it as part of ECE101.
You can also take the new Transition to Early Childhood Education course. This is a review course for anyone who wants to begin their AA degree in Early Childhood Education and want to get credit for the 90 hour course. It does not matter if you did not take the course at the college. This course will review the theorists and the new brain research to help you be successful when you take the two tests at the end of the one -credit course. If you pass one test, you will get three college credits and if you pass both, you will get six college credits. You are actually challenging that you know the information for ECE151 (Child Growth and Development) and ECE257 (Curriculum/Activities). This is probably the best way since the exams are developed from a test bank of questions submitted by all the Early Childhood Education departments in the Maryland Community College System.
Can I be a director of my own child care center even if I have no college credits?
Yes, but only for up to 20 children. In the meantime, you can hire a college-trained director that is approved through the Office of Child Care while you go to school to get the training that is required to be the director of your own center. Then, after you have the required credits and meet the other requirements, you can expand the size of your center. For example:
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.
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.
What is required to care for children in my home?
Call the Office of Child Care at 301-333-6940 on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings before noon to register for the next available orientation. There is no charge for this orientation. You must arrive on time and stay for the entire orientation. This is mandatory in order to start in-home child care. Do not bring children with you. Complete and submit the application you will receive at the orientation, and fulfill the other requirements, such as medical and background checks and a home inspection. Check the PGCC Schedule of Classes to register for and take CPR/First Aid training for child care providers. This is offered as a one-day class once each semester. Minimum training, 8 hours of course work. There are four options:
Option 1. Child Care 90 Hour Course offered by PGCC. This is a better choice! This expanded program will make you far more marketable when advertising and being interviewed by parents. Your knowledge base will also be greater given your extended training, which includes curriculum ideas and activities, child development patterns, and health care.
Option 2. You may take the Infant and Toddler: 45 Hour course that is now offered at PGCC under a grant at a greatly reduced cost. If you choose this option, you will Also get the 2 hour SIDS training included in this course. The SIDS training is now a new requirement for family child care providers.
Option 3. You may take Starting a Licensed Family Child Care Business (9 hour training) at PGCC
Option 4. Family Child Care Start-Up Course (8 hrs) offered by the Prince George ’ s Child Resource Center (301-772-8420).
How long will it take to get licensed to care for children in my home?
The entire licensing process can take three to six months or longer and can be underway as you are taking your classes. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. The sooner you attend orientation and get your paperwork, the sooner the process can begin.
What is the difference between " Family Child Care " in my home and a " Small Group Center " in my home?
Family Child Care allows you to care for up to eight children. (Be sure to attend " family child care " orientation.) A Small Group Center allows you to care for up to twelve children in your home. (Be sure to attend " center " orientation.) The Fire Department regulations are slightly different for each orientation.
What is required to open my own child care center?
First, attend Center orientation through Child Care Administration. Call 301-333-6940 to reserve a space at the next orientation (orientation is free). At the orientation, you will be given an application that must be completed. The application process must be completed within one year or you must start over. Next, the Fire Department is required to do an inspection, and the director ’ s training and the square footage are factored together when deciding how many children may be in that center. Time under Supervision is a requirement that surprises a lot of people who want to open a center. If you have the education and take the 90 hours course or the six credits in Early Childhood Education, there is still a requirement that you have spent one year under supervision for 9 to 20 children and two years under supervision for 21 and above children. Contact the Office of Child Care at 301-499-3600 for any other age-appropriate situations, i.e., church nursery, etc. They will make the determination.
Note: The Continuing Education Certificate in Child Care Management is not required but will greatly help you as you begin the process of opening your own center.
Can I count family child care as time under supervision?
Yes, you can count family child care, but it is valued as half time only. That means for one year under supervision, you must do family child care for two years.
What is the Maryland Credential Program?
The state of Maryland launched the voluntary Maryland Credential Program on July 1, 2001, that recognizes child care providers who go beyond the requirements of state licensing and registration regulations. There are six credential levels, each one recognizing a child care provider ’ s achievement of a specified number of training hours, years of experience, and professional activities which lead to quality child care. Besides personal satisfaction and growth, you will be eligible for a bonus at each level. For more information about the program and how to apply, call your specialist at the Office of Child Care at 301-333-6940 or the Maryland Credential Office in Baltimore at 410-767-7852.
Participating providers will complete training in topic areas in order to develop the knowledge and skills they need to provide the highest quality care for the children and families they serve. All regulated family child care providers and child care center staff are eligible and encouraged to participate. Topic areas include:
D: Child Development P: Professionalism
C: Curriculum L: Community
H: Health, safety, and nutrition S: Special needs
What is the CDA?
The CDA (Child Development Associate) is a professional certification from the Council for Early Childhood Recognition. This certification is recognized nationally. If you move to another location in the United States you will not be required to retake your 90 Hour training to be hired in a child care center. If you take the Child Care: 90 Hours course and move to another state, they will question your training and more than likely require you to take only 90 hours of training over before being hired.
The CDA requires 120 hours of training in age-appropriate course work. You can work towards the training requirement on the credit side of the college while taking courses in early childhood education. You would then get your application, prepare your portfolio, and complete the other requirements; such as, securing an advisor, having an observation at a center, 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. You must also begin your 90 Hour training and complete your CDA within five years. If you took the 64 hours of training (Daycare I and II) a number of years ago, you may not use that towards the CDA because it would be longer than the five years permitted.
The CDA is required to work in Washington, DC. It is not required in Maryland but looks good on a resume and will help you in the Credentialing Program.
Are the Continuing Education Certificate in Child Care Management courses required by the Office of Child Care?
No, they are not required. However, these courses can be used in the Maryland Credential Program under Professionalism. These courses will greatly add to a portfolio or resume if you are applying to be a director for someone else. When you take these courses, they will help you decide if this is the right route for you to take before you make a financial investment to purchase and/or renovate property to open a center.