New Opportunity for Maryland Early Childhood Educators

The Council for Professional Recognition, the nonprofit that administers the globally recognized competency credential, the Child Development Associate® (CDA), is making thousands of Maryland early childhood educators aware of a professional opportunity that will benefit them, students, families and communities.

The Maryland State Department of Education has awarded a grant to the Council that will cover the cost of credential fees and books so early childhood educators in the state can earn CDAs; eligible candidates are registered family child care providers and licensed child care center staff.

Currently, about 2,300 Marylanders hold a CDA and supporters think this initiative will greatly increase this number. The Council is also working with Maryland Family Network (MFN) to provide information on funding and how to apply. Eligible early childhood educators can learn more at the MFN website: https://www.marylandfamilynetwork.org/CDA.

“Maryland’s CDA-certified early childhood educators have mastered the knowledge and skills required to support a child’s emotional, physical, intellectual and social development and we’re ready to help more of them join our ranks. We believe this Maryland initiative will serve as a national model,” says Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr., the Council’s CEO who holds a CDA himself.

“This is an important step in Maryland’s effort to create a revised early childhood education career ladder and we’re proud to be working with the Council to make it happen. We know that a learning environment that includes educators who meet the Council’s high standards will help Maryland’s children be better prepared to start elementary school,” says Steven Hicks, Assistant State Superintendent Division of Early Childhood, Maryland State Department of Education.

The Council will be working with Maryland officials to host webinars about the credentialing process.