Director/ Administrator Training
To become a child care Director in Maryland, individuals must have specific education, experience, and training.
For a center with more than 40 children, directors need:
- an AA with at least 15 semester hours in early childhood education or
- a bachelor’s degree
Plus
- 2 years of experience, and
- either the 90 clock hour certification or a CDA Credential.
What Other Training Does a Maryland Director Need?
In addition, Maryland directors must complete:
- 45 Hours Director-Administration ONLINE, which is designed for the Maryland director pathway.
- 9 Hour Communication Course
- Including All Children and the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Basic Health & Safety and Breastfeeding Awareness, completed within 90 days of employment
- Pediatric Blended First Aid & CPR/AED Adult, Child, Infant
- 6 Hour Medication Administration Training (MAT)
- Emergency and Disaster Preparedness- Online
If Your Center Serves Infants or Toddlers
If you want to become a director in a Maryland center that serves infants or toddlers, you also need infant/toddler training. ChildCareEd offers 45-Hour Infant and Toddler Curriculum.
Where to Take Approved Training in Maryland
Approved training can be taken through MSDE-approved trainers and training organizations.
ChildCareEd is listed by Maryland as an approved training organization and an approved online training organization. It is also listed on Maryland’s approved 45-hour course list for Director/Administration, Child Growth and Development, Infant/Toddler Curriculum, Preservice Curriculum, and School-Age Curriculum.
Can You Take the Maryland Director Training Online?
Yes, many parts of the Maryland director pathway can be completed online. ChildCareEd offers online options for 45 Hours Director-Administration ONLINE, 45 hour Growth and Development Birth-age 12 ONLINE, 45-Hour Preschool Curriculum, 45 Hours Director-Administration ONLINE, and 9 Hour Communication Course.
How to Get Started
Start with the 90-hour preservice training and the director administration course. Then complete the required communication and ADA training. If your center serves infants or toddlers, add infant/toddler coursework. After hire, complete Basic Health and Safety training within 90 days and Maryland’s required regulation training within 6 months.
