Family Child Care Training
The Maryland family child care provider training pathway includes approved preservice training, First Aid and CPR, emergency and disaster planning, breastfeeding support, ADA training, medication administration, and Basic Health and Safety training after registration. One common way to meet the preservice requirement is the 24-hour family child care preservice course. Maryland also allows other pathways, including the 90-hour course, a CDA, or qualifying college coursework.
What Is Included in pre-service training?
A common way to qualify as a family child care provider in Maryland is to complete 24 Hour Family Child Care Pre-Service Training ONLINE. This course covers the six Core of Knowledge areas required by Maryland for family child care preservice training.
What Other Training Does a Maryland Family Child Care Provider Need?
In addition to the 24-hour preservice course, Maryland family child care providers must complete:
- Pediatric Blended First Aid & CPR/AED Adult, Child, Infant
- Emergency and Disaster Preparedness- Online
- Including All Children and the Americans with Disabilities Act
- 6 Hour Medication Administration Training (MAT)
- Basic Health & Safety and Breastfeeding Awareness, completed within 90 days of initial registration
If You Plan to Care for Infants and Toddlers
If you want to care for more than two children younger than age 2, Maryland requires 3 semester hours or 45 clock hours of approved training related to the care of children younger than 2. ChildCareEd offers 45-Hour Infant and Toddler Curriculum. If you want to care for any child younger than 24 months, Maryland also requires approved SIDS training completed within 5 years. ChildCareEd offers SIDS: Saving Babies: A Change of Position, A Change in Tradition.
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 Child Growth and Development, Infant/Toddler Curriculum, Preservice Curriculum, and School-Age Curriculum.
Can You Take the Maryland Family Child Care Provider Training Online?
Yes, much of the Maryland family child care provider pathway can be completed online. ChildCareEd offers online options for 24 Hour Family Child Care Pre-Service Training ONLINE, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness- Online, and 45-Hour Infant and Toddler Curriculum. First Aid/CPR and Medication Administration may require in-person or hands-on components depending on the training format.
How to Get Started
Start with the 24 Hour Family Child Care Pre-Service Training ONLINE. Then complete your First Aid and CPR, emergency and disaster planning, ADA training, and medication administration training. After registration, complete Basic Health and Safety training within 90 days. If you plan to care for infants and toddlers, add the infant/toddler course and SIDS training.
