Professional Development Services:  Assists providers with obtaining state or national credentials. There are two types of credentials: the Maryland Child Care Credential and the Child Development Associate Credential.  Each credential has its own course of study and upon completion is a testament to the provider’s competence in early childhood education.

In addition, Professional Development Services also provides support for family child care providers and Centers who are seeking state or national program accreditation. Accreditation is an evaluation of the provider’s education, curriculum and classroom environment.  The provider’s interactions with children are also observed and evaluated as a part of the accreditation process.  Professional development services supports providers as they go through the accreditation process.  Services include: assistance with the accreditation application and supporting documentation, creating a plan for program improvement, creating an individual education plan to achieve accreditation and assistance with reimbursement of accreditation fees.

Professional Development Services also administers the Montgomery County Child Care Quality Enhancement Awards Program (MCCCQEA English/castellano). This is a program funded by the Montgomery County Council to promote the development of quality child care programs in Montgomery County.   Funding is available for:

• Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
• Program Accreditation (State and National)
• Foreign Credential Evaluation Reimbursement
• Coursework to pursue a degree in early childhood education

• Creating an individual education plan
• Applying for foreign credential evaluation
• Applying for the MSDE professional development fund
• College course selection to obtain a degree in early childhood education
• Enrolling in a college-level early childhood education program
• Applying for other state and local funding for child care providers