Maryland Early EdCorp (MEEC)
Overview
Strengthening Maryland’s Early Childhood Workforce
The Maryland Early EdCorp (MEEC) is the University of Maryland Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention’s (CECEI) statewide Child Development Associate (CDA) Registered Apprenticeship program. Established in 2023, MEEC prepares and supports early childhood educators through structured career pathways that combine coursework, workplace learning, coaching, and credential attainment.
MEEC works with child care programs, public school systems, community organizations, and state agencies to strengthen Maryland’s early childhood workforce and expand equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities for children and families.
Our Approach
MEEC is built around a common apprenticeship framework that combines:
Related Technical Instruction aligned with the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
Structured on-the-job learning
Individualized coaching and mentoring
Partnerships with employers and community organizations
Together, these components support educator preparation, professional growth, and long-term workforce development.
Apprenticeship Pathways
Inclusive PreK Partnerships
Supporting paraeducators and assistant teachers working across community-based programs, public PreK, and special education settings.
Child Care Partnerships
Customized apprenticeship pathways developed with child care providers to meet workforce needs while maintaining consistent program standards.
Youth Apprenticeship
Preparing high school students for careers in early childhood education through a multi-year apprenticeship that integrates classroom learning and workplace experience.
Governor’s Service Year Option
Creating pathways into the profession for young adults through service, coaching, workplace learning, and CDA credential attainment.
Our Partners
MEEC collaborates with child care providers, local school systems, community organizations, institutions of higher education, state agencies, state and national professional associations, and philanthropic organizations. These partnerships allow MEEC to develop apprenticeship pathways that respond to local workforce needs while maintaining a consistent, research-informed approach across Maryland.
Looking Ahead
MEEC continues to expand apprenticeship pathways that strengthen Maryland’s early childhood workforce by preparing educators, supporting employers, and building sustainable career pathways across community- and school-based early childhood settings.
Have questions or want additional information? Contact Early EdCorp.
Maryland Early EdCorp is a project of the Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention (CECEI) at the University of Maryland, College Park. Development of the program was funded by the Maryland State Department of Education as part of the Maryland Rebuilds initiative.
Youth Apprenticeship Program
Teaching - powered by the courage and know-how to shape the future
What are the benefits of joining the Maryland Early EdCorp Youth Apprenticeship Program?
The Maryland Early EdCorp (MEEC) Youth Apprenticeship program and its partners* are offering Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) incoming juniors a paid two-year path to gain teaching experience in early childhood education and earn the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential. The CDA is nationally recognized and can open the door to various employment opportunities and a pathway toward a college degree.
Maryland Early EdCorp Youth Apprenticeship high school students:
- Join a community that builds character and personal growth
- Get paid to teach preschoolers while working at a local child care center
- Take MEEC teacher preparation classes to earn high school credits
- Plan out career goals with a mentor and coach
- Combine STEM and teaching skills to make a big impact on children’s learning
- Prepare to meet the requirements of the CDA credential
*Partners of the Maryland Early EdCorp (MEEC) Youth Apprenticeship program:
- Prince George’s County Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- DC Men in Early Childhood Education
Have questions or would like additional information?
If you are a PGCPS rising junior and would like more information about the upcoming 2026-2028 MEEC Youth Apprenticeship program, contact us using this information form, or email: earlyedcorp@umd.edu.
Employer Partners
The Maryland Early EdCorp (MEEC) CDA Registered Apprenticeship program establishes partnerships that can help professionalize the early childhood workforce and strengthen the quality of inclusive teaching practices in Maryland’s early childhood classrooms. If you are a school district or an early childhood program recognized at a Maryland EXCELS level 3, 4, or 5 and are interested in participating, contact Early EdCorp for more information.
Journeyworkers & Mentor-Coaches
In each site, registered apprentices will have access to a journeyworker (teacher) and a Mentor-Coach who support their on-the-job learning while assisting them with CDA preparation. These individuals are carefully chosen based on their excellence in teaching. They guide apprentices using data, reflection, and practices proven to work for diverse learners in preschool child care settings.
All Journeyworkers are experienced teachers with at least 4 years of experience working in early childhood classrooms who are recommended by their Program Directors. They have earned a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a higher degree with a focus on early childhood, education, or human services. They guide registered apprentices in their own classroom, modeling developmentally appropriate teaching practices and offering on-the-spot support. Each Journeyworker will earn 3 Core of Knowledge hours for orientation activities and 3 Professional Activity Units for their work supporting registered apprentices.
Mentor-Coaches are expert early educators selected for their coaching skills. They will conduct monthly observations of registered apprentices using CDA tools to provide ongoing assessment and feedback. Using a reflective coaching method, mentor-coaches will provide ongoing support as registered apprentices work towards their CDA and use developmentally appropriate practices in their classroom.
Partners
The Council for Professional Recognition: A leader in the professionalization of early childhood education, the Council advances career pathways for early childhood educators through high-quality, competency-based credentialing.
The Maryland Head Start Association: Maryland’s state association for professionals and families working in Head Start programs.
The Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives: Maryland’s membership association for Chamber of Commerce executives, and their counterparts from similar organizations, from across the state.
DC Men in ECE: The DC Metropolitan Area’s professional organization to empower men of color in the early childhood education field.
County Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies
Local Judy Centers, Head Start Programs, and Child Care Programs
Testimonials
“It [the program] gave me the confidence to grow professionally and take the initiative to try new challenges in the classroom."
- Talle Ford, Assistant Teacher and CDA Apprentice
"[Our apprentice] is so well prepared now as a teacher… [The mentoring] was really amazing, and just really sent a message to her and to us just how committed you all are to this program, to see her in action, and to get that feedback. "
- Deborah Duffy, Program Director, Clara Barton Center for Children
Contact Us
Have comments or questions? The Early EdCorp team would love to hear from you! Please send us an email at earlyedcorp@umd.edu.