Maryland Early EdCorp
Overview
Grow Your Career: Earn the Child Development Associate (CDA®) Credential and Support the Needs of Young Learners
What is MEEC?
The Maryland Early EdCorp (MEEC) CDA Registered Apprenticeship program provides learning supports that guide early childhood teachers to meet the requirements of the Child Development Associate (CDA®) credential. By earning the CDA, educators are taking an important step toward advancing their career path.
MEEC provides free supports to prepare teachers for successful completion of the Child Development Associate (CDA®) Credential:
- 160 hours of high-quality early education coursework that focuses on supporting the needs of all children and families
- A Coach during On-The-Job Learning in the classroom
- A loaned Chromebook to ensure access to all program materials
- The application fee for the CDA Credential and all required textbooks
Interested in applying? To meet the eligibility requirements an applicant must have:
- A high school diploma, GED, or enrollment in a high school career and technical education program
- Current employment in an early childhood classroom
- Documentation of a criminal background clearance and eligibility to work in the United States
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.
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
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.