Young Children and Teacher Looking at Object in Garden

Maryland Early EdCorp

Overview

Grow Your Career: Earn the Child Development Associate (CDA®) Credential and Support the Needs of Young Learners

Male teacher greeting children at classroom door

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. 

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:

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

Child and Teacher Playing with Puzzle Pieces

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.

Two Educators With Children In Circle In Classroom

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.