Maryland Early EdCorp (MEEC)

Strengthening Maryland’s Early Childhood Workforce

Overview

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.

The MEEC 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.

MEEC 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.

Principal Investigator and Project Director: Dr. Christy Tirrell-Corbin  Associate Project Director: Dr. Amanda Schwartz