Professional development is an integral part of being the best early childcare provider you can be and quality learning opportunities equip educators will the skills and knowledge they need to stay current and move forward in rewarding careers. 

The following online tools, tips, resources and trainings support early childhood educators and keep providers connected to the latest research and teaching strategies, improving the quality of education for early learners.

Online courses and Clock Hours:

Access a wide variety of online learning opportunities and enhance your profession with convenient courses you can take from the comforts of home!

Your Career as a Child Care Center Aide Online Course - (Online Course - 3 Clock Hours)
Child Care Center Aides learn the important duties of this position in order to work with and protect children in a child care setting and review pertinent state regulations (COMAR).

Child Care Directors: Understanding Your Role and Responsibilities (Online Course - 3 Clock Hours)
Child Care Directors learn how to operate a successful business from Office of Child Care staff at the Maryland State Department of Education, seasoned child care center directors, and early childhood professionals.

MSDE Approved On-line Training Organizations

PBS Teacherline Raising Readers Courses

Free Online Courses:

• Literacy Network: Discover free online courses that offer just in time learning for childcare providers to support teaching specific skills.
• Wonderopolis from National Center for Family Literacy: Thinkfinity, the Verizon Foundation's digital learning platform, is providing free 30 minute webinar "tours" to introduce members to the site features.

Find Courses In Your Area:

Explore face-to-face learning opportunities and enhance your career with local classes and professional development credits. Look into a wide variety of courses and programs at community colleges in your area.

Statewide Opportunities
	Maryland Committee For Children Online Database (Statewide)
Opportunities by County
Anne Arundel County	Anne Arundel Community College
Baltimore City	Baltimore City Community College Early Childhood Education Degree Course Search
Baltimore County	Community College of Baltimore County Teacher Education - Early Childhood Education Towson University Department of Early Childhood Education
Carroll County	Carroll County Community College Early Childhood Development Courses
Cecil County	Cecil County Community College Associate of Arts in Teaching Associate of Applied Science
Eastern Shore Lower (Somerset, Wicomico, Worchester)	Wor-Wic Community College Associates and Certification Programs
Eastern Shore Upper (Caroline, Kent, Dorchester, Queen Anne, Talbot)	Chesapeake College Early Childhood Development Certificates and Programs
Harford County	Harford Community College Programs of Instruction
Howard County	Howard County Community College Childcare Courses, Clock Hours, Credentialing
Montgomery County	Montgomery College Workforce Development and Continuing Education Early Childhood Education Curriculum Courses and Child Development Classes
Prince George's County	College of Southern Maryland Associates Degree, Approved Continuing Education and Training Program
Western Maryland (Allegany, Garrett, Washington)	Garrett County Communitiy College 2009-2010 Academic Calendar Associates Degree Transfer Program Hagerstown Community College Child Care Professional Certificate Associate of Applied Science Degree Career Program in Early Childhood and Primary Grades Education Associate of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education

Courses coming soon:

 

	Self-facilitated courses developed in partnership with MSDE for child care directors
	Family child care pre-service modules

 

Access tips and tools to support professional growth:

 

	Build Your Resume Get ready for an exciting career in early childhood education with Thinkport's easy-to-use resume builder.
	Create Your Own Web Site Create a professional Web site in no time at all and share important information about your program.
	Access Credentialing, Accreditation and Reimbursement Information Access information about credentialing, accreditation, tiered-reimbursement, and other programs available through MSDE.
	Connect with Early Childhood Professional Organizations Stay connected in the field and link to helpful organizations, resources and information.
	Access Childcare Licensing Regulations Stay on top of your career and access helpful licensing regulations from MSDE.