Core Requirement Courses
Below, please see the latest listing of courses. Please note that courses are listed in alphabetical order.
(ADA Course) Including All Children and the ADA
This course provides essential information that every child care and education professional needs to know about the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Go beyond the definition of ADA to learn inclusionary best practices, strategies and resources for implementing an early childhood or school age environment that is inclusive to all children and families.
These classes are designed to help you get your program aligned with Maryland EXCELS as well as to help you reach higher Maryland Child Care Credential levels. Credential Boosters are classes that are identified by MSDE in the Staff Credential modifications for levels 2, 3 and 4.
Please note the following about these courses:
Required Course. MSDE Core of Knowledge: SN .3 CEUs.
Tuition: $50 (fee based, no waivers)
| Aug 28-Dec 08 | Online |
| You may begin this class anytime from August 28 to December 1. Final deadline for course work is Dec 8. | |
| Jan 8 - May 17 | Online |
| You may begin this class anytime from January 8 to May 17. | |
Basic Health & Safety Training *Required Course*
Gain a foundation of information about critical health and safety topics and practice skills designed to meet the proposed Maryland licensing regulation requiring training for all child care providers in basic health and safety areas. You will learn how to set up and maintain a safe and healthy environment. Topics include supervision, safe practices to prevent and reduce injuries, identification and reporting of abuse or neglect, and proper sanitation practices and procedures. No refunds issued. MSDE Core of Knowledge: 5 hrs. Health, Safety & Nutrition. .5 CEUs.
Online course takes about 5 hours to complete (completion times vary.) Online class has no classroom meetings. After you register, you will receive an email with log in instructions for Canvas. Instructor’s contact information is listed on the syllabus in the online course. You will need access to a computer, the internet and email to take this course.
Tuition: $75 (includes $40 in fees*)
| Aug 28-Dec 8 | Online |
| You may begin this class anytime from August 28 to December 1. Final deadline for course work is December 8. | |
| Jan 8 - May 17 | Online |
| You may begin this class anytime from January 8 to May 17. | |
Child Care Administration
This course prepares prospective directors to administer and manage a child care center. Topics include state requirements and compliance standards for physical facilities, licensing, insurance, and staffing child care programs. Other topics include recordkeeping, budget and bookkeeping, personnel selection, training and managing staff, food services, equipment, materials, and community involvement. This certification course satisfies the MSDE requirement for 45 hours of administrative training for child care center directors. You must successfully complete all course requirements to receive a certificate. Refunds issued up until 7 days before course start date. 4.5 CEUs.
Online class has no classroom meetings. After you register, you will receive an automated reply with log in instructions for Canvas. Begin work on the start date. Instructor’s contact information is listed on the syllabus in the online course. Purchase required materials from the ACM bookstore howardcc.bncollege.com.
Tuition: $250 (includes $90 in fees*)
| Oct 12 - Nov 30 | Online |
| Feb 1 - Mar 21 | Online |
| Apr 11 - May 30 | Online |
Child Growth and Development - 45 Hours
This certification course satisfies the child development half of the MSDE requirement of 90 hours for child care teachers and directors. Gain a broad overview of major concepts, theories and research related to the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of the child from birth through age 12. This course and a 45-hour course in age-appropriate curriculum (preschool, infant-toddler, or school-age) are required to complete the 90-hour certification for child care. You must successfully complete all course requirements to receive a certificate. Aligns with MD Staff Credential levels 2-4. Refunds issued up until 7 days before course start date. Purchase textbook prior to class. (T) 4.5 CEUs.
Online class has no classroom meetings. After you register, you will receive an automated reply with log in instructions for Canvas. Begin work on the start date. Instructor’s contact information is listed on the syllabus in the online course.
Tuition: $250 (includes $90 in fees*)
| Sept 8 - Oct 27 | Online |
| Oct 13 - Dec 1 | Online |
| Jan 12 - Mar 1 | Online |
| Apr 5 - May 24 | Online |
Communication Skills for Child Care Professionals
This course is designed for child care professionals as an introduction to the basic concepts of developing strong communication skills when working in a child care center. Topics include: speaking, writing, interpersonal communication strategies, and critical reading techniques, with a focus on communication with parents and co-workers, and communication issues within a typical child care day. Refunds issued up until 7 days before course start date. .9 CEUs.
Online class has no classroom meetings. After you register, you will receive an automated reply with log in instructions for Canvas. Begin work on the start date. Instructor’s contact information is listed on the syllabus in the online course.
Tuition: $110 (includes $65 in fees*)
| Oct 30-Nov 13 | Online |
| Feb 5 - Feb 19 30 | Online |
| May 6 - May 20 | Online |
Family Child Care Pre-Service
This class satisfies state training requirements for Family Child Care applicants and new providers to start and operate a home-based child care business. Includes a total of 24 clock-hours: four clock-hours of training in each of the state approved Core of Knowledge areas: Child Development, Curriculum, Health, Safety & Nutrition, Special Needs, Professionalism, and Community. You must successfully complete all course requirements to receive a certificate. No refunds issued. 2.4 CEUs.
This is an online course that you complete at your own pace, with instructor guidance, and takes approximately 24 hours to complete (completion times may vary). Online class has no classroom meetings. After you register, you will receive an automated reply with log in instructions for Canvas. Instructor’s contact information is listed on the syllabus in the online course. You will need access to a computer, the internet and email to take this course.
Tuition: $250 (includes $90 in fees*)
| Aug 28-Dec 8 | Online |
| You may begin this class anytime from August 28 to December 8. | |
| Jan 8 - May 17 | Online |
| You may begin this class anytime from January 8 to May 17. | |
Infant and Toddler Care 45 Hours
Gain the skills necessary to work with infants and build communication skills to use with parents, co-workers and the public. Topics include growth and development, curriculum planning, goal setting, selection of age-appropriate materials, and methods for infants and toddlers birth to age 3. This certification course satisfies the MSDE requirement of 45 hours of infant-toddler curriculum training for child care teachers, directors, and family providers working with infants and toddlers. Teachers of two-year-olds in a licensed Preschool may also need the Preschool Curriculum course (consult your licensing specialist.) You must successfully complete class assignments to receive a certificate. Refunds issued up until 7 days before course start date. 4.5 CEUs.
Online class has no classroom meetings. After you register, you will receive an automated reply with log in instructions for Canvas. Begin work on the start date. Instructor’s contact information is listed on the syllabus in the online course.
Tuition: $250 (includes $90 in fees*)
| Sept 11-Oct 30 | Online |
| Oct 9-Nov 27 | Online |
| Jan 8 - Feb 26 | Online |
| Apr 8 - May 27 | Online |
Preschool Curriculum and Activities 45 Hours
Become prepared for a position in a child care center or preschool. This certification course satisfies the curriculum half of the MSDE requirement of 90 hours of training for child care teachers and directors working with preschoolers. Basic concepts of curriculum planning and implementation for children three to five years old are introduced. Topics include: teaching strategies, environment design, and implementation of best practices in early childhood education. You must successfully complete all course requirements to receive a certificate. Aligns with MD Staff Credential levels 2-4. Refunds issued up until 7 days before course start date. Purchase textbook prior to class.(T) 4.5 CEUs.
Online class has no classroom meetings. After you register, you will receive an automated reply with log in instructions for Canvas. Begin work on the start date. Instructor’s contact information is listed on the syllabus in the online course.
Tuition: $250 (includes $90 in fees*)
| Sept 11-Oct 30 | Online |
| Oct 9-Nov 27 | Online |
| Jan 8 - Feb 26 | Online |
| Apr 8 - May 27 | Online |
School Age Child Care Curriculum 45 Hours
Gain the skills necessary to work in school-age child care programs. Topics include curriculum planning, age-appropriate materials and methods for working with children ages six-13. This certification course satisfies the curriculum half of the MSDE requirement of 90 hours of child care training for teachers, directors, and coordinators working with school-age children. You must successfully complete all course requirements to receive a certificate. Aligns with MD Staff Credential levels 2-4. Refunds issued up until 7 days before course start date. Purchase textbook prior to class. (T) 4.5 CEUs.
Online class has no classroom meetings. After you register, you will receive an automated reply with log in instructions for Canvas. Begin work on the start date. Instructor’s contact information is listed on the syllabus in the online course.
Tuition: $250 (includes $90 in fees*)
| Oct 11-Nov 29 | Online |
| Jan 17 - Mar 6 | Online |
| Apr 10 - May 29 | Online |
Supporting Breastfeeding in Child Care
REQUIRED COURSE for child care teachers, directors and family child care providers
caring for children under two.
Learn to make your program breastfeeding-friendly for families. Satisfies the MSDE breastfeeding support requirement for child care professionals. This course provides an overview of the state regulation, guidelines and resources to support the practice of breastfeeding and provides related resources for families within a child care program.
These classes are designed to help you get your program aligned with Maryland EXCELS as well as to help you reach higher Maryland Child Care Credential levels. Credential Boosters are classes that are identified by MSDE in the Staff Credential modifications for levels 2, 3 and 4.
Please note the following about these courses:
Required Course. MSDE Core of Knowledge: Com .3 CEUs.
Tuition: $50 (fee based, no waivers)
| Aug 28-Dec 8 | Online |
| You may begin this class anytime from August 28 to December 1. Final deadline for course work is December 8. | |
| Jan 8 - May 17 | Online |
Course Legend
* Fees not eligible for waiver.
** Tuition and fees not eligible for waiver for XE courses.
(S) = Supplies needed. Instructor will provide list at first class.
(T) = Textbook recommended or required. Purchase at ACM Bookstore or online before
first class.
