Can you start a child day care center with just an associates in early childhood education?
For the state of maryland I know you can open a child day care center with a degree in early childhood education but i was wondering if an associates was ok or if it had to be a bachelors. I know the higher the education the better but I was wondering if it could be done with an associates. None of the websites are specific. Please serious answers only. Thanks in advance!
Public Comments
- Sweettfragrances.com, Try asking a child care staff member for advice. http://www.localchildcarecenters.com/Maryland.html
- Can you call a state inspector's office and find out? If you talk to a real person instead of just on line, maybe they could help you answer your question. It seems to me that a lot of women do day care who have no educational experience in the field. Moms who want to stay at home with their kids open up day cares all the time.
- Not exactly sure for your State...but I know in ours you can "open" a center but you must have a director that meets qualifications (whether that be you-the owner or another individual). This is from your state's guidelines.
.05 Directors of All Child Care Centers—General Requirements.
A. Except when engaged in occasional center-related activities or away on leave, a director shall be present in a center during at least 1/2 of the operating hours of the center each week to:
(1) Plan and supervise all aspects of the program for children;
(2) Supervise the staff; and
(3) Be available to staff, parents, and children.
B. To qualify as a director of a center, an individual shall:
(1) Be at least 21 years old;
(2) Hold a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalence, or have successfully completed at least two courses for credit from an accredited college or university;
(3) Have successfully completed:
(a) 9 clock hours of approved preservice training in communicating with staff, parents, and the public; and
(b) 3 semester hours or their equivalent of approved administrative training;
(4) Have successfully completed 6 semester hours or 90 clock hours, or their equivalent, of approved preservice training, or hold the Child Development Associate National Credential that is issued by the Council for Professional Recognition; and
(5) Within 6 months after date of hire, complete a regulation training to the requirements of this subtitle that is conducted by the office, if hired on or after January 1, 2009.
C. A director shall:
(1) According to the individual's professional development plan, complete approved continued training, at the rate of at least 12 clock hours per full year of employment as a director, that consists of a:
(a) Minimum of 6 clock hours of core of knowledge training; and
(b) Maximum of 6 clock hours of elective training; and
(2) Document completion of the continued training on the professional development plan.
There are specifics for preschool centers and school-age centers and combined. I added the LONG website address...but just go to www.maryland.gov and search day care licensing and it should come up for you. Good luck.
