Quality Rating 4: Education/Experience

Requirements

Let’s look at the requirements for Staff Qualifications and Professional Development: Education/Experience: STF 1.4.

Review the requirements for your program type. Some terms may be unfamiliar to you. Select the hyperlinks for more information.

Child Care Center

STF 1.4: Education/Experience

The Director and at least 50% of lead staff hold: a current Maryland Child Care Staff Credential at Level 4 or higher; or an Administrator Credential at Level 1 or higher.

Documentation to submit: Current Maryland Child Care Staff or Administrator Credential certificate or award letter; comment to Program Coordinator identifying the Director and all lead staff.

Family Child Care

STF 1.4: Education/Experience

The Provider and Co-Provider (or for a Large Family Child Care Home, 50% of lead staff) hold: a current Maryland Child Care Staff Credential at Level 4 or higher; or an Administrator Credential at Level 1 or higher.

Documentation to submit: Current Maryland Child Care Staff or Administrator Credential certificate or award letter; comment identifying the Provider, Co-Provider (if applicable), and all lead staff (Large Family Child Care Homes).

School-Age Only

STF 1.4: Education/Experience

The Director and at least 50% of lead staff hold: a current Maryland Child Care Staff Credential at Level 4 or higher; or an Administrator Credential at Level 1 or higher.

Documentation to submit: Current Maryland Child Care Staff or Administrator Credential certificate or award letter; comment to Program Coordinator identifying the Director and all lead staff.

Key Terms

Lead Staff/Teachers

A lead staff member is the person assigned by the program to be responsible for the overall functioning and supervision of the classroom, including but not limited to licensing requirements, educational programming, and parent communication.

Maryland Child Care Staff Credential and Administrator Credential

The Maryland Child Care Credential recognizes child care providers who go beyond licensing and registration regulations. There are seven staff credential levels and four administrative levels. Each level recognizes an individual’s achievement of a specific number of training hours, years of experience, and professional activities which lead to quality child care.

Please note: The Maryland Child Care Credential Program is not accepting applications July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. If this affects the program’s ability to meet STF 1, please review these frequently asked questions.