TQF 1, Level 5 (Pre-K)

Having the appropriate credentials to teach public prekindergarten ensures that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the position. The characteristics of young children require that teachers can utilize developmentally appropriate teaching and assessment methods.

Level 5:

All prekindergarten teachers hold a current teaching certificate from the State of Maryland with an endorsement for Early Childhood Pre-K to Grade 3. At least 50% of Pre-K teachers with 10 or more years of experience hold an Advanced Professional Certificate.

Documentation to upload: 

• State of Maryland teaching certificates
• Letter(s) from school administrator

Instructions

Preparing to submit the required documentation includes multiple steps.

1. Gather the teaching certificate for each prekindergarten teacher.
2. Gather a letter from an administrator verifying the number of years of experience for each prekindergarten teacher. The letter must be dated and on school/county letterhead.
3. Add a comment verifying how many Pre-K 4 classrooms are at the school.
4. Upload the teaching certificate(s) and letter.

• Review the certificate(s) to ensure that it meets the requirements and the letter to ensure it provides the required information.
• Log into the Maryland EXCELS System to upload the teaching certificate(s) and letter.
• Add a comment verifying how many Pre-K 4 classrooms are at the school.
• Submit for review.

Please note the TQF ratings are valid for one year. Set an alert on your calendar to gather a new letter and teaching certificates(if necessary) before the TQF expiration date. Add the required comment, upload current documentation, and submit TQF for review before the expiration date.