State grant aids those interested in childcare careers

Hagerstown Community College and the Maryland State Department of Education are offering a unique funding opportunity for childcare providers to earn an associate’s degree (AAS or AAT) in early childhood.

HCC is currently accepting approved applicants for the Childcare Career and Professional Development Fund, which offers scholarship opportunities for people working in childcare. Approved candidates must possess the motivation and skills that will assist them in successfully completing their degree while employed in childcare and will continue on to work in family or center-based early education programs, full or part-time, upon completion of their degree.

Candidates may enroll in one course a semester up to a full load of credit courses at HCC at no cost to the participant. Candidates must work at a licensed child care/preschool program in the state of Maryland. Prerequisites include high school diploma or G.E.D.; any prerequisite required by an individual community college for credit courses; at least one year working in a licensed childcare center/family childcare program; and participation in the MSDE childcare credentialing program. You can apply for your initial credential certificate at the same time you apply for the fund.

Other prerequisites are listed on the MSDE Web site. The scholarship application and fact sheet can be accessed on-line at www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/child_care/credentials/mdcr....

Summer 2010 submission deadline is April 1. For more information about the scholarship program contact Alison Hess, HCC program manager, at 301-790-2800, ext.604, or e-mail amhess@hagerstowncc.edu.