2026 How to Become a Preschool Teacher in Maryland: Requirements & Certification

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Becoming a preschool teacher in Maryland is not just a question of liking children or wanting to work in early learning. The bigger decision is which setting you want to teach in, which credential that setting requires, how much education you are willing to complete, and whether the cost and timeline match your career goals.

Maryland preschool teachers may work in public pre-K classrooms, private preschools, Head Start programs, child care centers, faith-based schools, and early intervention settings. Requirements can differ by employer, but candidates who want the broadest public-school teaching options should expect to complete a bachelor’s degree, a state-approved teacher preparation program, required exams, student teaching, background checks, and ongoing professional development through the Maryland State Department of Education. Colleges such as Towson University can be useful places to compare early childhood education pathways, field placement options, and licensure preparation.

This guide explains the main routes into preschool teaching in Maryland, including degree choices, alternative certification, licensing steps, continuing education, specializations, financial aid, career advancement, and common mistakes to avoid before enrolling in a program.

Quick Answer: How do you become a preschool teacher in Maryland?

The clearest route to becoming a licensed preschool teacher in Maryland is to earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a closely related field, complete a Maryland-approved teacher preparation program with supervised student teaching, pass the required Praxis exams, complete fingerprinting and background checks, and submit an application through the Maryland State Department of Education’s Educator Information System. Some preschool and child care roles may accept an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education for entry-level employment, but a bachelor’s degree generally provides stronger access to public-school positions, lead teacher roles, and long-term advancement.

1. What degree do I need to become a preschool teacher in Maryland?
2. What are alternative certification programs for becoming a preschool teacher in Maryland?
3. How do you get a preschool teaching license in Maryland?
4. What are the continuing education requirements for preschool teachers in Maryland?
5. What specializations are available for preschool teachers in Maryland?
6. How can preschool teachers in Maryland advance their careers?
7. How do Maryland state regulations affect preschool teaching?
8. What is the job outlook for preschool teachers in Maryland over the next 5 years?
9. What career pathways exist for preschool educators in Maryland?
10. What skills are essential for success as a preschool teacher in Maryland?
11. How can interdisciplinary collaboration improve preschool education?
12. What are the common challenges faced by preschool teachers in Maryland?
13. How do private preschool teaching opportunities differ from public ones in Maryland?
14. How can creative approaches transform preschool teaching?
15. Can preschool teaching lead to broader education careers?
16. What options can reduce the cost of becoming a preschool teacher in Maryland?
17. How can music strengthen preschool learning in Maryland?
18. What additional certifications can improve preschool teaching careers in Maryland?
19. What are the key parts of Maryland teacher certification requirements?
20. What financial aid options are available for aspiring preschool teachers in Maryland?
21. What benefits does advanced leadership training offer for preschool educators?
22. What exam preparation strategies can help with Maryland preschool teacher licensure?
23. Key Insights

What degree do I need to become a preschool teacher in Maryland?

The degree you need depends on the preschool setting and the level of responsibility you want. For many entry-level preschool or child care roles, an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field may help you qualify. For a Maryland preschool teaching license, especially in public-school pre-K or lead teaching positions, candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field plus completion of an approved teacher preparation program.

An early childhood education degree prepares candidates to understand how young children learn, how to plan developmentally appropriate lessons, how to support social-emotional growth, and how to communicate with families. Courses often cover child development, literacy foundations, classroom management, assessment, inclusion, health and safety, and supervised field experience.

Accreditation matters. Before enrolling, verify that the program is recognized for Maryland educator preparation or that it clearly supports the credential you want. A program may be academically legitimate but still not satisfy Maryland licensure requirements. This is one of the most common and expensive mistakes aspiring teachers make.

Degree level can affect earnings and mobility. According to the Maryland State Department of Education, preschool teachers with a Bachelor's Degree can earn approximately $10,000 more annually than those with an Associate's Degree. Salary is never guaranteed by degree alone, but employers often use education level, licensure status, experience, and role type when setting pay.

Questions to ask before choosing a degree program

• Is the program approved or designed for Maryland early childhood teacher preparation?
• Will it lead to the specific credential required by public schools, private preschools, or child care centers?
• Does the program include supervised student teaching or clinical internship experience?
• Will credits transfer if you start with an associate degree and later pursue a bachelor’s degree?
• What Praxis preparation, advising, and licensure support does the school provide?

Gender Distribution of Preschool Teachers

Source: Zippia, 2024

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What are alternative certification programs for becoming a preschool teacher in Maryland?

Alternative certification programs in Maryland are designed for candidates who want to enter teaching without following the traditional undergraduate education major from the beginning. These routes may be especially relevant for career changers, teaching assistants, and people who already have classroom or child care experience.

Maryland’s alternative preparation pathways allow some candidates to work toward licensure while gaining classroom experience. They can be faster and more employment-focused than traditional degree routes, but they are not automatically easier. Candidates still need to meet Maryland’s academic, testing, background check, and preparation standards.

If you are considering a longer-term move into supervision or school leadership, it can also help to understand related educational leadership careers, since director and administrator roles often require stronger preparation beyond the basic preschool classroom credential.

Traditional vs. alternative certification in Maryland

Role of internships and work experience

Alternative certification is strongest when it includes meaningful supervised experience. Classroom exposure helps candidates practice lesson planning, child observation, behavior guidance, family communication, and inclusive teaching. For preschool educators, hands-on experience is especially important because young children learn through interaction, routine, play, language, movement, and guided exploration.

Fast-track and online options

Some Maryland candidates look for accelerated or online preparation because they are already working. Flexibility can be helpful, but do not judge a program only by speed. Confirm that the program aligns with MSDE requirements, includes the necessary field experiences, and provides support for Praxis testing and licensure paperwork.

How do you get a preschool teaching license in Maryland?

To get a preschool teaching license in Maryland, candidates generally need to complete the required education, finish an approved preparation program, pass required assessments, complete fingerprinting and background checks, and submit documentation to the Maryland State Department of Education. The exact sequence can vary by pathway, so applicants should verify requirements directly with MSDE and their educator preparation program.

Maryland preschool teacher licensure steps

1. Earn the required degree, typically a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field for licensed teaching roles.
2. Complete a Maryland-approved teacher preparation program that includes a clinical internship or supervised student teaching experience.
3. Pass required licensure assessments, including the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam and the Praxis Subject Assessment for early childhood education. The Praxis 5205 is identified as an early childhood education assessment in this guide.
4. Complete fingerprinting and background checks to meet child safety and employment requirements.
5. Gather official documentation, including transcripts, proof of program completion, exam scores, teaching experience verification if applicable, and completed fingerprinting results.
6. Submit the online application through the MSDE Educator Information System.
7. Monitor application status and respond quickly if MSDE requests additional materials.

Documents to prepare before applying

• Official transcripts showing degree completion
• Verification of completion from an approved teacher preparation program
• Passing Praxis scores and any other required assessment records
• Clinical internship or student teaching documentation
• Fingerprinting and background check results
• Any prior teaching or assistant teaching verification requested by MSDE

How long does approval take?

Applicants should expect the licensing review to take several weeks, and some candidates may experience a timeline of several months depending on missing documents, testing schedules, background check processing, and MSDE review volume. Starting the paperwork early is important, especially if you are trying to meet a school district hiring deadline.

Costs to plan for

Licensure costs can include application fees, assessment fees, fingerprinting, background checks, transcript fees, study materials, and any required coursework. Candidates comparing state requirements may find it useful to review how continuing education and teacher credentialing differ elsewhere, such as this guide to Arkansas continuing education for teachers, but Maryland applicants should rely on MSDE for final state-specific requirements.

What are the continuing education requirements for preschool teachers in Maryland?

Maryland preschool teachers must keep their credentials current through professional development or continuing education. This is not just a renewal formality. Early childhood education changes as new research emerges in child development, inclusion, behavior support, language development, family engagement, and early literacy.

The continuing education requirements described in this guide include two important figures: licensed preschool teachers in Maryland must complete ongoing professional development, including at least 6 credits of continuing education every five years, and Maryland also mandates 60 hours of professional development every five years to renew teaching licenses. Because requirements can depend on the credential type, employer, and role, teachers should confirm their renewal obligations with MSDE before registering for courses.

Useful continuing education topics for preschool teachers

• Child development: Helps teachers recognize typical developmental milestones and identify when additional support may be needed.
• Classroom management: Focuses on routines, transitions, positive reinforcement, and age-appropriate behavior guidance.
• Inclusive education: Strengthens the teacher’s ability to support children with disabilities, multilingual learners, and children with varied learning needs.
• Technology in early learning: Helps teachers use digital tools carefully and developmentally appropriately rather than relying on screens as a substitute for interaction.
• Family communication: Improves collaboration with parents and caregivers, especially when discussing progress, behavior, language, or referrals.

How continuing education can affect career growth

Professional development may help teachers qualify for lead roles, specialized classrooms, mentoring responsibilities, administrative opportunities, or higher salary schedules when an employer recognizes additional credentials. It can also help prevent stagnation by giving teachers new tools for real classroom challenges.

What specializations are available for preschool teachers in Maryland?

Specialization can make a preschool teacher more effective and more competitive, especially in programs serving children with disabilities, multilingual families, or specific curriculum models. The best specialization is the one that matches both student needs and your long-term career goals.

Before paying for a specialization, ask whether it is recognized by Maryland employers, whether it supports licensure or credential advancement, and whether it includes practical classroom application. If you are comparing education careers against other fields for compensation or lifestyle reasons, broad labor-market comparisons such as interior design career and salary information can offer context, but preschool candidates should focus primarily on Maryland education requirements and local employer expectations.

How can preschool teachers in Maryland advance their careers?

Preschool teaching can lead to multiple career directions. Some teachers remain in the classroom and become master teachers. Others move into administration, coaching, curriculum design, special education, policy, research, or higher education. Advancement usually requires a combination of experience, additional coursework, strong evaluations, and leadership ability.

Common advancement routes

• Lead teacher: Takes greater responsibility for curriculum planning, family communication, assessment, and classroom leadership.
• Preschool director or administrator: Oversees staffing, compliance, curriculum, enrollment, budgeting, and program quality.
• Mentor or coach: Supports newer teachers by modeling instruction, reviewing classroom practices, and leading professional development.
• Curriculum coordinator: Designs or improves preschool learning plans aligned with Maryland Early Learning Standards.
• Policy advocate: Uses classroom experience to inform early childhood funding, quality standards, family access, and workforce policy.
• Research or consulting professional: Works with universities, agencies, or organizations to evaluate programs and improve early childhood practice.

Teachers aiming for director or administrator roles often need a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field, additional coursework in administration and management, and higher levels of the Maryland Child Care Credential. A master’s degree may also help teachers compete for leadership positions and higher-paying roles, although outcomes depend on employer requirements and available openings.

Career pathways vary by state, but comparing requirements can help educators understand how credentials travel or differ. For example, teachers who want a broader view of state-by-state pathways can review the requirements for teaching in Nevada while confirming Maryland-specific rules with MSDE.

How do Maryland state regulations affect preschool teaching?

Maryland regulations shape daily preschool work. They influence staffing, safety procedures, classroom routines, curriculum planning, assessment, and documentation. A teacher who understands these rules is better prepared for both licensure and the realities of the job.

What is the job outlook for preschool teachers in Maryland over the next 5 years?

The job outlook for preschool teachers in Maryland over the next five years is described as promising, with a projected growth rate of approximately 7% according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual hiring can vary by county, school district, funding, enrollment patterns, and the number of public and private early childhood programs in a local area.

Factors that may influence hiring

• Urban and rural demand: Urban areas may have stronger demand because of larger populations and more early education programs. Rural areas may grow more slowly but may also have fewer applicants competing for openings.
• Demographic change: Maryland’s increasing diversity and population growth may increase demand for teachers who can work effectively with multilingual families and culturally varied communities.
• Government funding: Public investment in early childhood education, including initiatives such as Maryland Excels, can create or support preschool teaching opportunities.
• Public and private hiring: Public pre-K programs and private preschool providers both offer employment options, but their credential expectations, schedules, benefits, and curriculum models may differ.
• Economic conditions: Education funding can be affected during downturns, but early childhood education remains an essential service for many families and communities.

Job seekers should monitor school district postings, child care centers, Head Start agencies, private preschools, and community-based early learning programs. A strong candidate profile includes the right credential, classroom experience, family communication skills, and evidence of successful work with diverse learners.

What career pathways exist for preschool educators in Maryland?

Maryland preschool educators can build careers in several directions. The classroom is often the starting point, but it does not have to be the endpoint. With experience and additional preparation, early childhood professionals can move into leadership, training, specialized instruction, and broader education roles.

For people who want to enter the field gradually, learning how to become a teacher assistant in Maryland can be a practical first step. Assistant roles provide direct classroom experience and can help candidates decide whether they want to invest in full licensure.

What skills are essential for success as a preschool teacher in Maryland?

Successful preschool teachers combine warmth with structure. They must understand young children’s development while also managing safety, documentation, curriculum, behavior, and family communication. The work is relational, but it is also highly planned.

Core skills Maryland preschool teachers need

• Communication: Teachers must explain progress, concerns, classroom routines, and learning goals clearly to both children and families.
• Classroom management: Preschoolers need predictable routines, positive reinforcement, visual cues, and engaging transitions.
• Creativity: Teachers use storytelling, art, movement, songs, dramatic play, experiments, and hands-on activities to make learning concrete.
• Observation and assessment: Effective teachers notice patterns in language, social interaction, motor development, attention, and problem-solving.
• Inclusive instruction: Maryland classrooms include children with different languages, cultures, abilities, and developmental needs.
• Patience and emotional resilience: Preschool teaching can be physically and emotionally demanding. Teachers need calm responses and consistent expectations.
• Organization: Records, licensing compliance, lesson plans, family updates, and assessment notes must be managed alongside active teaching.

How can interdisciplinary collaboration improve preschool education?

Preschool teachers rarely meet every child’s needs alone. Collaboration with special educators, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, family support workers, nurses, counselors, and administrators can help children receive more targeted support.

This kind of teamwork is especially valuable when a child has delayed speech, sensory needs, motor challenges, behavior concerns, or developmental differences. Teachers who understand related service roles can communicate more effectively and apply classroom strategies consistently. Educators who want to understand one important allied profession can review how to become a speech pathologist in Maryland.

What are the common challenges faced by preschool teachers in Maryland?

Preschool teaching is rewarding, but candidates should understand the difficult parts before committing. The work can involve large groups of young children, intense emotional demands, regulatory paperwork, family expectations, and limited planning time.

Teachers who want deeper preparation in curriculum design, inclusion, and instructional leadership may consider advanced study such as online curriculum and instruction education doctorates, especially if they plan to move into curriculum leadership or research-oriented roles.

How do private preschool teaching opportunities differ from public ones in Maryland?

Private preschools and public pre-K programs can differ in hiring standards, calendars, curriculum flexibility, benefits, salary structure, class size, and licensure expectations. Public-school positions are more likely to require state educator certification, while private preschools may use employer-specific requirements or child care credential standards.

For a deeper look at private-sector expectations, review the guide to private school teacher requirements in Maryland.

How can creative approaches transform preschool teaching?

Creative teaching is not extra decoration in preschool. It is one of the main ways young children learn. Art, music, storytelling, pretend play, movement, sensory exploration, and hands-on discovery help children build language, self-expression, memory, social skills, and early problem-solving.

Teachers can use creative approaches to make lessons more inclusive. A child who struggles to explain an idea verbally may show understanding through drawing, building, movement, or dramatic play. Creative writing and storytelling can also strengthen vocabulary, sequencing, emotional awareness, and early literacy. Educators interested in deepening creative pedagogy may explore advanced study options such as an online creative writing PhD, although preschool teachers should choose graduate study only when it aligns with their career goals and budget.

Can preschool teaching lead to broader education careers?

Yes. Preschool teaching can become a foundation for many education careers because it develops skills in curriculum planning, child assessment, classroom management, family engagement, and developmental support. These skills are useful beyond early childhood, but moving into another grade level or subject usually requires additional certification.

Some preschool teachers later pursue elementary teaching, special education, instructional coaching, school administration, or subject-specific teaching. Others transition into district-level early childhood roles or teacher preparation. For educators considering a move into a different grade band or content area, requirements such as how to be a middle school math teacher in Maryland can show how much additional preparation may be needed.

What emerging trends are shaping preschool education in Maryland?

Several trends are influencing preschool classrooms in Maryland. Teachers are expected to be more intentional about social-emotional learning, inclusion, culturally responsive teaching, early literacy, family engagement, and smooth transitions from preschool to elementary school. Digital tools are also appearing in early learning environments, but strong preschool practice still depends on interaction, play, language-rich routines, and hands-on exploration.

Interdisciplinary collaboration is also becoming more important. Preschool teachers increasingly coordinate with specialists and elementary educators to support children before kindergarten. Teachers who want to understand the next step in the school pipeline may benefit from reviewing how to become an elementary teacher in Maryland.

What options can reduce the cost of becoming a preschool teacher in Maryland?

The cost of becoming a preschool teacher can vary widely depending on whether you attend a community college, public university, private college, online program, or graduate program. The cheapest path is not always the best path if it does not lead to the credential you need, but there are ways to reduce unnecessary cost.

Cost-saving strategies

• Start with a community college associate degree, then transfer into a bachelor’s program if the credits apply cleanly.
• Choose a Maryland-approved program that directly supports your intended credential so you do not pay for extra coursework later.
• Ask whether your employer offers tuition assistance, paid training, or credential support.
• Compare online, hybrid, and part-time options if you need to keep working while studying.
• Apply for grants, scholarships, work-study, and loan forgiveness programs when eligible.
• Use Praxis preparation resources early to reduce the risk of paying for repeated exams.

Students specifically focused on affordability can compare options through this guide to the cheapest teaching credential program in Maryland.

How can music strengthen preschool learning in Maryland?

Music can support preschool learning by giving children structured ways to practice rhythm, language, memory, listening, movement, social participation, and emotional expression. Songs can reinforce routines, transitions, counting, vocabulary, phonological awareness, and group belonging.

Music is especially useful because it reaches children through multiple senses. A child may remember a concept more easily when it is paired with movement, beat, repetition, and melody. Teachers who want to build stronger arts-based instruction can learn more about related pathways through how to become a music teacher in Maryland.

What additional certifications can improve preschool teaching careers in Maryland?

Additional certifications can help preschool teachers qualify for specialized roles, improve classroom practice, and respond to student needs more effectively. The right credential depends on your setting and career goals.

• Special education: Useful for teachers working in inclusive classrooms or early childhood special education programs.
• Bilingual or English learner support: Valuable in communities where many families speak languages other than English at home.
• STEM-focused early childhood training: Helps teachers design age-appropriate inquiry and problem-solving activities.
• Curriculum and instruction credentials: Support movement into curriculum planning, coaching, or program improvement.
• Administration and leadership credentials: Helpful for teachers who want director or supervisor roles.

If special education is your intended direction, review special education teacher requirements in Maryland before choosing coursework so that your training aligns with the credential you need.

What are the key parts of Maryland teacher certification requirements?

Maryland teacher certification combines academic preparation, supervised experience, assessment, background checks, and state application review. Candidates should treat certification as a checklist that starts before enrollment, not something to investigate after graduation.

For a broader overview, see Maryland teacher certification requirements.

What financial aid options are available for aspiring preschool teachers in Maryland?

Financial aid can make the path to preschool teaching more realistic, especially for students who need a degree before entering a licensed role. Candidates should combine federal aid, state aid, institutional scholarships, employer support, and careful program selection.

• Federal and state grants: The Federal Pell Grant can provide up to $6,495 annually based on financial need. The Maryland Higher Education Commission administers state grants such as the Educational Assistance Grant, which can provide up to $3,000 for eligible students.
• Scholarships: Early childhood education students may qualify for scholarships tied to teaching service. The Maryland State Department of Education offers the Early Childhood Education Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 per year to students committed to teaching in Maryland's public schools.
• Loan forgiveness programs: The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program can forgive up to $17,500 in federal loans for teachers who work in low-income schools for five consecutive years.
• Continuing education aid: Current educators may find grants or employer support for approved professional development courses.
• Work-study: Some colleges offer work-study opportunities that let students earn money while gaining relevant experience.
• Employer-sponsored tuition assistance: Child care centers, school districts, or private employers may help pay for coursework tied to advancement.

Financial questions to ask schools

• What is the total cost, including fees, books, testing, transportation, and student teaching expenses?
• Does the program qualify for federal financial aid?
• Are early childhood education scholarships available through the college?
• Will transfer credits reduce both time and tuition?
• Does the program help students apply for Maryland-specific grants or scholarships?
• What happens financially if you need to retake a Praxis exam or add missing licensure coursework?

What support systems are available for preschool teachers in Maryland?

Preschool teachers in Maryland do not have to navigate the profession alone. State agencies, professional organizations, local resource centers, mentors, universities, and employers can all provide support.

• Maryland State Department of Education: MSDE provides information on licensing, standards, regulations, professional development, and educator requirements.
• Professional organizations: Groups such as the Maryland Association for the Education of Young Children can offer networking, training, and field-specific resources.
• Local early childhood resource centers: These centers may provide workshops, classroom materials, technical assistance, and collaboration opportunities.
• Mentorship programs: New teachers can benefit from experienced educators who help with classroom management, planning, family communication, and compliance.
• Online workshops and university programs: Webinars and courses can help teachers stay current without always attending in person.
• Grants and scholarships: Teachers may find funding for professional development or classroom resources through local foundations, employers, or state-supported opportunities.

What benefits does advanced leadership training offer for preschool educators?

Advanced leadership training can prepare preschool educators to move beyond classroom instruction into roles that shape programs, staff development, curriculum, policy, and organizational improvement. These programs often emphasize school management, curriculum design, collaborative problem-solving, supervision, and data-informed decision-making.

Leadership preparation may be useful for teachers pursuing preschool director roles, district early childhood administration, teacher coaching, curriculum leadership, or policy work. Some educators consider advanced doctoral-level preparation, including a PhD in educational leadership online, when their goals include system-level leadership, research, or high-level administration.

What exam preparation strategies can help with Maryland preschool teacher licensure?

Praxis preparation should start before the application deadline. Waiting until the end of a program can create delays if you need to retake an exam. A stronger plan combines test familiarity, content review, practice questions, and support from faculty or licensed educators.

Practical exam preparation steps

1. Identify the exact Praxis exams required for your Maryland pathway, including the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and the early childhood subject assessment.
2. Review the exam format, content categories, timing, and scoring information before buying study materials.
3. Create a weekly study schedule that separates reading, writing, mathematics, and early childhood content review.
4. Use practice tests to identify weak areas instead of studying every topic equally.
5. Join a study group or ask program faculty for recommended preparation resources.
6. Schedule the exam early enough to allow time for score reporting or retesting if needed.
7. Connect exam content to real classroom examples from field placements, observations, or assistant teaching work.

Creative thinking can also help candidates explain instructional choices and child-centered strategies. For cross-disciplinary perspective on teaching through visual expression, review how to become an art teacher in Maryland.

Common mistakes to avoid when becoming a preschool teacher in Maryland

Key Insights

• Maryland preschool teaching requirements depend on the setting. Entry-level child care roles may differ from licensed public pre-K teaching positions.
• A bachelor’s degree and Maryland-approved teacher preparation program are the safest route for candidates seeking broad licensure and lead teacher opportunities.
• An Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education can support entry into the field, but it may limit access to licensed public-school roles.
• Praxis exams, fingerprinting, background checks, student teaching, and MSDE application steps should be planned early to avoid delays.
• Continuing education is part of the career. Requirements discussed here include at least 6 credits every five years and 60 hours every five years, so teachers should verify the rule tied to their credential.
• Specializations in early childhood special education, bilingual education, STEM, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and curriculum development can expand career options.
• Maryland’s preschool job outlook is supported by an approximately 7% projected growth rate, but opportunities vary by region, employer type, and funding.
• The best program is not always the fastest or cheapest. Choose one that matches Maryland licensure requirements, offers supervised field experience, and supports your long-term career path.

References:

• marylandpublicschools.org (n.d.). Maryland Approved Alternative Preparation Programs. Maryland State Department of Education
• earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org (01 Jul 2008). Careers in Early Childhood. Maryland State Department of Education - Division of Early Childhood