In any given Maryland community, there is rarely a shortage of daycare options for parents to choose from. With so many different choices, however, how can parents know that they’re making the best selection for their little one?
In this article, we’ll discuss three credentials that experts and educational professionals generally agree should be held by high-quality daycare centers in the state of Maryland. If you find a facility that offers two or all three of these criteria, you can rest assured that your child is going to a secure and safe learning environment in which they can truly thrive!
Daycare Credential 1: Maryland State Child Care Association
The Maryland State Child Care Association (MSCCA) is a professional organization of licensed providers of child care and early learning centers in the state. Members are required to uphold high standards of commitment to the holistic development of the children the association strives to serve and protect. This means that members should integrate elements of well-rounded physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development in their structures involving children. In addition to working as an active player in legislative policies affecting childhood education and wellbeing, the MSCCA is an excellent resource of relevant information, tools, and connection opportunities for its member businesses, individuals, and organizations.
Daycare Credential 2: National Early Childhood Education Program
Abbreviated as NECPA, the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation Commission is a professional credential service providing oversight, resources, and standards of practice for early childhood programs across the nation. With chapters in every state, including Maryland, NECPA is one of the largest accreditation sources for daycares, preschools, and child care services alike.
Established in 1991, the organization aims to “encourage quality and recognize excellence” while remaining “focused on the interests” of young children. NECPA works with early childhood education providers in order to maintain top-quality standards, educational success, ethical business practices, and a responsible commitment to the wellbeing of each and every child.
Daycare Credential 3: Child Development Associate
The Child Development Associate Credential (CDAC) is regarded as the “most widely recognized” accreditation in the education of young children. For many professionals in this field, its receipt is also a step in the right direction towards higher career prospects.
Like other accreditation systems mentioned earlier, the CDAC is founded on a strong commitment to cultivating the overall wellbeing of children. However, the CDAC holds greater professional clout due to its system of competency standards that applicants must meet before receiving the national recognition status. According to the official website, the CDAC has been issued to more than 420,000 educators already.
Choosing a care center for your young child is a big decision and not something that should be taken lightly. When considering the options for who might be teaching and looking after your kiddo when you can’t be there, remember to compare credentials. The most qualified, most accredited institution is generally the safest bet and best investment, not just for your child’s success now, but for the road ahead as well.
Jaycees Early Learning Center is a proud holder of multiple accreditations, including those from the Maryland State Child Care Association, the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation Commission, and the Child Development Associate Credential. To learn more about our services, qualifications, and customer feedback, visit our site now.
