Early Childhood Education Programs | Montgomery College, Maryland

Further Your Career with an Early Childhood Certificate or Degree

Prepare to Make a Difference with Early Childhood Education at Montgomery College

At Montgomery College, the School of Education prepares you to shape young lives while building a meaningful, in-demand career. Our Early Childhood Education programs combine academic excellence with real-world preparation—so you can move confidently from classroom to career.

Whether you’re just starting out or advancing in the field, MC offers flexible coursework, stackable credentials, and clear pathways designed to meet you where you are.

Flexible Training That Moves You Forward

MC offers the coursework required for child care professionals to meet Maryland state training requirements, including:

90-hour training for child care center teachers (Maryland Office of Child Care)
- To earn the 90 hours, you must complete two three-credit courses: Child Development (EDUC 135) and Curriculum Planning (EDUC 136). Each course requires 15 hours of observation. Students are advised not to take these courses during the same semester.
45-hour training in infant/toddler development or school-age child care
- To earn the 45 hours in infant/toddler development or school-aged care, you must complete one of the following three-credit courses: Infant and Toddler Development and Curriculum (EDUC 153) OR School Aged Child Care (EDUC 154).

These college-credit courses may count toward the 120 hours required for the national Child Development Associate (CDA) new window credential, helping you turn required training into progress toward a certificate or degree. Many courses are available fully online, making it easier to balance school, work, and life.

Did You Earn Credits in High School?

If you participated in the child development programs in a MCPS high school, you may be eligible to enter the early childhood certificate and/or degree program with up to nine college credits (the equivalent of three courses). See Articulated College Credit for Education Programs (PDF,

) for more information.

One Year. Real Opportunity.

The Early Childhood Education Certificate, often called the One-Year Certificate, prepares you to work with children from infancy through age eight in a variety of early learning settings. Designed to be completed in just two semesters, the program includes:

Seven core courses in early childhood education
Three foundation courses in psychology and communications

Already completed the 90-hour or 45-hour training? You may be able to apply those credits directly toward the certificate, helping you finish faster and save money.

Credits earned in the certificate program can also be applied toward an associate degree, giving you the flexibility to continue your education when you’re ready.

Degrees That Open Doors

Montgomery College offers associate degree options in early childhood education designed for both career advancement and transfer:

Early Childhood Education / Early Childhood Special Education AAT
This transfer-focused degree prepares you for the first two years of a bachelor’s program at a Maryland four-year college or university. You’ll complete general education requirements along with a strong foundation in professional education—so you’re ready for what’s next.
Early Childhood Education Technology AAS Degree
This curriculum is designed to prepare students to work with children from infancy through age eight in a variety of early childhood settings. The curriculum has a core of 34 credit hours directly related to early childhood education. The curriculum is designed so that it can be completed within four semesters, but it can be extended over a longer time.

Affordable Education with Real Support

If you work in a licensed child care center or preschool and are enrolled in an early childhood AAS or AAT degree, you may qualify for funding that covers tuition, fees, and books through the Maryland State Department of Education Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund (CCCPDF) new window. We help you turn your commitment to children into an affordable, sustainable career path.

Thinking Beyond Early Childhood?

Planning to teach first grade or higher? Montgomery College also offers elementary and secondary education transfer degree programs, designed to serve as the first two years of a four-year teaching degree. See details on all of our teacher education transfer degree programs.

At MC, you’ll find flexible programs, supportive faculty, and clear pathways to help you build a future in education—one that makes an extraordinary impact on children, families, and communities.

Noncredit Programs

MC's Workforce Development and Continuing Education division also offers a variety of informational, innovative, and inspiring courses to help early childhood educators foster their love of learning and improve their instructional skills. Courses are offered in both English and Spanish. For more information, see the early childhood education noncredit course schedule.

Your path matters. Your goals matter.