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Montgomery College Early Childhood Education Alternative Certification Program (MC-ECACP)

A Teacher Preparation Program for Degree-Holding Professionals Who Wish To Become Certified Early Childhood Education (PreK - 3rd grade) Teachers

Virtual Information Sessions

Applications for the July 2023 are now closed. Please check back for the fall 2023 information session schedule dates and registration link which will be posted in Sept. 2023.

Montgomery College and the local school system have partnered to offer an innovative teacher preparation program for talented individuals who wish to become early childhood education teachers (PreK – 3rd grade) certified teachers in the Maryland PreK Expansion Programs or Montgomery County Public Schools. 

Potential candidates must have:

  • at least a bachelor's degree which must include:
    • 12 semester credits in mathematics*
    • 12 semester credits in science*
    • 9 semester credits in English*
  • experience in the early childhood education field as supported by course work / experience / test scores.
  • a  3.0 minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on their most recently earned degree OR documentation of qualifying scores on basic skills requirements.

*Candidates may complete the required mathematics, science, and English courses at Montgomery College simultaneously while enrolled in the ECACP Program.

Program Overview and Schedule

Following the admissions process, selected candidates join a cohort of 9 months of coursework, followed by an 8-week teaching internship and a one-year supervised teaching residency in an approved nonpublic nursery school or MCPS with pay.

Overview of Program Outline and Timeline*

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Year 1 Summer Year 2 Summer

TEACH Institute

**Praxis 5025: Early Childhood Education Residency beginning in
Fall

Certification

** Reading Course,
EDUC 243

**EDUC 245 and EDUC 246
simultaneously or may be taken simultaneously during Residency. 

Action Research and
Support Seminar

MSDE Standard
Professional Certificate I

Internship

  Submission of Reading Praxis   

** Reading Course
EDUC 244 simultaneously with Internship

Teacher Residency Certificate

Submission of passing scores for edTPA
 

*Must successfully complete each phase to move to the next phase. Certification is granted upon successful completion of all courses, phases and program requirements.

**Recommended to be taken prior to starting teacher residency.

TEACH Institute

The instructional component of ECACP is called the TEACH Institute and includes 9 months of coursework.  The TEACH Institute utilizes blended instruction, including face to face and distance learning, and includes performance-based activities, development, planning, and delivery of instruction.

It is composed of eight modules, based on national professional standards, which include child development and learning theories; instructional methods and materials for early childhood learners; lesson planning for content areas – early childhood education; observation and assessment in early childhood education; diversity and culturally responsive teaching; individualized instruction/special education; and foundation of educational technology.  Students will also enroll in EDUC 243, Acquisitions of Reading, if not previously completed. 

Internship

An 8-week internship is required following successful completion of the Teaching Institute, with candidates assigned to an MCPS PreK classroom. During the first week, candidates observe in their placement classrooms. For the next few weeks, candidates teach with frequent observation and feedback from Montgomery College School of Education faculty with experience in supervising student teachers. Candidates also complete EDUC 244, Elementary Instruction in Reading, at MC or equivalent professional development course in MCPS. 

Residency

After successful completion of the internship, candidates will interview for paid positions in MCPS or PreK Expansion Programs. Once candidates are placed, intensive mentoring and supervision along with a regular cohort seminar provide strong support for each teacher candidate.

Residents must also successfully complete the appropriate Early Childhood Education Praxis Pedagogy exam or edTPA and EDUC 245, Materials for Teaching Reading, and EDUC 246, Assessment for Reading Instruction, at MC or equivalent professional development course in MCPS. At the end of a satisfactory resident year, candidates will be awarded the MSDE Standard Professional Certificate I.

Contact ECACP:
ECACP@montgomerycollege.edu
School of Education
Montgomery College
51 Mannakee Street, SV 406
Rockville, MD 20850