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Education, Training, and Child Studies

The Education, Training and Child Studies programs of study provide a comprehensive pathway for students aspiring to enter careers involving work with students and children. These careers include teaching, counseling, therapeutic services  (i.e. speech pathology, physical therapy, psychology), and more. Additionally, programs in the Education, Training and Child Studies cluster prepare students with leadership and career skills that extend beyond careers in education.

Programs

GOAL

The goal of the Education, Training and Child Studies career cluster is to cultivate a comprehensive education and training framework within MCPS CTE programs that prepares students for successful careers in education, child development, and training sectors, while promoting lifelong learning and enhancing community engagement.

Key Components

  1. Curriculum Implementation: The curriculum for the Child Development Associate program is developed by Anne Arundel Community College and  is derived from the Council for Professional Recognition’s Child Development Associate program. The curriculum for the Teacher Academy of Maryland is developed by Towson University and is in alignment with introductory education curriculum and courses at the postsecondary level. Both curricula integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience in child development, teaching methodologies, and training techniques.
  2. Industry Partnerships: Establish partnerships with Montgomery College, local schools, childcare centers, and educational organizations to provide students with real-world experiences and mentorship opportunities.
  3. Career Pathways: Both the CDA and TAM pathways offer tiered options related to career outcomes that meet the academic and economic needs of students. Both pathways prepare students for Industry Recognized Credentials that allow them to pursue careers in the industry upon earning a high school diploma. Both pathways also offer college course credit options that can help students get started on their degree in education while still in high school.
  4. Professional Development: Offer ongoing training and resources for educators involved in CTE programs to stay current with industry trends, teaching strategies, and child development research.

RESOURCES

CDA and TAM Teachers can access the curriculum that supports each of these programs through the teacher-developed MCPS Canvas courses in each discipline, as well as through the AACC repository.

The Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) is a Career and Technology Education (CTE) program of study that seeks to address the persistent teacher shortage challenge by creating a pipeline of teacher candidates. Learn more here.

The Council for Professional Recognition is a leader in the credentialing of early childhood educators worldwide. Candidates who earn the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential are well prepared to foster the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of young children. Learn more here.

ADDITIONAL LINKS

  • Learn more about the Internationally-recognized Industry Certification, CDA
  • Learn more about the ParaPro, an industry recognized certification that prepares candidates to be classroom assistant