Early Childhood Development & Child Care
Early_Childhood.jpg Early_Childhood.jpg Early Childhood Development & Child Care
Contact: Delaine Welch, Program Manager • • 301.846.2559 Admissions: Jefferson Hall (1st floor) • • 301.624.2716 Career & Academic Planning Services: Jefferson Hall (2nd floor) • • 301.846.2478 Financial Aid: Jefferson Hall (3rd floor) • • 301.846.2620
Program Brochure Schedule an Appointment
Contact: Delaine Welch, Program Manager
• 301.846.2559
Program Brochure Schedule an Appointment

1Apply

Use the Online Application to apply for admission to FCC. This is the first step to enrolling in credit courses to get a degree or certificate. After you apply, you will receive a letter in the mail which contains your student ID number and your email username that will allow you to access your online myFCC account.

Veterans and Military: Prior to enrolling, new veteran and military students are required to submit the electronic VMS intake form prior to scheduling an appointment.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your qualifications for federal and state aid, institutional grants, work study options, and student loans.
 

Apply for scholarships through the FCCFoundation.
Visit Cost & Financial Aid for information about paying your bill and applying for financial aid.
View enrollment checklists for new students
View all required registration forms.
 

FCC operates with open admissions by offering admittance to all students who apply to the College. Some areas of study have additional, program-level admissions requirements. Selective admissions programs include: Nursing, Respiratory Care, Surgical Technology, and the Honors College.
 

Recognizing that not everyone arrives with the same educational background, and not everyone is ready for the same level of math and English classes, there are a few things you will need to do to help us to successfully place you academically.
 

To comply with the Maryland College and Career Readiness Act of 2013 and the Academic Placement and Assessment Procedure of FCC, the College requires that:
 

  • Upon entering the College, all new students, unless otherwise exempted, must complete all mathematics, reading, writing, and skills placement tests before enrolling in developmental or credit courses.
  • Upon entering the College, all new students who are seeking a degree must file a degree plan that is developed in consultation with an academic advisor.
  • Upon reaching 24 credits, all new students must have completed developmental courses and the first college-level English and math courses required by their degree plan.


If you are seeking non-credit continuing education courses for professional development, skill building, or personal enrichment, visit Continuing Education & Workforce Development (CEWD) Registration.

2Test

All new students must Test and Send Transcripts:
  1. High school transcript and previous college transcripts
  2. College entrance exam scores from SAT and/or ACT
  3. Advanced Placement (AP) test scores and International Baccalaureate (IB) test scores


These documents will determine which placement tests you are required to take, the courses you should register for, and/or the courses you are eligible to receive credit for based on previous grades or scores.


For more information about the ACCUPLACER and academic placement and assessment, visit the Testing Center. To be exempt from the ACCUPLACER, you need to have earned the following scores within the past five years:

 
  SAT ACT
Reading Evidence-Based Reading & Writing: 480 Composite/Average score of: 21
Writing [Not Required]  
Mathematics 530 21

 

Other Exemptions (only one needs to be met in each subject):

English:
(Reading & Writing)
  • Earning a 3 or better on the AP English Language & Comp, English Literature Exam;
  • Earning a score of 4 or higher on the IB Language A: Literature SL, Language A: Language & Literature SL, Language A: Literature HL or  Language A: Language & Literature HL Test;
  • Earning exam scores of e(E) or E(E) or higher in English Language or Language & Literature through Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) AS-Level or A-Level coursework;
  • Earning a GED Reasoning Through Language Arts score of 165 or higher;
  • Earning a score of Proficient (3) or above on the English 10 or English 11 MCAP test or (2) Early MCAP tests; 
  • Earning a grade of A or B in FCPS English 10, 11, 10/11, AP and IB English Courses; 
  • Successful Completion of the FCPS English 12 Transition Experience;
  • Successfully completed a college-level English course or earned FCC-accepted equivalent credit-by-exam such as CLEP and DSST (see Academic Catalog).
  • READING EXEMPTION ONLY - Transferring twelve (12) credits or more from an accredited U.S. institution with 2.00 cumulative GPA if at least six (6) credits are general education courses. Writing placement testing required with this exemption.
Mathematics
  • Earning a score 3 or better on the AP Calculus or Statistics exams;
  • Earning a score of 4 or higher on the IB Mathematical Studies, Mathematics SL, Mathematics HL, or the Further Math Tests;
  • Earning exam scores of e(E) or E(E) or higher in Mathematics through Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) AS-Level or A-Level coursework;
  • Earning an A or B in FCPS Algebra 2;
  • Earning an A, B, or C grade in FCPS Advanced Algebra w/ Trigonometry;
  • Earning an A, B, or C grade in FCPS Statistics & Probability;
  • Earning an A, B, or C grade in FCPS Precalculus for placement into MATH 165;
  • Earning an A grade in FCPS Precalculus course for placement into MATH 185;
  • Earning an A or B on FCPS Precalculus Final Exam for placement into MATH 185;
  • Earning an A, B, or C grade in AP Calculus AB for placement into MATH 185;
  • Earning an A, B, or C grade in AP Calculus BC or FCPS Calculus 3 for placement into MATH 195 (no credit for MATH 185 on transcript);
  • Earning a GED Mathematical Reasoning score of 165 or higher;
  • Earning a score of Proficient (3) or above on the Algebra II or Geometry MCAP tests; (2) on the Algebra II or Geometry Early MCAP tests;
  • Successful completion of the FCPS Math transition experience;
  • Successfully completed a college-level math course or earned FCC-accepted equivalent credit-by-exam such as CLEP or DSST (see Academic Catalog).

3See Advisor

New credit students seeking a degree are required to consult an advisor to develop a degree plan. New students should schedule a consultation after completing the admissions and testing steps, and activating a myFCC account.

See Advisor and Complete New Student Orientation.

For more information about career & academic planning services, see Career & Academic Planning Services.
 

4Register

There are two ways to register for classes:

  1. Register online for credit courses using Campus Solutions
  2. Register in-person via the Enrollment Center (Jefferson Hall Suite 101).

In addition to registering for classes, Campus Solutions allows you to make a payment, see your grades, obtain unofficial transcripts, print class schedules, and update your personal information.

5Pay

Your enrollment at Frederick Community College is complete when you have paid for your courses. Please take note of important payment deadlines. You can either pay in-full or sign up for the interest-free payment plan.

‭To apply for Financial Assistance, complete the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and take advantage of federal, state, and institutional grants, work study, and student loans.
‭
To apply for Scholarships through The FCC Foundation, Inc., click here.
‭
For more information about paying your bill and financial aid, see Cost and Financial Aid.

6Buy Books

Textbooks are available through the FCC bookstore. Have your course schedule ready to easily find the required textbooks for your courses.

7Attend Class

Congratulations! You are enrolled and ready to begin attending classes at Frederick Community College. If you have questions or need additional guidance during your time of study, please reach out to your program manager or academic advisor. Some students may be eligible for specialized advising through Disability Access Services, or Veteran and Military Services. Check your myFCC account and your FCC email for important alerts and announcements.

Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education A.A.T. Degree
The teacher education transfer program A.A.T. provides the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree and teacher certification. The A.A.T. in Early Childhood Education articulates with the Maryland transfer programs in Early Childhood Education. The program enables students to fulfill their general education requirements, participate in field work experiences, and complete a core of professional education coursework appropriate for the first two years of teacher preparation. 

Completion of an A.A.T. degree is considered to have satisfied the lower division requirements for a teacher education program in the state of Maryland. This includes General Education requirements and the necessary learning outcomes for teacher education. An A.A.T. graduate who has been admitted to a four-year state college or university in Maryland will have completed the first two years of a teacher preparation bachelor's degree.

Each A.A.T. has specific course requirements to ensure that all learning outcomes are met, and students should follow their curriculum pathway and meet with the program manager regularly to ensure that their course selections are appropriate for their desired degree.


 
To earn the A.A.T., students must achieve a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative GPA and earn a “C” or better in all courses used to satisfy the A.A.T. requirements. Students must also provide the Registrar’s Office with qualifying scores on one of the state-approved basics skills tests  (PRAXIS, Core, SAT, ACT) for future teachers.

Admission and transfer to a four-year college or university is a multi-step process and is not guaranteed.  Applications to the institution and the teacher education program may be required. Students should apply as early as possible and consider more than one transfer school, as they offer different degrees. Students should consult with the teacher preparation program at the transfer institution of their choice to determine specific requirements and deadlines for admission. Students wishing to transfer out of state should consult with the teacher preparation program at the transfer institution of their choice to determine how courses taken at FCC will meet the requirements of that school’s degree plan.   

A drug screening and/or criminal background check is often required to obtain and maintain employment in the field of education. Individuals whose criminal histories may interfere with their ability to secure employment should discuss questions with education faculty.

Program Contact Information
Delaine Welch
Associate Professor, Soc Sci & Educ – Liberal Arts
Phone: 301/846-2559
Location: Student Center Office: H232
Ensure that MSDE Testing Requirements are met: Praxis Core for Educators, ACT, SAT, or GRE*

*The A.A.T. degree is designed to meet state requirements for the first two years of teacher education. Students must achieve a minimum of 2.75 cumulative GPA and earn a “C” or better in all courses used to satisfy the A.A.T. requirements. Students must also provide the Registrar’s Office with qualifying scores on one of the state-approved basic skills tests for future teachers. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an academic advisor at their transfer institution as early as possible and should be aware that some colleges and universities may require higher GPAs and/or additional tests.

Admission to the four-year institution is a “two-step” process and is not guaranteed. Applications to both the institution and to the teacher education program may be required. Due to space limitations at some four-year institutions and/or teacher education programs, students should apply as early as possible and consider alternatives. Students should consult with an advisor at the four-year institution to determine the specific admissions requirements and deadlines of the institution to which they wish to transfer. Upon admission to a Maryland public or independent four-year institution teacher education program, up to 64 semester hours, including the lower division teacher education program outcomes, will transfer without further review.

The A.A.T. degree holder is considered to have satisfied the following lower division requirements for the education program.

30 - 36 semester hours of general education requirements for public institutions.
The lower division outcomes for teacher education may be included in courses such as the foundations of education, human growth/child or adolescent development, educational psychology, introductory field experience, and introductory special education. In addition, some students may be required to complete up to two additional lower division teacher education courses. Check with your advisor at your college for specific requirements for your major. Students in Secondary Education A.A.T. programs must complete specified content courses.

Available Scholarships for this Program:
  • Maryland State Department of Education Grants for tuition, fees, and books
  • Hattie N. Harrison Memorial Scholarship (Child Development or Early Childhood Education)


 

*To view curriculum requirements for all previous catalog years and pathways for previous catalog years from 2021-2022 forward, please see previous catalog versions. If there are Pathways for years prior to 2021-2022, they will be listed by clicking the Archived Pathway button.

 

Early Childhood Development A.A.S. Degree
The Early Childhood Development A.A.S. program teaches understanding of child development and behavior, knowledge of developmentally approved practices and materials, familiarity with materials, health, safety and nutrition, and familiarity with appropriate guidance techniques. Program courses fulfill the educational requirements for lead teacher in infant/toddler, preschool, school age and director, and meet the Maryland child care credential and state requirements. This program can be completed online with the exception of the internship which has to be completed in person.

This program prepares students to work in child care centers, Head Start programs, nursery schools, and as self-employed child care providers or nannies. Classes are offered during the day, evening, online, hybrid, and on Saturdays. Some courses are offered in 7-week sessions. Students gain practical experience and a competitive edge in the job market by working in The Carl & Norma Miller Children’s Center, located on the main campus at Frederick Community College, under the guidance of its professional staff.
 
Internship Program
Internships help students integrate what is taught in school with what is required in the workplace. Students take internships to develop knowledge and skills valued by employers. At FCC, students in certain programs are eligible to receive credit for internships.

Learn More


A drug screening and/or criminal background check is often required to obtain and maintain employment in this career field. Individuals whose criminal histories may interfere with their ability to secure employment should discuss any questions with FCC faculty.

*To view curriculum requirements for all previous catalog years and pathways for previous catalog years from 2021-2022 forward, please see previous catalog versions. If there are Pathways for years prior to 2021-2022, they will be listed by clicking the Archived Pathway button.

 

Early Childhood Development Certificate
The Early Childhood Development Certificate program prepares students to work in child care centers, Head Start programs, nursery schools, and as self-employed child care providers or nannies by offering specialized courses in early childhood. It also provides core early childhood courses to professionals who are currently working in the early childhood field. Program courses fulfill the educational requirements for lead teacher in infant/toddler, preschool, school age and director, and meet the Maryland child care credential and state requirements.

Classes are offered during the day, evening, online, hybrid, and on Saturdays. Some courses are offered in 7-week sessions. Students gain practical experience and a competitive edge in the job market by working in The Carl & Norma Miller Children’s Center, located on the main campus at Frederick Community College, under the guidance of its professional staff.
 
A drug screening and/or criminal background check is often required to obtain and maintain employment in this career field. Individuals whose criminal histories may interfere with their ability to secure employment should discuss any questions with FCC faculty.
 
Internship Program
Internships help students integrate what is taught in school with what is required in the workplace. Students take internships to develop knowledge and skills valued by employers. At FCC, students in certain programs are eligible to receive credit for internships.

Learn More


Gainful Employment - Early Childhood Development
Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program.
 

*To view curriculum requirements for all previous catalog years and pathways for previous catalog years from 2021-2022 forward, please see previous catalog versions. If there are Pathways for years prior to 2021-2022, they will be listed by clicking the Archived Pathway button.

 

Child Care Preschool and School Age Teacher Training Certificate
The Child Care Preschool and School Age Teacher Training Certificate program prepares students to enter the workforce in early childhood development. The certificate targets four courses that are required to meet the educational requirements of the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care. The certificate highlights the following positions: child care teacher of preschools, infant/toddler classrooms, and school age (before and after school programs).

A drug screening and/or criminal background check is often required to obtain and maintain employment in this career field. Individuals whose criminal histories may interfere with their ability to secure employment should discuss any questions with FCC faculty.
*To view curriculum requirements for all previous catalog years and pathways for previous catalog years from 2021-2022 forward, please see previous catalog versions. If there are Pathways for years prior to 2021-2022, they will be listed by clicking the Archived Pathway button.

 

Child Care Preschool Teacher Letter of Recognition
The Child Care Preschool Teacher Letter of Recognition meets the educational requirements of the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care for the position of child care preschool teacher. In this position, students can teach preschool children in various settings.

A drug screening and/or criminal background check is often required to obtain and maintain employment in this career field. Individuals whose criminal histories may interfere with their ability to secure employment should discuss any questions with FCC faculty.
*To view curriculum requirements for all previous catalog years and pathways for previous catalog years from 2021-2022 forward, please see previous catalog versions. If there are Pathways for years prior to 2021-2022, they will be listed by clicking the Archived Pathway button.

 

Frederick County Public School students are eligible to receive free tuition and fees through Dual Enrollment at FCC for some courses taken during Fall or Spring semesters. FCPS students participating in dual enrollment may obtain required textbooks and materials at the FCC bookstore at no cost to the student. Students should speak with their high school counselor first if they plan to enroll in FCC courses or programs.

 

For related non-credit Continuing Education & Workforce Development (CEWD) programs, see Child Care Career Preparation. Please note that these courses are not affiliated with FCC credit or certificate programs. While CEWD courses do not provide academic credits, participants experience affordable, flexible, and rewarding programs. Select CEWD courses offer industry-recognized training for licensure and career certification at the state and national level.
To find more information about how credits may transfer from Frederick Community College to a state four-year institution visit ARTSYS or consult a College advisor.

Frederick Community College has articulation agreements with the following institutions, allowing students a seamless transfer experience. Students who plan to transfer should speak with an advisor or program manager from their chosen transfer institution before selecting elective courses.
Professional Studies
Find Jobs: Join Handshake
Explore Early Childhood Development
Career Communities
person
Preschool Teachers
$37,130.00/yr • +4%*
person
Preschool and Childcare Center Directors
$54,290.00/yr • -2%*
person
Childcare Workers
$30,370.00/yr • -1%*
*Median pay, projected job growth or decline from 2023-2033. Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2023 Edition.
Admissions: Jefferson Hall (1st floor) • • 301.624.2716 Advising: Jefferson Hall(2nd floor) • • 301.846.2471 Financial Aid: Jefferson Hall (3rd floor) • • 301.846.2620
Early Childhood Development & Child Care Contact: Delaine Welch Program Manager Room: Student Center H-232 Email: Phone: 301.846.2559
Admissions: Jefferson Hall 1st floor Email: Phone: 301.624.2716 Request More Information
Advising: Jefferson Hall 2nd floor Email: Phone: 301.846.2478
Financial Aid: Jefferson Hall 3rd floor Email: Phone: 301.846.2620
Program Brochure Schedule an Appointment