Harford Community College Receives $92,578 Grant to Expand Groundbreaking Childcare Apprenticeship Program

Harford Community College in Bel Air, MD announced the award of a $92,578 grant from the Maryland State Department of Education for its innovative Childcare Apprenticeship program. As the sole program of its kind in Maryland, the grant will further bolster Harford’s commitment to enhancing childcare education across the state. The apprenticeship program will be part of the statewide Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund (CCCPDF) and include preparation for the Child Development Associate (CDA) exam and portfolio submission.

Launched in early 2023, the Childcare Apprenticeship Program at Harford Community College is part of its Behavioral and Social Sciences division. Managed by a part-time Childcare Apprenticeship Coordinator and supported by instructors, the program integrates field experiences with classroom learning, catering specifically to childcare professionals working in licensed Maryland facilities. The apprenticeship is designed to meet new, rigorous standards outlined in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and its reach extends beyond Harford County, impacting childcare providers across Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Charles, and Prince George’s counties. Feedback from the apprentices, directors, and mentors underscores the program’s positive contribution to both professional growth and workforce development in this vital service area of our society.

With this grant, Harford Community College reaffirms its dedication to advancing childcare education and preparing the next generation of early childhood educators in Maryland.