Sec. 13a.14.08.05. Trainer Requirements

A. Each individual, including an individual who provides training for an organization, applying to offer preservice or core of knowledge training shall have:

(1) Attained a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in:

(a) Early childhood education;

(b) Elementary education;

(c) Child development;

(d) Home economics;

(e) Nursing;

(f) Social work;

(g) Special education; or

(h) A related field;

(2) Completed at least one course in:

(a) Child development; and

(b) Curriculum development;

(3) As applicable, completed course work requirements of COMAR 13A.16.06 as they apply to the age group covered in the core of knowledge or preservice training; and

(4) At least 4 years of experience working in a child care setting directly with children of the age group to be discussed in the course.

B. Each individual, including an individual who provides training for an organization, applying to offer continued training shall have at least one of the following:

(1) An associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in:

(a) Early childhood education;

(b) Elementary education;

(c) Child development;

(d) Home economics;

(e) Nursing;

(f) Social work;

(g) Special education; or

(h) A related field;

(2) A valid credential or certification in:

(a) Early childhood education;

(b) Elementary education; or

(c) Care of children;

(3) At least 4 years of experience working in a child care setting directly with children of the age group to be discussed in the course; or

(4) A combination of education and experience sufficient to substantiate the applicant's special skills or expertise in the training area.

C. A trainer who does not meet the experience criteria may substitute documentation of employment as an instructor of early childhood education, elementary education, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

D. Each individual, including an individual who provides training for an organization, who becomes approved to offer preservice, continued, or core of knowledge training shall:

(1) Attend at least two quarterly training meetings, held by the Office, per year; and

(2) Document completion, within the initial 4-year period of approval and each subsequent 4-year period of approval, 24 clock hours of approved training related to:

(a) The training of adults; or

(b) The discipline for which the individual is approved.

E. An organization or individual applying to offer preservice training, continued training, or core of knowledge training may not:

(1) Be the subject of an action to suspend or revoke a child care center license or family day care registration;

(2) Have a documented history of regulatory violations; or

(3) Have had a child care center license or a family day care registration suspended or revoked.

F. At the time of application to provide training, each individual contracted by an organization to provide training shall submit to the Office proof of meeting the requirements of this regulation.