Sec. 13a.14.09.07. Training Vouchers and Reimbursement

A. Eligibility for a training voucher or reimbursement is limited to individuals participating in the credential program at level two or higher.

B. During the 12-month credential period, a participant may receive not more than $400 in training vouchers and reimbursements to pay for the cost of approved core of knowledge training.

C. Application for Training Vouchers.

(1) An application for a training voucher shall be accepted only for a pre-service training, a Statewide conference, or a national conference.

(2) The Office shall accept an application for a training voucher only from an individual.

(3) Not less than 60 days before the date of the training for which the voucher will be used, the individual shall submit to the Office a complete application, which includes:

(a) An application form, supplied by the Office, that is completed and signed by the participant; and

(b) Documentation of the training for which the voucher will be used, which shall include a copy of the:

(i) Course catalog description;

(ii) Registration form; or

(iii) Conference training advertisement.

D. Subject to funding availability, the Office shall, within 30 days of the receipt of the application, approve an applicant to receive a training voucher if the:

(1) Application is received not less than 60 days before the training date;

(2) Application is complete;

(3) Amount requested does not exceed $400; and

(4) Applicant is eligible to receive a voucher.

E. Application for Training Reimbursement.

(1) An individual may request and receive reimbursement for training if the:

(a) Training meets the requirements of the core of knowledge;

(b) Training has been successfully completed not more than 180 days before the date of the request; and

(c) Individual has not received more than $400 in training vouchers or reimbursements within the individual’s current credentialing period.

(2) Not more than 180 days after the successful completion of the training for which the reimbursement is sought, the individual shall submit to the Office a complete application, which includes:

(a) An application form, supplied by the Office, that is completed and signed by the participant; and

(b) Documentation of the training for which the reimbursement is sought, which shall include a copy of the:

(i) Course catalog description or training advertisement;

(ii) Grade slip, transcript, or certificate of completion; and

(iii) Receipt for payment indicating the amount paid.

(3) Subject to funding availability, the Office shall approve an applicant to receive training reimbursement if the:

(a) Application is received not later than 180 days after the completion of training;

(b) Application is complete;

(c) Amount requested does not exceed $400; and

(d) Applicant is eligible to receive a reimbursement.

F. If the applicant is eligible, the Office shall:

(1) Award a training voucher to the applicant for the training and the amount specified on the application; or

(2) Issue instructions for payment of training reimbursement.

G. If the applicant is found ineligible for an award, the Office shall:

(1) Provide written notification to the applicant of the determination of ineligibility; and

(2) Return to the applicant all application materials submitted.

H. Assignment of Awards.

(1) Funding for training vouchers and reimbursement is provided to the Office on an annual basis.

(2) Awards are assigned according to the incomes of all applicants who are eligible for an award, with higher priority given to lower income applicants.

(3) Applicants whose annual family income does not exceed the current Maryland median income for their family size shall be given priority to receive training vouchers or reimbursement during that month.

(4) The Office shall make training voucher and reimbursement awards according to assigned award priority until:

(a) An award has been made to each eligible applicant; or

(b) The funding allocation is exhausted.

I. Upon successful completion of the workshop, seminar, or other course for which a training voucher was issued and used, the participant shall provide to the Office a copy of the:

(1) Transcript;

(2) Grade slip;

(3) Certificate; or

(4) Documentation given by the instructor that indicates successful completion of the training.