Early Childhood Education Alternative Certification Program (MC-ECACP)
At this time, the Montgomery College Early Childhood Alternative Certification Program (ECACP) is not accepting new applications. We are focused on supporting our current cohorts as they complete teacher licensure and launch their careers, while thoughtfully evaluating future opportunities for program expansion. Updates on application timelines will be shared as soon as they become available.
Ready to Take the Next Step Now?
If your goal is to become a licensed secondary school teacher, MC invites you to explore the Alternative Certification for Effective Teachers (ACET) program. ACET offers a clear, supported pathway to teacher certification—and applications are currently open.
Discover how Montgomery College can help you move forward with confidence and purpose.
Launch Your Teaching Career in Early Childhood Education
Montgomery College, in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools, offers an innovative teacher preparation pathway for motivated individuals ready to make a lasting impact in early learning.
This program is designed for aspiring educators who want to become certified early childhood teachers (PreK–Grade 3) and serve children and families in:
- Community-based early childhood education centers
- Maryland PreK Expansion Programs
- Montgomery County Public Schools
With expert faculty, real-world classroom experience, and strong district partnerships, Montgomery College helps you move confidently from preparation to certification—and into a meaningful teaching career.
Who Should Apply
You may be a strong candidate for this program if you:
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree, with college coursework in mathematics, science, English, and social studies
- Bring a demonstrated interest in or experience with early childhood education
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on your most recently earned degreeor meet basic skills requirements new window through qualifying test scores
If you’re ready to turn your passion for teaching young learners into a credentialed career, MC provides the preparation, support, and partnerships to help you succeed.
Following the admissions process, selected candidates join a cohort consisting of 3 months of coursework, followed by a 8 week teaching internship and a one-year teaching residency in an approved nonpublic community-based early childhood education center or in MCPS.
Overview of Program Outline and Timeline*
| Year 1 | Summer | Year 2 | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
|
TEACH Institute |
**Praxis 5025: Early Childhood Education | Residency beginning in Fall |
Certification |
| ** Reading Course, EDUC 243 |
**EDUC 245 and EDUC 246 |
Action Research and |
MSDE Standard Professional Certificate I |
|
Internship |
Submission of Reading Praxis | ||
** Reading Course EDUC 244 simultaneously with Internship |
Teacher Residency Certificate |
Submission of passing scores for edTPA |
*Must successfully complete each phase to move to the next phase. Certification is granted upon successful completion of all courses, phases and program requirements.
**Recommended to be taken prior to starting teacher residency.
TEACH Institute
The instructional component of ECACP is called the TEACH Institute and includes 3 months of coursework. The TEACH Institute utilizes blended instruction, including face to face and distance learning, and includes performance-based activities, development, planning, and delivery of instruction.
It is composed of eight modules, based on national professional standards, which include child development and learning theories; instructional methods and materials for early childhood learners; lesson planning for content areas – early childhood education; observation and assessment in early childhood education; diversity and culturally responsive teaching; individualized instruction/special education; and foundation of educational technology. Students will also enroll in EDUC 243, Acquisitions of Reading, if not previously completed.
Internship
An 8-week internship is required following successful completion of the Teaching Institute, with candidates assigned to an appropriate early childhood placement, identified by program administration. During the first week, candidates observe in their placement classrooms. For the next few weeks, candidates teach with frequent observation and feedback from Montgomery College School of Education faculty with experience in supervising student teachers. Candidates also complete EDUC 244, Elementary Instruction in Reading, at MC or equivalent professional development course in MCPS.
Residency
After successful completion of the internship, candidates will interview for paid positions in MCPS, approved community-based early childhood education centers, or Maryland PreK Expansion Programs. Once candidates are placed, they will receive regular mentoring and supervision, and will participate in a Residency Seminar to provide strong support for each teacher candidate.
Residents must also successfully complete the appropriate Early Childhood Education Praxis Pedagogy exam or edTPA and EDUC 245, Materials for Teaching Reading, and EDUC 246, Assessment for Reading Instruction, at MC or equivalent professional development course in MCPS. At the end of a satisfactory resident year, candidates will be awarded the MSDE Standard Professional Certificate I.