Montgomery College Early Childhood Education Alternative Certification Program (MC-ECACP)

Overview of Program Outline and Timeline*

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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 simultaneously or may be taken simultaneously during Residency.	Action Research and Support Seminar	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.