Quick answer: How do I start a daycare in Maryland?
To start a daycare in Maryland, you need a license or certificate of registration from the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Early Childhood, Child Care Licensing Branch. Complete the required orientation, apply through your regional licensing office, pass background checks and inspections, and receive a child care center license or a family child care registration.
In this guide
Maryland daycare licensing at a glance
| Requirement | Family child care home | Large family child care home | Child care center |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting | Provider's primary residence | Provider's primary residence | Facility with local zoning, building, fire, and use and occupancy approval |
| Capacity | Up to 8 children, with no more than 2 younger than 2 unless the office approves (up to 4 with approval) | 9 to 12 children | Set by the license, based on space, staffing, ages, and codes |
| Minimum age | Provider: 18 | Director: 21; family child care teacher: 19; aide: 16 | Director: 21; child care teacher: 19; aide: 16 |
| Education and training | Provider: 24 clock hours of approved training (4 in each of 6 core areas) or an approved equivalent, plus first aid and CPR | Director: high school diploma or equivalent (or 6 college credits), plus 90 clock hours of pre-service training or a CDA | Director: high school diploma or equivalent, plus 90 clock hours of pre-service training or a CDA |
| Indoor space | Enough floor area for active play without overcrowding | 35 square feet per child | 35 square feet per child |
| Outdoor space | Ample, accessible space | 75 square feet per child | 75 square feet for half of capacity (every child if capacity is 20 or fewer), for notices of intent filed on or after January 1, 2009 |
| When to apply | The office may consider an application void if documents are not complete within 6 months | At least 60 days before the proposed opening date | |
| Decision time | Up to 30 days after the application, documents, and inspection are complete | ||
| Initial term | Up to 2 years, then a continuing license or registration | ||
| Regional office inspection fee | None (local fire, health, and other local inspections may have fees) | ||
Sources: Family Child Care Home Application Resource Guide, Child Care Center and Letter of Compliance Application Resource Guide, COMAR 13A.15.04.03, COMAR 13A.18.04.02, and COMAR 13A.16.05.03.
Do I need a childcare license in Maryland?
Yes, in most cases. Maryland requires a license or certificate of registration to provide child care for pay. The Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Early Childhood (OEC), Child Care Licensing Branch is responsible for all child care licensing and regulation in the state, through 13 regional licensing offices. Source: Child Care Center and Letter of Compliance Application Resource Guide.
Who needs a license or registration?
- Family child care. Care for one or more children who are not related to the provider, provided in the provider's own home for pay in cash or in kind. Source: Family Child Care Home Application Resource Guide.
- Exemptions. A home does not need to register if the provider is a relative of each child, is a friend of each child's parent or guardian and provides care on a nonregular basis of less than 20 hours a month, or received the child from a licensed child placement agency. Source: COMAR 13A.15.02.01.
- Child care center. Any program that, on a regular schedule of at least 2 days a week and at least 2 hours a day (or on a 24-hour basis), provides child care to children who do not have the same parentage. Source: COMAR 13A.16.01.02.
Operating without the required license is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,500 for a first violation and up to $2,500 for a second or later violation, and civil penalties can also apply (see the fees section). Source: COMAR 13A.16.17.08, COMAR 13A.15.13.08, and 13A.18.14.08.
Advertisements for a licensed program must also state that the program is licensed or registered and include its license or registration number. Source: COMAR 13A.16.03.09 and COMAR 13A.15.03.01.
What are the childcare license types in Maryland?
Maryland has three main license types. Source: Child Care Center and Letter of Compliance Application Resource Guide.
- Family child care home. Registered to care for up to eight children in the provider's residence. Source: COMAR 13A.15.04.03.
- Large family child care home. Registered to care for nine to 12 children in the provider's residence. Source: COMAR 13A.18.01.02 and COMAR 13A.18.04.02.
- Child care center. Licensed to provide child care in a facility that has local zoning approval and a use and occupancy permit. Source: Child Care Center and Letter of Compliance Application Resource Guide.
Child care programs operated by tax-exempt religious organizations may instead apply for a letter of compliance under COMAR 13A.17. A letter of compliance exempts the facility from certain staff qualification and program requirements, but the facility must meet the same health and safety requirements as a licensed center. Source: Child Care Center and Letter of Compliance Application Resource Guide.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
What are the childcare licensing requirements in Maryland?
Creating a business plan is one of the first steps to starting a daycare business. However, you must fulfill several licensing requirements before you can operate legally in Maryland. The requirements below are grouped by license type. Qualifications are listed by role.
Family child care home licensing requirements
Provider and staff requirements
- Provider. At least 18 years old. Source: COMAR 13A.15.06.01.
- Provider pre-service training. A current first aid certificate (American Red Cross or equivalent) and CPR certificate (American Heart Association or equivalent) appropriate for each age group in care. Within 2 years before applying, 24 clock hours of approved training that includes 4 clock hours in each of the 6 core of knowledge competencies, or an approved equivalent such as the 90-clock-hour course, a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, an associate's degree with at least 15 semester hours of early childhood or elementary education, or a bachelor's or higher degree in early childhood education, elementary education, or another approved discipline. Source: COMAR 13A.15.06.02.
- Provider required courses. Emergency and disaster planning, approved basic health and safety training within 90 days of initial registration, breastfeeding support, 3 clock hours on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and medication administration. Source: COMAR 13A.15.06.02.
- Provider infant-toddler training. Approved SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) training within 5 years before caring for a child younger than 24 months, and 3 semester hours or 45 clock hours of infant-toddler training to be approved for more than two children younger than 2. Source: COMAR 13A.15.06.02.
- Provider continued training. 18 clock hours during the first year of registration, then 12 clock hours a year (at least 6 in core of knowledge areas and no more than 6 elective), plus the annual health and safety training. Source: COMAR 13A.15.06.02.
- Substitute. At least 18 years old, approved by the office, with a medical evaluation completed within the past 12 months, a federal and State criminal background check application, and permission to examine records of abuse and neglect. A provider may use substitutes for no more than 20 working days in a 12-month period unless the office approves more. Source: COMAR 13A.15.06.03.
- Additional adult. At least 18 years old, approved by the office, and required whenever more than two children younger than 2 are present. The additional adult attends an office information session, completes a background check, holds first aid and CPR certification for children younger than 2, and completes SIDS training within the previous 5 years. Source: COMAR 13A.15.06.04.
- Volunteer. Presents no risk to children, completes a child health and safety orientation, and applies for a federal and State criminal background check. Volunteers younger than 18 may not work with children younger than 2. Source: COMAR 13A.15.06.05.
Capacity requirements
- The number of children present may not exceed the capacity on the certificate of registration, and the maximum is 8 children, including residents younger than 6. Source: COMAR 13A.15.04.03.
- Care may not be provided to more than 2 children younger than 2 unless the office approves, and approval allows no more than 4 children younger than 2. An additional adult must be present whenever more than 2 children younger than 2 are in care. Source: COMAR 13A.15.04.03.
- A family child care home that also runs an educational program is limited to 8 children, with no more than 2 younger than 2. Source: COMAR 13A.15.04.03.
- A child may not stay in care more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period on a regular basis without prior approval, and overnight care needs prior written approval. Source: COMAR 13A.15.04.01.
Large family child care home licensing requirements
Provider and staff requirements
- Director. At least 21 years old, with a high school diploma or equivalent (or at least 6 college credits), 9 clock hours of training in communicating with staff, parents, and the public (or one academic college course), 3 semester hours of administrative training, 3 clock hours of ADA training, breastfeeding support training, approved basic health and safety training within 90 days of employment, 6 semester hours or 90 clock hours of pre-service training (or a CDA), 3 semester hours of infant-toddler training (unless previously approved), and 1 year of experience working directly with children. The provider serves as the director unless the provider designates another individual. The director is present in the home for at least half of its weekly operating hours. Source: COMAR 13A.18.06.05.
- Family child care teacher. At least 19 years old, with a high school diploma or equivalent, 9 clock hours of communications training, 6 semester hours or 90 clock hours of child development and curriculum training (or a CDA), 3 clock hours of ADA training, basic health and safety training within 90 days of employment, and 1 year of experience. Source: COMAR 13A.18.06.06.
- Aide. At least 16 years old and working under the direct supervision of the provider or a family child care teacher, with basic health and safety training within 90 days of employment. Source: COMAR 13A.18.06.07.
- Substitute. At least 18 years old, familiar with the regulations, with a federal and State criminal background check application and permission to examine records of abuse and neglect. Source: COMAR 13A.18.06.08.
- Staff health. A medical evaluation completed within 6 months before an individual starts work, updated every 2 years. Source: COMAR 13A.18.06.04.
Capacity and space requirements
- Maximum capacity is 12 children, and the capacity on the certificate of registration may not be exceeded. Source: COMAR 13A.18.04.02.
- At least 35 square feet of floor space for each child in care. Source: COMAR 13A.18.05.03.
- At least 75 square feet of usable outdoor play space for each child, with a pool made inaccessible and fenced at least 4 feet high. Source: COMAR 13A.18.05.12.
Ratios and group sizes
Child ages are determined by each child's most recent birthday. Source: COMAR 13A.18.08.03.
| Group | Staff-to-child ratio | Maximum group size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (younger than 18 months) | 1:3 | 6 |
| Toddlers (18 months to younger than 2) | 1:3 | 9 |
| Infants and toddlers, with 1 or 2 infants | 1:3 | 9 |
| Infants and toddlers, with 3 or more infants | 1:3 | 6 |
| 2 years old | 1:6 | 12 |
| 3 or 4 years old | 1:10 | 12 |
| 5 years old or older | 1:12 | 12 |
| Group composition | Minimum staffing | Maximum group size |
|---|---|---|
| Includes 1 or 2 children younger than 2 | 1 staff member | 8 |
| Includes 1 or 2 children younger than 2 | 2 staff members | 12 |
| Includes 3 or 4 children younger than 2 | 2 staff members | 8 |
| Includes 3 or 4 children younger than 2 | 3 staff members | 12 |
In a mixed-age group of children who are 2 or older, groups with one to three 2-year-olds have a limit of 10 children and 1 staff member, and groups with four or more 2-year-olds have a limit of 12 children and 2 staff members. Source: COMAR 13A.18.08.03.
Child care center licensing requirements
Director and staff requirements
- Director. At least 21 years old, with a high school diploma or equivalent (or two college courses for credit), 9 clock hours of training in communicating with staff, parents, and the public (or one academic college course), 3 semester hours of administrative training, 3 clock hours of ADA training, 6 semester hours or 90 clock hours of pre-service training (or a CDA), and basic health and safety training within 90 days of employment. A director hired on or after January 1, 2009 also completes the office's regulation training within 6 months. The director is present for at least half of the center's weekly operating hours. Source: COMAR 13A.16.06.05.
- Preschool center director experience. Centers with 20 or fewer children need 1 year of experience working with preschoolers. Centers with 21 to 40 children need either 30 semester hours of college coursework (at least 20 in early childhood education) or 60 semester hours, plus 2 years of experience. Centers with more than 40 children need an associate's degree with at least 15 semester hours of early childhood education or a bachelor's degree in any field, plus 2 years of experience. Source: COMAR 13A.16.06.06.
- Child care teacher (preschool center). At least 19 years old, with a high school diploma or equivalent, 6 semester hours or 90 clock hours of pre-service training (or a CDA), 3 clock hours of ADA training, basic health and safety training within 90 days of employment, 9 clock hours of communications training (or one college course), and 1 year of experience working with preschoolers or 1 year of college. Teachers who supervise infants or toddlers also complete 3 semester hours of infant-toddler training and breastfeeding support training. Source: COMAR 13A.16.06.09.
- Aide. At least 16 years old and working under the direct supervision of the staff member in charge of the group, with basic health and safety training within 90 days of employment. Source: COMAR 13A.16.06.12.
- Staff health. A medical evaluation completed within 6 months before an individual starts work, updated every 5 years. Source: COMAR 13A.16.06.04.
- First aid and CPR. At all times, including off-site activities, at least one child care teacher or the director holds current first aid and CPR certification for every age group the center serves. Centers licensed for more than 20 children need one certified staff member for every 20 children present. Source: COMAR 13A.16.10.02.
Capacity and space requirements
- The office sets capacity according to floor space, outdoor space, staffing, equipment, ages of children, sanitary facilities, and applicable codes. A center may not admit an infant younger than 6 weeks old. Source: COMAR 13A.16.04.01 and COMAR 13A.16.04.02.
- At least 35 square feet of floor space for each child in care. Kitchens, bathrooms, corridors, storage areas, and adult work areas do not count. Source: COMAR 13A.16.05.03.
- For centers whose notice of intent was filed on or after January 1, 2009, at least 75 square feet of usable outdoor play space for half of the approved capacity, or for each child if capacity is 20 or fewer. Source: COMAR 13A.16.05.12.
- One toilet and one sink for every 15 children who are 2 years old or older, plus a diapering area with its own sink for each group of infants or toddlers. Source: COMAR 13A.16.05.08.
Ratios and group sizes
Child ages are determined by each child's most recent birthday. An infant is at least 6 weeks old and younger than 18 months, and a toddler is 18 months old or older and younger than 2. Source: COMAR 13A.16.08.03 and COMAR 13A.16.01.02.
| Group | Staff-to-child ratio | Maximum group size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | 1:3 | 6 |
| Toddlers | 1:3 | 9 |
| Infants and toddlers, with 1 or 2 infants | 1:3 | 9 |
| Infants and toddlers, with 3 or more infants | 1:3 | 6 |
| 2 years old | 1:6 | 12 |
| 3 or 4 years old | 1:10 | 20 |
| 5 years old and older | 1:15 | 30 |
Mixed-age groups follow separate staffing tables in the same regulation. For example, a mixed-age group that includes 1 or 2 infants has a maximum size of 9 with 2 staff members. Source: COMAR 13A.16.08.03.
How do I apply for a childcare license in Maryland?
The Child Care Licensing Branch follows the same basic path for every license type, and the regional licensing office for your county guides each step. The steps below combine the family, large family, and center application guides. Source: Family Child Care Home Application Resource Guide and Child Care Center and Letter of Compliance Application Resource Guide.
- Complete the orientation. Take the orientation for your license type: family child care, large family child care home, or child care center. Completing the orientation is mandatory before you can submit an application, and the online module does not replace the face-to-face orientation session at your regional licensing office. Source: Licensing Orientations, Family Child Care Orientation, and Child Care Center Orientation.
- Contact your regional licensing office. Call the office for the county where you will provide care (for homes, the county where you live). That office processes your application, inspects your program, issues your license or certificate, and provides technical assistance. Maryland has 13 regional licensing offices. Source: Family Child Care Home Application Resource Guide.
- File a notice of intent (centers). Centers file a notice of intent with the office before applying for permits for construction or operation. Source: COMAR 13A.16.02.02.
- Secure local approvals. The local fire authority inspects your home or facility. Centers also need zoning approval and a use and occupancy permit, and health department or other local inspections may apply. Renters submit written authorization from the landlord, and homes built before 1978 follow the lead-safe requirements. Source: Child Care Center and Letter of Compliance Application Resource Guide, COMAR 13A.15.02.02, and COMAR 13A.18.02.02.
- Complete background checks. Apply for a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) fingerprint authorization number, then have fingerprints taken for the applicant, every adult resident, and every employee, substitute, and volunteer. Individuals who lived in another state within the past 5 years also request a state check there. Each person's notarized release form lets the office examine records of abuse and neglect. Source: Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services fingerprinting information, COMAR 13A.15.02.02, and COMAR 13A.16.02.02.
- Complete training and medical evaluations. Finish the required training for your license type and obtain medical evaluations for the applicant and each resident or staff member the regulations require. Source: COMAR 13A.15.02.02 and COMAR 13A.18.02.02.
- Submit your application. Use the application form for your license type: OCC 1230 (family child care home), OCC 1240 (large family child care home), or OCC 1200 (child care center). Centers submit at least 60 days before the proposed opening date. Each initial application checklist lists the required documents. Source: Maryland licensing forms, family checklist, large family checklist, and center checklist.
- Pass the inspections. A licensing staff person from your regional office schedules an announced inspection before the license or registration is issued. Source: COMAR 13A.15.13.01 and COMAR 13A.16.17.02.
- Receive your decision. After the application, documents, and inspection are complete, the office has up to 30 days to issue the license or registration or deny it, and it notifies you in writing. Source: COMAR 13A.15.02.06 and COMAR 13A.16.02.05.
What to submit with your application
- Family child care home. The application form, a substitute form for each substitute, an environmental health survey, a written plan of operation, a list of residents and personnel, documentation of zoning, building, health, and fire compliance, a fire evacuation plan, a written parent contract (fees, discipline, and pets), background check results, release of information forms, medical evaluations, and training documentation. Source: Family Child Care Home Application Resource Guide.
- Large family child care home. The application form, notarized release forms, medical evaluations, evidence of zoning and building compliance, a written plan of operation, an emergency and disaster plan, workers' compensation information, a personnel list and staffing pattern, training documentation, a 4-week menu, a written child discipline policy, lead safety documentation, and proof of fire authority approval. The office's checklist also asks for floor plans with architectural detail, private sewage and water inspection results where they apply, a rabies certificate for each animal on the premises, and a swimming pool certificate. Source: COMAR 13A.18.02.02 and Large Family Child Care Home application checklist.
- Child care center. A notice of intent, the application form, site and floor plans, a written plan of operation, documentation of zoning, building, health, and fire compliance, workers' compensation documentation, a fire evacuation plan, a menu for the first 4 weeks, written child discipline procedures, a personnel list with staff qualification documents, a staffing pattern, background check results, and release of information forms. Source: Child Care Center and Letter of Compliance Application Resource Guide.
How long does licensing take?
The application process is self-paced. Once all application requirements and inspections are complete, the office has up to 30 days to approve or deny the license or registration. Source: Family Child Care Home Application Resource Guide. Home applicants have up to 6 months to complete the process, and the office may consider an application void if documents are not received within that time. Center applications are tracked for 12 months. Delays often come from background checks and local approvals that the office does not control. Source: COMAR 13A.15.02.02 and Child Care Center and Letter of Compliance Application Resource Guide.
What is provisional status?
While an applicant finishes remaining requirements, the office may issue an initial license or registration on a provisional basis for up to 120 days, but only after the required federal and State criminal background checks and abuse and neglect record reviews have been passed. If requirements are still unmet because of circumstances beyond the applicant's control, the office may extend provisional status in additional 120-day periods, up to 24 months in total. Source: COMAR 13A.15.02.04 and COMAR 13A.16.02.04.
Whether you open a center or a home, brightwheel's new program support can help you launch. Compare other states in our childcare licensing requirements by state and see Maryland childcare licensing requirements, including child care center requirements, small family child care home requirements, and large family child care home requirements.
Getting your childcare license is just the beginning. Launching your program takes planning, tools, and reliable support. That’s why brightwheel offers a dedicated New Program Experience designed to guide you every step of the way. With our all-in-one platform, you can simplify enrollment, set up billing plans, and stay on track for a smooth, successful opening.
I would say that if you are a new program that you should definitely jump on brightwheel and just experience it. It’s tools that help make your life easier as the owner and director. There’s no reason not to, with the cost and the effectiveness, it’s 100% a yes for me.” Crystal D., Owner & Director at Lil’ Ranch Hands Family Childcare Home in Minco, OK
As I build my new program, the billing features are a game changer. I can easily invoice parents, and everything is automatically tracked—especially helpful come tax season.” Emily K., Owner of Emily Finzen Childcare in Lake Benton, MN
Experience Curriculum allows you to lean into creativity while following the curriculum. It’s all right there, it’s all prepared for you, and then you can lean into it.” Leinani G., Owner of Creative Minds Learning Academy in Bothell, WA
Brightwheel helps us in every way possible. From their onboarding and support team to the features that keep us organized, on track with planning, and communicating smoothly as a team to parents and each other. I couldn't imagine a better management system for our program." Harida H., Administrator at Play Pals Daycare in Maumee, OH
How much does a daycare license cost in Maryland?
The regional licensing office charges no fees for any inspections it conducts. You may pay for inspections by the local fire authority, the health department, or other local agencies, and for required training courses. Source: Family Child Care Home Application Resource Guide and Child Care Center and Letter of Compliance Application Resource Guide.
- Basic health and safety training. The online course is free and takes about 3 hours to complete. Face-to-face versions from approved trainers are priced by the trainer. Source: Basic Health and Safety Training.
- Medical evaluations, fingerprinting, and local permits. These are set by the providers and local agencies involved. Ask your regional licensing office which local approvals apply to your address.
- Penalties for unlicensed care. Operating without the required license or registration is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,500 for a first violation and up to $2,500 for a second or later violation. For a center, a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation applies, with each day counted as a separate violation and a $5,000 total cap. For a home, the office may issue civil citations of $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for each later violation, also capped at $5,000. Source: COMAR 13A.16.17.08, COMAR 13A.15.13.08, 13A.15.13.09, 13A.18.14.08, and 13A.18.14.09.
How do I stay compliant with my Maryland daycare license?
- Move to a continuing license or registration. An initial license or registration is valid for up to 2 years. Before it expires, submit the request for a continuing license or registration with training documentation, medical evaluations, release of information forms, and the most recent fire inspection. Source: Maryland Child Care 101, COMAR 13A.15.02.03, and COMAR 13A.16.02.03.
- Keep documentation current. Every 12 months, submit documentation of continued training. Every 24 months, submit the updated medical evaluations, release forms, and other items the regulations require. Source: COMAR 13A.15.02.03, COMAR 13A.18.02.03, and COMAR 13A.16.02.03.
- Complete annual health and safety training. All staff and family child care providers complete the annual update each year. The 2026 update is due December 31, 2026. Source: Basic Health and Safety Training.
- Expect unannounced inspections. Each program receives an announced inspection before a license or registration is issued and at least one unannounced inspection in every 12-month period afterward. Inspection results are available online. Source: COMAR 13A.16.17.02, COMAR 13A.15.13.01, COMAR 13A.18.14.01, and Maryland licensing inspection results.
- Practice emergency plans. Maintain a written emergency and disaster plan, practice fire evacuation once a month and other emergencies twice a year, and update the plan at least annually. Source: COMAR 13A.16.10.01, COMAR 13A.15.10.01, and COMAR 13A.18.10.01.
- Report incidents and changes. Notify the office within 24 hours of a child's death or an injury that requires medical treatment, and immediately of changes that may affect the license, such as new residents or a criminal charge involving a household member or employee. Source: COMAR 13A.15.03.05, COMAR 13A.16.03.06, and COMAR 13A.18.03.06.
- Get approval before changing operations. Capacity, hours, rooms used, and ages served can change only after written approval from the office. Source: COMAR 13A.16.03.07.
If violations are found, the office may issue a written warning, impose intermediate sanctions, suspend a license for up to 60 days, or revoke it. A provider or operator can request a hearing within 20 days of a suspension or revocation notice. Source: COMAR 13A.16.17.
What financial resources are available for Maryland childcare providers?
As you go through the licensing process, you may come across grants or other funding resources that can help fund your childcare business. A grant is an often overlooked financial resource given by a government agency or private foundation that does not need to be repaid. Review the current grants for childcare providers in Maryland to find options that fit your program.
- Licensing Compliance Grant for Family Child Care Providers (LCGFCCP). Registered family child care providers with annual income at or below 60 percent of Maryland's State Median Income can be reimbursed up to $1,000 for costs of achieving or maintaining compliance, such as safety supplies, medical examinations, background check fees, small household repairs, and training course fees. A new grant opportunity is listed as coming soon. Source: Office of Early Childhood LCGFCCP page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license to run a home daycare in Maryland?
Yes, if you care for children who are not related to you for pay in your home. A family child care home needs a certificate of registration from the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Early Childhood. Relatives of every child, and friends of a child's parent who provide care on a nonregular basis of less than 20 hours a month, do not need to register.
How many children can I care for in a home daycare in Maryland?
A family child care home can care for up to eight children, including the provider's own children younger than six. No more than two can be younger than two years old unless the office approves, and approval allows up to four, with an additional adult present whenever more than two are younger than two. A large family child care home can care for nine to 12 children.
How long is a Maryland childcare license valid?
An initial license or registration is valid for up to two years. Before it expires, you apply for a continuing license or registration, then submit training documentation every 12 months and updated medical, release, and other documents every 24 months.
How much does a daycare license cost in Maryland?
The regional licensing office charges no fees for inspections. You may pay for inspections by the local fire authority, the health department, or other local agencies, and for required training courses. The online Basic Health and Safety Training is free.
What training do I need to open a daycare in Maryland?
Family child care providers complete 24 clock hours of approved training, with four hours in each of six core areas, or an approved equivalent. They also need first aid, CPR, emergency preparedness, medication administration, breastfeeding support, and Americans with Disabilities Act training. Large family homes and centers have separate director, teacher, and aide qualifications.
How long does it take to get a childcare license in Maryland?
The office has up to 30 days to approve or deny your application after all documents and inspections are complete. The process is self-paced, and a home application may be considered void if documents are not received within six months. Centers apply at least 60 days before the proposed opening date.
Final thoughts
Securing a childcare license is a critical first step in launching a program in Maryland. Designed with new childcare programs in mind, brightwheel's software streamlines operations, improves communication, and supports your program's growth from day one, and you can begin setting it up before you open.
