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Maine Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Maine.

Maine Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with ME DHHS)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Maine Department of Health and Human Services — Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) — Child Care Licensing
Regulatory code	10-148 CMR 33 (Licensing of Child Care Facilities); MRSA Title 22 §8301-A

Maine preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Maine must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Maine Department of Health and Human Services under 10-148 CMR 33 (Licensing of Child Care Facilities); MRSA Title 22 §8301-A.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:10	—	3yr = 1:10; 4yr = 1:15

Source: 10-148 CMR 33 (Licensing of Child Care Facilities); MRSA Title 22 §8301-A, Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Always verify current ratios with ME DHHS.

Maine preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Maine childcare center license require a director meeting Maine Department of Health and Human Services’s qualification standards under 10-148 CMR 33 (Licensing of Child Care Facilities); MRSA Title 22 §8301-A. Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Maine must meet minimum education requirements set by Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Maine Department of Health and Human Services for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Maine-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Maine

Private preschool programs in Maine follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Maine Department of Health and Human Services:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Maine Department of Health and Human Services center license (private preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Maine Department of Health and Human Services — Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) — Child Care Licensing. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Maine Department of Health and Human Services’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under 10-148 CMR 33 (Licensing of Child Care Facilities); MRSA Title 22 §8301-A.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Maine Department of Health and Human Services — Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) — Child Care Licensing.
Official resource: https://maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/support-for-families/child-care/licensing

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Frequently asked questions: Maine preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Maine need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Maine that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Maine Department of Health and Human Services under 10-148 CMR 33 (Licensing of Child Care Facilities); MRSA Title 22 §8301-A. The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:10 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Maine Department of Health and Human Services for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Maine preschool teacher need?

Maine preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Maine Department of Health and Human Services under 10-148 CMR 33 (Licensing of Child Care Facilities); MRSA Title 22 §8301-A. Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Maine Department of Health and Human Services for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Maine preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Maine Department of Health and Human Services in Maine, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of —. Contact ME DHHS to verify the current ratio requirement.

Are there state-funded preschool options in Maine?

Maine may have state-funded preschool options through Head Start, state pre-K programs, or other initiatives. Contact Maine Department of Health and Human Services or your local school district for information on state-funded preschool programs in your area.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Maine?

Kindergarten in Maine is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Maine Department of Health and Human Services under 10-148 CMR 33 (Licensing of Child Care Facilities); MRSA Title 22 §8301-A and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Maine Department of Health and Human Services for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Maine Department of Health and Human Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Maine Childcare Center Requirements, Maine Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Maine Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Maine Department of Health and Human Services at https://maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/support-for-families/child-care/licensing before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.