| License type | Childcare center |
| Regulating agency | Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care — Child Care Licensing |
| Regulatory code | COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq. |
| Infant ratio | 1:3 (max group: —) |
| Toddler ratio | 1:6 (max group: —) |
| Preschool ratio | 1:10 (max group: —) |
Maryland licensed childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Licensed childcare centers in Maryland must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Maryland State Department of Education under COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq..
| Age group | Staff:child ratio | Max group size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–18 months) | 1:3 | — | Birth–12 months; one of strictest infant ratios nationally |
| Toddler (18–36 months) | 1:6 | — | 12–24 months |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:10 | — | 2yr9mo–5yr = 1:10 (COMAR 13A.16) |
Source: COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq., Maryland State Department of Education. Always verify current ratios directly with MD MSDE.
Maryland licensed childcare center: Credential & training requirements
Director / Operator requirements
Maryland childcare center directors must meet minimum education and experience requirements established by Maryland State Department of Education under COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq.. Most states require directors to hold a combination of early childhood education (ECE) college coursework, teaching or administrative experience, and a valid background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit. Contact Maryland State Department of Education for the current director qualification standard applicable to your program type.
Teacher / Caregiver requirements
Lead teachers and caregivers in Maryland licensed childcare centers must meet minimum education requirements set by Maryland State Department of Education. Requirements often include ECE college coursework or an equivalent credential (such as a Child Development Associate — CDA credential), plus ongoing continuing education. Aides or assistant teachers typically must be at least 18 years old and work under the direct supervision of a qualified lead teacher.
Annual training requirements
All center staff in Maryland are typically required to complete annual continuing education hours approved by Maryland State Department of Education. CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required for most childcare center staff and must be kept current. Contact Maryland State Department of Education for the current annual training hour requirement and approved training topics.
Maryland licensed childcare center: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to licensed childcare centers in Maryland under COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq..
| Indoor space | Minimum square footage per child required; verify with MD MSDE for your age group and license type |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; minimum square footage per child; age-appropriate equipment |
| Infant sleeping | Dedicated sleeping area; individual cribs or safe sleep surfaces for infants |
| Emergency exits | Clearly marked, unobstructed; fire evacuation plan posted; regular fire drills required |
| Background checks | Live Scan or equivalent fingerprint background check required for all staff with child contact |
| Health & safety | Health department and/or fire authority inspection required before license issuance |
How to get a childcare center license in Maryland
The childcare center licensing process in Maryland is administered by Maryland State Department of Education. The general steps are:
- Contact Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care — Child Care Licensing to request a licensing application packet and pre-application guidance.
- Submit a completed application including facility information, disclosure forms, and background check authorization for all staff with child contact.
- Complete background checks (fingerprinting) for the owner/director and all staff.
- Obtain local fire clearance and any required health department inspection for the facility.
- Pass a pre-licensing site visit from a MD MSDE licensing analyst verifying compliance with COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq. physical environment requirements.
- Receive your childcare center license from Maryland State Department of Education. Each physical location requires a separate license.
Licensing contact: Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care — Child Care Licensing.
Official resource: https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/pages/earlychildhood/childcarecenters.aspx
Always be in ratio — brightwheel makes it automatic.
Brightwheel’s real-time attendance tracking alerts staff the moment any Maryland classroom approaches ratio limits required under COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq..
Frequently asked questions: Maryland childcare center licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Maryland State Department of Education before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- Maryland State Department of Education — childcare center licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Maryland
Also in this guide: Maryland Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Maryland Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Maryland Preschool Requirements