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Maryland Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Maryland. Maryland also administers a state-funded preschool program — Maryland’s Extended Learning Program (EXCEL) — with additional requirements.

Maryland Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with MD MSDE)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	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.
State-funded program	Maryland’s Extended Learning Program (EXCEL)

Maryland preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs 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..

Maryland state-funded preschool: Maryland’s Extended Learning Program (EXCEL) — a state-funded program that may have different ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for provider qualification and funding details.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:10	—	2yr9mo–5yr = 1:10 (COMAR 13A.16)
State-funded preschool (Maryland’s Extended Learning Program)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq., Maryland State Department of Education. Always verify current ratios with MD MSDE.

Maryland preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Maryland childcare center license require a director meeting Maryland State Department of Education’s qualification standards under COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq.. 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 Maryland must meet minimum education requirements set by Maryland State Department of Education. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Maryland State Department of Education for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Maryland-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 Maryland

Private preschool programs in Maryland follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Maryland State Department of Education:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Maryland State Department of Education center license (private preschool) or Maryland’s Extended Learning Program (EXCEL) contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care — Child Care Licensing. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Maryland State Department of Education’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq..
For a state-funded preschool: contact MD State Dept of Education (MSDE) — Office of Child Care or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a Maryland’s Extended Learning Program (EXCEL) contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care — Child Care Licensing.
Official resource: https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/pages/earlychildhood/childcarecenters.aspx

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Frequently asked questions: Maryland preschool licensing

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

Yes — private preschool programs in Maryland that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Maryland State Department of Education under COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq.. 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 Maryland State Department of Education for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Maryland preschool teacher need?

Maryland preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Maryland State Department of Education under COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq.. Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Maryland State Department of Education for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

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

For private preschool programs licensed by Maryland State Department of Education in Maryland, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of —. For state-funded programs (Maryland’s Extended Learning Program (EXCEL)), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the Maryland’s Extended Learning Program and who qualifies?

Yes — Maryland administers Maryland’s Extended Learning Program (EXCEL). This state-funded program typically serves income-eligible children ages 3–5 and uses different staff ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and funding availability.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Maryland?

Kindergarten in Maryland is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Maryland State Department of Education. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Maryland State Department of Education under COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq. 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 Maryland State Department of Education 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 Maryland State Department of Education before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Maryland Childcare Center Requirements, Maryland Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Maryland 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 Maryland State Department of Education at https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/pages/earlychildhood/childcarecenters.aspx before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.