---
title: "Maryland Small Family Child Care Home Licensing Requirements"
id: "18493"
type: "page"
slug: "maryland-small-family-child-care-home-licensing-requirements"
published_at: "2026-05-12T20:40:46+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-06-09T20:52:11+00:00"
url: "https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/maryland/maryland-small-family-child-care-home-licensing-requirements/"
markdown_url: "https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/maryland/maryland-small-family-child-care-home-licensing-requirements.md"
excerpt: "Part of the Maryland compliance guide. Looking for ratios, subsidy rules, and licensing info across all program types? Maryland Childcare Licensing Requirements: Full Guide → Maryland Small Family Child Care Home — Compliance Quick Reference License type Small family child..."
taxonomy_language:
  - "English"
---

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# Maryland Small Family Child Care Home Licensing Requirements (2026)

## Capacity limits, provider qualifications, home safety requirements, and the step-by-step licensing process for Maryland small family child care homes.

**Part of the Maryland compliance guide.** Looking for ratios, subsidy rules, and licensing info across all program types? [Maryland Childcare Licensing Requirements: Full Guide →](https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/maryland/)

Maryland Small Family Child Care Home — Compliance Quick Reference

| License type | Small family child care home |
| --- | --- |
| 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. |
| Typical maximum capacity | Up to 6–8 children (verify with MD MSDE) |
| Provider credential | No Director Permit required in most states; background check + pre-licensing orientation required |
| CPR/First Aid | Required — must be current before license issued |
| Annual training | Continuing education required (hours vary by state) |
| Setting | Provider’s own private residence |

## Maryland small family child care home: Capacity rules

Small family child care homes in Maryland use a capacity model rather than a traditional staff-to-child ratio. The licensed capacity is set under COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq. and depends on the ages of children and whether the provider is alone or has an assistant present.

Small family child care homes operate on a **capacity model**, not a staff-to-child ratio model. The provider is the caregiver — no assistant is required. For programs caring for a larger group, see the [Maryland large family child care home requirements](https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/maryland/maryland-large-family-child-care-home-licensing-requirements/)
.

| Capacity scenario | Staffing required | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Up to 6 children | Provider alone | Typical base capacity; verify with MD MSDE for infant limits |
| 7–8 children | Provider alone (if criteria met) | Additional criteria may apply (age mix, infant limits); verify with Maryland State Department of Education |
| Provider’s own children | Counted in total | Own children under specified age who are home during care hours typically count toward capacity |

## Maryland small family child care home: Credential & training requirements

### Provider / Licensee requirements

To operate a small family child care home in Maryland, the provider must be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check (fingerprinting), and complete a pre-licensing health and safety orientation approved by Maryland State Department of Education. A formal ECE degree or director permit is generally not required for small family homes in most states.

### CPR and first aid

Current CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required before the license is issued and must be kept current throughout the licensing period. Some states require household members or substitutes to also hold CPR certification.

### Annual training requirements

After licensure, providers in Maryland must complete continuing education hours annually as required by Maryland State Department of Education. Training topics typically include child development, health and safety, and first aid. Contact MD MSDE for the current annual training requirement.

## Maryland small family child care home: Facility requirements

The following physical environment standards apply to small family child care homes in Maryland under COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq..

| Setting | Must be the provider’s primary residence; not a commercial building |
| --- | --- |
| Home inspection | MD MSDE licensing analyst inspects the home before license issuance — checks for safety hazards, fencing, safe sleeping areas, and emergency exits |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; equipment must be age-appropriate and in good repair |
| Sleeping arrangements | Safe sleep practices required; appropriate sleep surfaces for infants; no shared sleep surfaces |
| Zoning | Check with your local city/county — some jurisdictions require a home business permit or conditional use permit for a family child care home |

## How to get a small family child care home license in Maryland

The small family child care home licensing process in Maryland is administered by Maryland State Department of Education. Follow these general steps:

1. Contact Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care — Child Care Licensing to request a small family child care home application packet.
2. Complete the application forms including disclosure of all adults (18+) residing in the home, who must submit fingerprints for background checks.
3. Complete the required pre-licensing health and safety orientation.
4. Obtain current CPR and pediatric first aid certification for the provider.
5. Schedule and pass the pre-licensing home inspection by a MD MSDE licensing analyst.
6. Obtain any required local permits (zoning, fire, or home business permit) from your city or county.
7. Receive your small family child care home license from Maryland State Department of Education.

**Licensing contact:** Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care — Child Care Licensing.  
 Official resource: [https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/child-care-providers/licensing](https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/child-care-providers/licensing)

### Built for family child care providers in Maryland.

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[See brightwheel for family child care home providers →](https://mybrightwheel.com/in-home-child-care/)

## Frequently asked questions: Maryland small family child care home licensing

How many children can I care for in a small family child care home in Maryland?

Small family child care homes in Maryland are typically licensed for up to 6–8 children total, including the provider’s own children under a specified age. The exact capacity limit is set under COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq. and may depend on the age mix of children and whether an assistant is present. Contact Maryland State Department of Education for the current capacity rules specific to your home setting.

Do I need a director permit or teaching credential to operate a small family child care home in Maryland?

Most states, including Maryland, do not require a Child Development Director Permit or formal teaching credential to operate a small family child care home. The primary requirements typically include: passing a criminal background check, completing a pre-licensing health and safety orientation, and holding current CPR and pediatric first aid certification. Contact Maryland State Department of Education for current qualification requirements.

Do my own children count toward the capacity limit in Maryland?

In most states, the provider’s own children under a specified age (typically under age 10) who are present in the home during childcare hours count toward the licensed capacity. Children at school during care hours may not count. Verify the specific rule with Maryland State Department of Education as this varies by state.

What is the difference between a small and large family child care home in Maryland?

A small family child care home in Maryland typically serves a smaller group (up to 6–8 children) with the provider as the sole caregiver. A large family child care home serves a larger group (typically up to 12–14 children) and requires an assistant caregiver to be present. Large homes are licensed under different provisions of COMAR 13A.16 (Child Care Centers); Education Article §9.5-401 et seq.. See the [Maryland large family child care home page](https://mybrightwheel.com/licensing-requirements/maryland/maryland-large-family-child-care-home-licensing-requirements/)
 for details.

What home safety requirements must I meet to get a Maryland family child care home license?

Maryland small family child care home applicants must pass a pre-licensing home inspection by MD MSDE. Key requirements typically include a fenced outdoor play area, safe sleep surfaces for infants, functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, safe storage of medications and hazardous materials, and an emergency exit plan. All water features must be securely fenced. Contact Maryland State Department of Education for the complete inspection checklist.

## 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 — family child care home licensing](https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/child-care-providers/licensing)
- [ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Maryland](https://licensingregulations.acf.hhs.gov)

**Also in this guide:** [Maryland Childcare Center Requirements](/licensing-requirements/maryland/maryland-childcare-center-licensing-requirements/)
, [Maryland Large Family Child Care Home Requirements](/licensing-requirements/maryland/maryland-large-family-child-care-home-licensing-requirements/)
, [Maryland Preschool Requirements](/licensing-requirements/maryland/maryland-preschool-licensing-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://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/child-care-providers/licensing](https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/child-care-providers/licensing)
 before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.