Maryland childcare licensing requirements.
Ratios, group sizes, certifications, and drills for Maryland — per MSDE Child Care Center Regulations (COMAR 13A.16). Bloomily tracks every one of them live, so the paperwork is ready before anyone asks.
Staff-to-child ratios in Maryland
| Age group | Ratio | Max group size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-12 months) | 1:3 | 6 |
| toddler | 1:3 | 9 |
| two_year | 1:6 | 12 |
| Preschool (3-5 years) | 1:10 | 20 |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:15 | 30 |
Per MSDE Child Care Center Regulations (COMAR 13A.16). Ratios in Bloomily are computed live from real check-ins against these limits.
Required certifications
Maryland required 12 clock hours annual training in Core of Knowledge areas per COMAR 13A.16.06
Renews every 12 months
Maryland comprehensive background check including CJIS and FBI fingerprinting per COMAR 13A.16.06
Renews every 60 months
Maryland CPS clearance required for all staff
Renews every 60 months
First aid certification required for all staff
Renews every 24 months
California mandated reporter training for child abuse
Maryland Child Care Credential at appropriate level per COMAR 13A.16.06
Renews every 60 months
Infant and child CPR certification required per COMAR 13A.16.06
Renews every 24 months
Maryland required 90 hours pre-service training including 45 hours in child development
Safe sleep training required for infant caregivers
Renews every 36 months
Health inventory form including TB risk assessment required
Renews every 24 months
Drill requirements
| Drill | Frequency | Required |
|---|---|---|
| fire | monthly | Yes |
| shelter_in_place | semi_annually | Yes |
Maryland MSDE Pre-Inspection Checklist
- License displayed in prominent location
- Capacity not exceeded
- Operating within licensed hours
- Written policies and procedures available
- Parent handbook current and distributed
- Indoor space meets minimum (35 sq ft per child)
- Outdoor play area adequate (75 sq ft per child)
- Temperature maintained (68-75°F)
- Adequate lighting in all areas
- Toilets clean and child-accessible
- Handwashing facilities available
- Drinking water readily accessible
Run a Maryland program? Keep it compliant without the binder.
Ratios computed live from real check-ins, certifications flagged before they lapse, and inspection-ready reports one click away.