How to start a daycare in Maryland.
Maryland State Department of Education licenses child care centers in Maryland. These are the steps, each with the state's own page.
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
Opening a child care center in Maryland, step by step
Complete the licensing orientation
Complete an orientation on child care center licensing rules. The Office offers or approves it.
Source: COMAR 13A.16.02.02 Initial License (Child Care Centers)File a notice of intent
Tell the Office you plan to open before you apply for building or operating permits.
Source: COMAR 13A.16.02.02 Initial License (Child Care Centers)Meet zoning and building codes
Show that your center meets all local zoning and building codes.
Source: COMAR 13A.16.02.02 Initial License (Child Care Centers)Apply for background checks
Make sure the required people apply for federal and State criminal background checks.
Source: COMAR 13A.16.02.02 Initial License (Child Care Centers)Send your application early
Send a signed application to the Office at least 60 days before you plan to open.
Source: COMAR 13A.16.02.02 Initial License (Child Care Centers)Get fire and occupancy approvals
Get an on-site approval from your local fire authority. You also need building use and occupancy permits.
Source: COMAR 13A.16.02.02 Initial License (Child Care Centers)Send your plans
Send the Office your site plans, floor plans and a written plan of operation.
Source: COMAR 13A.16.02.02 Initial License (Child Care Centers)Pass the inspection
The Office inspects your planned center as part of your first license application.
Source: COMAR 13A.16.02.05 Response of the Office to Application (Child Care Centers)
At a glance
- Who licenses centers
- Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care. Reviews center license applications and inspects each planned center.Source: COMAR 13A.16.02.05 Response of the Office to Application (Child Care Centers)
- What counts as a center
- Regular care of unrelated children, at least 2 days a week and 2 hours a daySource: COMAR 13A.16.01.02 Definitions (Child Care Centers)
- First license
- May be issued with provisional statusSource: COMAR 13A.16.02.05 Response of the Office to Application (Child Care Centers)
- License
- Cannot be transferred to someone elseSource: COMAR 13A.16.02.01 License, General Requirements (Child Care Centers)
Good to know
- The Office has not taken new applications for small centers since January 1, 2012.Source: COMAR 13A.16.02.01 License, General Requirements (Child Care Centers)
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Plan your program
- How to start a home daycare in Maryland
The kinds of home daycare the state allows, and the steps.
- Maryland licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
- Child care grants in Maryland
Grants the state runs for providers.
- Daycare startup costs in Maryland
Revenue, staff pay and rent from your own numbers.
- Daycare business plan
How to write a plan for funding and licensing.
- Tuition calculator
Typical rates by state and age group.
- Ratio calculator
Staff needed for each age group, by state.
Questions, answered
How do I start a daycare in Maryland?
The first step: Complete the licensing orientation. All 8 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.
Who licenses child care centers in Maryland?
Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care. Reviews center license applications and inspects each planned center.
About this page
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.
Questions about childcare in Maryland?
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