Maine Childcare Daycare Inspection Prep (2026)

The Department generally conducts unannounced site inspections.

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 4(A)(2)

Routine inspections occur annually after the date of initial licensure (10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 4(A)(2))

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 4(A)(2)

inspections also occur upon application (§ 4(A)(1)), on capacity/service changes (§ 4(A)(3)), and to investigate complaints or suspected abuse/neglect (§ 4(A)(4)).

§ 4(A)(1)

The Department may conduct more frequent inspections at its discretion.

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 4(A)(2)

Civil penalties under 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 21 and 22 M.R.S. § 7702-B: Operating a child care facility without a license - not less than $500 nor more than $10,000 per day, each day a separate violation (22 M.R.S. § 7702-B(3))

22 M.R.S. § 7702-B(3)

violations regarding child-to-staff ratios - not more than $500 per incident or $500 per number of children above the limit, or both (§ 21(B)(3)(b))

§ 21(B)(3)(b)

violations regarding records/disclosure - $500 per violation (§ 21(B)(3)(a)).

§ 21(B)(3)(a)

The Department may also impose intermediate sanctions and may refuse to issue/renew, condition, suspend (including emergency suspension), or revoke a license, with appeal rights under § 21.

appeal rights under § 2

During a Maine childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Infants (6 weeks to 1 year) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 8).

During a Maine childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Young toddlers (1 year to 2.5 years) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:4 (max group 12) or 1:5 (max group 10).

During a Maine childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Older toddlers/young preschool (2.5 years to 3.5 years) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:7 (max group 21).

During a Maine childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Preschool (3 years to under 5 years) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:8 (max group 24) or 1:10 (max group 20).

During a Maine childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the School-age (5 years to 12 years) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:13.

Maine inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Hours of Operation policy (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 2(F)(6)(b) (Licensing Requirements and Procedures - Administration; facility handbook content: 'Hours of operation and daily schedule').

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 2(F)(6)(b) (Licensing Requirements and Procedures - Administration; facility handbook content: 'Hours of operation and daily schedule')

Maine inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy policy (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 9 (Child Guidance), incl. § 9(D) (Detrimental practice - prohibited corporal punishment).

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 9 (Child Guidance), incl. § 9(D) (Detrimental practice - prohibited corporal punishment)

Maine inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Illness and Exclusion Policy policy (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 12(E) (Dismissal of Children due to illness); cf. § 12(D) (Health monitoring).

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 12(E) (Dismissal of Children due to illness); cf. § 12(D) (Health monitoring)

Maine inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Medication Administration Policy policy (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 12(H) (Medication administration).

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 12(H) (Medication administration)

How often does Maine inspect licensed childcare centers?

The Department generally conducts unannounced site inspections. Routine inspections occur annually after the date of initial licensure (10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 4(A)(2)); inspections also occur upon application (§ 4(A)(1)), on capacity/service changes (§ 4(A)(3)), and to investigate complaints or suspected abuse/neglect (§ 4(A)(4)). The Department may conduct more frequent inspections at its discretion.

What do Maine inspectors check during a childcare inspection?

Maine childcare inspectors typically verify: (1) staff-to-child ratios are met for every age group, (2) staff CPR/First Aid certifications and background checks are current, (3) each child's file contains required enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records, (4) fire-drill logs are complete, (5) the parent handbook covers all required policy sections, and (6) the physical environment is free of hazards such as unsecured cleaning supplies and missing outlet covers.

What happens if a Maine childcare center fails an inspection?

Civil penalties under 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 21 and 22 M.R.S. § 7702-B: Operating a child care facility without a license - not less than $500 nor more than $10,000 per day, each day a separate violation (22 M.R.S. § 7702-B(3)); violations regarding child-to-staff ratios - not more than $500 per incident or $500 per number of children above the limit, or both (§ 21(B)(3)(b)); violations regarding records/disclosure - $500 per violation (§ 21(B)(3)(a)). The Department may also impose intermediate sanctions and may refuse to issue/renew, condition, suspend (including emergency suspension), or revoke a license, with appeal rights under § 21.

How can I prepare my Maine childcare center for an unannounced inspection?

Use the /inspection-check tool on TotReady to run a pre-inspection self-audit. Key areas: confirm all staff ratios are met and documented, verify CPR and background-check expiration dates, audit every child file for completeness, check that fire-drill logs are current, and walk the facility for physical hazards (unsecured chemicals, missing outlet covers, blocked exits).

Which handbook sections do Maine inspectors verify?

Maine inspectors check that the parent handbook includes these required sections: Hours of Operation, Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy, Illness and Exclusion Policy, Medication Administration Policy. Each must be present and comply with the cited Maine administrative code.