Maryland Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

Maryland childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per COMAR 13A.16.04.02 (Enrollment and Attendance — subsection B limits enrollment to no more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period unless approved by the Office; chapter 13A.16.04 is titled 'Operational Requirements.' Days/hours of facility operation are part of the required plan of operation under COMAR 13A.16.02 License Application and Maintenance — umbrella reference).

COMAR 13A.16.04.02 (Enrollment and Attendance — subsection B limits enrollment to no more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period unless approved by the Office; chapter 13A.16.04 is titled 'Operational Requirements.' Days/hours of facility operation are part of the required plan of operation under COMAR 13A.16.02 License Application and Maintenance — umbrella reference)

Maryland childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per COMAR 13A.16.07.03 (Child Discipline).

COMAR 13A.16.07.03 (Child Discipline)

Maryland childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per COMAR 13A.16.11.01 (Exclusion for Acute Illness).

COMAR 13A.16.11.01 (Exclusion for Acute Illness)

Maryland childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per COMAR 13A.16.11.04 (Medication Administration and Storage).

COMAR 13A.16.11.04 (Medication Administration and Storage)

Maryland childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per COMAR 13A.16.10.01 (Emergency Safety Requirements).

COMAR 13A.16.10.01 (Emergency Safety Requirements)

Maryland childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per COMAR 13A.16.07.05 (Authorized Release); see also COMAR 13A.16.07.06 (Child Security).

COMAR 13A.16.07.05 (Authorized Release); see also COMAR 13A.16.07.06 (Child Security)

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Maryland?

Childcare licensing in Maryland is regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Early Childhood, Office of Child Care (OCC), Licensing Branch. Official licensing information is published at https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/child-care-providers/child-care-centers.

How many handbook policy sections does Maryland require?

Maryland requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

How often does Maryland inspect licensed childcare centers?

Routine unannounced inspections required at least once within each 12-month period after an initial or continuing license is issued; an agency representative may make inspections without prior notice during the center's hours of operation (COMAR 13A.16.17.02). An announced inspection precedes issuance of an initial or continuing license. Complaint-based inspections occur as needed (COMAR 13A.16.17.01).

What happens if a Maryland center is out of compliance?

Civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation; each day a violation occurs or the center operates illegally is a separate violation; the total amount of civil penalties imposed in a civil action may not exceed $5,000 (COMAR 13A.16.17.08). Criminal penalties for operating without a license (misdemeanor): up to $1,500 for a first violation and up to $2,500 for a second or subsequent violation. Additional enforcement under COMAR 13A.16.17: warnings (.03), intermediate sanctions (.04), suspension (.05), emergency suspension (.06), and license revocation (.07).