Licensed Daycare in Maryland
Find the right daycare in Maryland in under 5 minutes. 2,483 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care. Free, no signup.
Maryland Childcare Licensing
In Maryland, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:3 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Verify a license at Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child CareWhat's distinctive about Maryland: Maryland's tight 1:3 infant ratio and Maryland EXCELS quality-rating system push providers toward NAEYC-level standards even without accreditation. CCS scholarships serve families up to 60% state median.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care
- Infant ratio
- 1:3
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $1,500/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $1,080/mo
Top Cities for Daycare in Maryland
View all cities →Maryland Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Maryland families can apply for Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program (CCS) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (877) 227-0125
Official Maryland & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
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Daycare in Maryland — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Maryland is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Maryland?
How much does daycare cost in Maryland?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Maryland?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Maryland daycare?
Search 2,483 Licensed Maryland Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.