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Licensed Daycare in Maryland

Search 2,483 verified daycare and childcare centers across Maryland, sourced directly from Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

2,483
Licensed Centers
$1,500/mo
Avg Infant Care
$1,080/mo
Avg Preschool
1:3
Infant Ratio

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 Care

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
Financial help

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

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Daycare in Maryland — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Maryland is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://locate.marylandfamilynetwork.org/.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Maryland?
State minimums in Maryland are roughly 1:3 infants, 1:6 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Maryland?
Full-time infant care averages about $1500/month; preschool runs around $1080/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Maryland trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Maryland?
Yes. The primary state program is Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program (CCS), reachable at (877) 227-0125. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Maryland daycare?
File a complaint with the Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 2,483 Licensed Maryland Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.