Licensed Free Search State-verified

Licensed Daycare in Maryland

Search 2,483 verified daycare and childcare centers across Maryland, sourced directly from State Department of Children & Family Services . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

2,483
Licensed Centers
$1,230/mo
Avg Infant Care
$860/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

Maryland Childcare Licensing

In Maryland, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the State Department of Children & Family Services. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 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.

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
State Department of Children & Family Services
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:6
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$1,230/mo
Avg preschool cost
$860/mo

Top Cities for Daycare in Maryland

View all cities →
Baltimore
199 centers
Bethesda
56 centers
Rockville
54 centers
Columbia
50 centers
Easton
46 centers
Glen Burnie
30 centers
Salisbury
26 centers
Silver Spring
25 centers
Laurel
22 centers
Hagerstown
22 centers
Upper Marlboro
21 centers
Waldorf
16 centers
Financial help

Maryland Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Maryland families can apply for CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) 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.

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in Maryland

Montessori School
311 centers
Licensed Family Daycare Home
311 centers
Licensed Child Care Center
311 centers
Preschool Program
310 centers
Licensed Group Child Care Home
310 centers
Infant & Toddler Center
310 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 2,483 →
C

Cumberland Cloud Nine Kids #181

Gunpowder, MD

Montessori School
N

Nurturing Hearts Cumberland #182

Arnold, MD

Licensed Child Care Center
C

Cumberland Smart Start Academy #183

Baldwin, MD

Licensed Family Daycare Home
C

Cumberland Little Angels #184

Bel Air, MD

Licensed Group Child Care Home
E

Explorer Kids Cumberland #185

Bel Air, MD

Preschool Program
C

Cumberland Generations Daycare #186

Belcamp, MD

Head Start Center
C

Cumberland KinderSmile #187

Churchville, MD

Before & After School Care
A

Active Kids Cumberland #188

Clarksville, MD

Infant & Toddler Center
C

Cumberland Playhouse Academy #189

Cockeysville Hun, MD

Montessori School
C

Cumberland Learning Center #190

Cockeysville Hun, MD

Licensed Child Care Center
C

Cumberland Childcare Academy #191

Crownsville, MD

Licensed Family Daycare Home

Daycare in Maryland — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Maryland is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the State Department of Children & Family Services database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Maryland?
State minimums in Maryland are roughly 1:4 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 $1230/month; preschool runs around $860/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 CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program). 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 State Department of Children & Family Services. 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.

Browse All Maryland Centers Compare Daycare Options