Licensed Daycare in Maine
Search 754 verified daycare and childcare centers across Maine, sourced directly from Maine DHHS — Office of Child and Family Services. Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.
Maine Childcare Licensing
In Maine, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Maine DHHS — Office of Child and 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, 1:5 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 Maine DHHS — Office of Child and Family ServicesWhat's distinctive about Maine: Maine has scarce licensed daycare outside Portland and Bangor — rural families often rely on family child care homes or family-cooperative arrangements. CCSP serves families up to 85% state median.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Maine DHHS — Office of Child and Family Services
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:5
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $1,230/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $940/mo
Maine Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Maine families can apply for Maine Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) 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: (207) 624-7999
Recently Verified Centers
View all 754 →South Portland Primrose School #33
Benton Station
La Petite Academy South Portland #34
Farmington
South Portland Discovery Preschool #35
Garland
South Portland Stepping Stones #36
Freedom
First Steps South Portland #37
Wellington
South Portland Little Scholars #38
Hartland
South Portland Creative Kids #39
Jackman
ABC Academy South Portland #40
Kingfield
South Portland Precious Moments #41
Liberty
South Portland Golden Gate Daycare #42
Madison
Kids R Us South Portland #43
Monroe
South Portland Learning Tree #44
Morrill
Daycare in Maine — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Maine is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Maine?
How much does daycare cost in Maine?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Maine?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Maine daycare?
Search 754 Licensed Maine Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.