Licensed Daycare in Maine
Search 754 verified daycare and childcare centers across Maine, sourced directly from State Department of Children & 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 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
Maine Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Maine 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.
Recently Verified Centers
View all 754 →Nurturing Hearts Portland #73
Levant, ME
Licensed Group Child Care HomePortland Smart Start Academy #74
Lincoln, ME
Preschool ProgramPortland Little Angels #75
Mattawamkeag, ME
Head Start CenterExplorer Kids Portland #76
Medway, ME
Before & After School CarePortland Generations Daycare #77
Milford, ME
Infant & Toddler CenterPortland KinderSmile #78
Millinocket, ME
Montessori SchoolActive Kids Portland #79
Derby, ME
Licensed Child Care CenterPortland Playhouse Academy #80
Monson, ME
Licensed Family Daycare HomePortland Learning Center #81
Old Town, ME
Licensed Group Child Care HomePortland Childcare Academy #82
North Amity, ME
Preschool ProgramPortland Little Stars Daycare #83
Orland, ME
Head Start CenterPortland Rainbow Learning Center #84
Orono, ME
Before & After School CareDaycare 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.