How to start a preschool in Maryland

Aspiring preschool founders in Maryland will navigate a structured licensing process overseen by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care (OCC). The OCC is the principal authority responsible for issuing licenses, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). This guide will provide an overview of the requirements and procedures for establishing a licensed early childhood education setting in Maryland. Understanding the specific regulations and opportunities available through programs like Maryland EXCELS and the Child Care Scholarship Program is crucial for success. The OCC's 13 regional offices are available to provide technical assistance throughout the application and operational phases.

Regulations

Health safety: Health and safety are paramount in Maryland's child care regulations, as enforced by the MSDE Office of Child Care. All licensed providers undergo annual inspections to ensure compliance with state health and safety laws designed to protect children from injury and illness. Key aspects covered in COMAR subtitles for both Family Child Care and Child Care Centers include detailed requirements for child protection, child supervision, and overall safety. This encompasses policies regarding safeguarding, medication administration (with specific training required for providers in family child care homes), and procedures for handling illnesses. While not explicitly detailed, immunization requirements and incident reporting are standard components of child care health regulations (general). Furthermore, all employees and adults residing in family child care homes must pass federal and state criminal background checks to ensure no risk to children's health, safety, or welfare. Emergency and disaster planning training is also mandated for family child care home providers.

Licensing overview: In Maryland, all child care services require a license or registration issued by the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care (OCC). The OCC's 13 regional offices manage all regulatory activities, including issuing new licenses, conducting annual inspections, providing technical assistance, and taking enforcement actions when necessary. The application process involves completing an orientation specific to the desired facility type and submitting required documentation. Compliance with the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) is essential, and licenses can be suspended or revoked for non-compliance. Regular inspections ensure ongoing adherence to state standards for health and safety. Providers are responsible for staying informed about any changes to laws and licensing requirements by visiting the Division of Early Childhood website and reviewing communications from MSDE.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care (OCC)

Staff qualifications: Staff qualification requirements in Maryland vary by the type of child care setting. For Family Child Care Homes, providers must be at least 18 years old, possess a CDA credential, associate's, or bachelor's degree in early childhood education. They also need basic first aid and CPR training, SIDS training (for children under 24 months), and 24 clock hours of approved training within two years prior to application, including specific hours in core knowledge competencies. Additionally, training in emergency planning, breastfeeding support, ADA compliance, and medication administration is required. For Large Family Child Care Homes, directors must be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, nine hours of training in communications, three semester hours of administrative procedures, and a national child development credential or equivalent training. Teachers in large homes must be 19 years or older with approved pre-service training in child development and curriculum, three clock hours in ADA compliance, and one year of supervised experience with children. All staff and adults in family homes must undergo federal and state criminal background checks.

Facility requirements: Facility requirements in Maryland are detailed within the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), specifically under Subtitle 15 for Family Child Care and Subtitle 16 for Child Care Centers. While precise square footage per child or specific fixture ratios are not detailed in the provided sources, general requirements for the physical plant and equipment are outlined. For Family Child Care Homes, the home environment and equipment are subject to specific regulations to ensure child safety and suitability. Child Care Centers, being facilities outside a residential home, must adhere to zoning regulations and broader physical plant and equipment standards to accommodate the number of children in care. Fire and safety codes, while not explicitly detailed in the provided text, are implicitly covered under the health and safety regulations enforced through annual inspections. The licensing authority ensures that all facilities maintain environments conducive to the health, safety, and welfare of children.

Curriculum requirements: Maryland's Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) for both Family Child Care and Child Care Centers includes sections on 'Program Requirements.' While the source material does not explicitly mandate a specific curriculum framework such as EYFS, NQF, or NEP, these program requirements typically outline expectations for age-appropriate activities, developmental goals, and educational content. Licensed providers are expected to offer programs that support children's growth and learning across various domains. Should an International Preschool Curriculum (IPC) be implemented, it would need to align with these broader program requirements to ensure it meets the state's educational objectives for early childhood. Specific training in child development and curriculum is required for teachers in Large Family Child Care Homes, indicating an emphasis on structured and planned educational activities.

Startup costs

Startup costs in Maryland vary significantly. A small home-based family child care operation might incur lower costs for minor renovations, licensing fees (which are minimal at $0), and initial supplies. A larger purpose-built centre for 60-100 children would require substantial investment for property acquisition or long-term lease, extensive renovations to meet specific codes, comprehensive equipment, and higher initial staffing and marketing expenses. Operational costs are driven by rent/mortgage, utilities, staff salaries, insurance, food, and ongoing training requirements. Location within Maryland (e.g., urban vs. rural) also impacts property and salary costs.

Timeline

1. Initial Research and Orientation (1-2 months): Begin by thoroughly researching the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) for your specific type of child care facility—Family Child Care Home, Large Family Child Care Home, or Child Care Center. Attend the mandatory orientation session provided by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care (OCC) for your chosen license type. This step is crucial for understanding the responsibilities and requirements of operating a licensed child care programme in Maryland.

2. Facility Preparation and Staffing (2-6 months): Prepare your facility to meet all physical plant and equipment requirements as outlined in COMAR. This includes ensuring compliance with health, safety, and any applicable zoning codes. Simultaneously, recruit and vet your staff, ensuring all personnel meet the stringent qualification, training, and background check requirements. For family child care homes, this includes all adults living in the home. Ensure all necessary training, such as first aid, CPR, SIDS, ADA compliance, and medication administration, is completed by the relevant staff.

3. Application Submission and Inspections (2-4 months): Complete and submit all required licensing documentation to the OCC. This includes detailed application forms and supporting materials that demonstrate compliance with all regulatory standards. Following submission, your facility will undergo an initial inspection by an OCC licensing specialist. Be prepared for this inspection by ensuring all aspects of your operation, from facility layout to documentation and staff records, are in order. The OCC will verify compliance with all state standards for health, safety, and welfare.

4. License Issuance and Ongoing Compliance (Ongoing): Upon successful completion of the application process and satisfactory inspection results, the MSDE Office of Child Care will issue your child care license or registration. This marks the beginning of your operation as a legal child care provider in Maryland. Maintaining your license requires ongoing compliance with COMAR regulations, yearly inspections, and fulfilling continuous training requirements for staff. You will also need to submit continuing application documentation every two years to ensure your license remains in good standing.

5. Enrollment and Operations Start (1-2 months): Once licensed, you can begin enrolling children and commencing your child care services. Continue to familiarise yourself with the Maryland EXCELS program, which promotes quality care beyond basic licensing, and the Child Care Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible families and can increase enrollment opportunities. Stay updated with any changes in regulations and leverage available resources from the MSDE Office of Child Care to ensure sustained compliance and quality of service.

6. Ongoing Renewal and Training (Biennial): Child care licenses in Maryland require ongoing maintenance. This includes submitting required documentation every two years as part of a continuing application process for centers, family child care homes, and large family child care homes. Additionally, yearly inspections will be conducted, and staff will need to complete ongoing training requirements to ensure continued compliance with regulations and to uphold the quality of care provided.

Next steps: explore the IPC curriculum, read about preschool enrollment, or browse all start-a-preschool guides.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to open a preschool or daycare in Maryland?

Yes, a childcare license or registration is mandatory in Maryland to provide childcare services. All childcare providers are regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care (OCC) and must hold a valid license or registration. Operating without one is considered illegal. This ensures that the provider meets state standards for health, safety, and welfare, and undergoes regular inspections by OCC licensing professionals. A business license from a city or county is not the same as a state-issued childcare license or registration.

What are the different types of childcare licenses available in Maryland?

Maryland offers three primary types of childcare licenses through the Maryland State Department of Education's Office of Child Care (OCC). These include a 'Family Child Care Home' which is licensed to provide care for up to eight children in a residential setting. A 'Large Family Child Care Home' allows care for up to 12 children, also in a residential home. Lastly, a 'Child Care Center' permits childcare to be provided in a facility outside a home that is specifically zoned for childcare purposes. Each license type has specific requirements detailed in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).

What are the essential staff training requirements in Maryland?

Staff training requirements in Maryland are comprehensive and vary by facility type. For Family Child Care Home providers, it includes basic first aid and CPR, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) training for infants under 24 months, emergency and disaster planning, breastfeeding practices support, three clock hours of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance training, and approved training in medication administration. Furthermore, providers must complete 24 clock hours of approved training within two years before applying for registration, including four hours in each of the six core knowledge competencies. All staff and volunteers must undergo child protection orientation and federal and state criminal background checks before caring for children.

How can I check if a childcare provider in Maryland is licensed?

You can easily check if a childcare provider in Maryland is licensed or registered by visiting CheckCCMD.org. This is a searchable database maintained by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) where you can input the facility name or the name of the person providing care (for home-based settings). The website will display the provider's license status, verified complaints, and inspection results. If a provider is not listed after confirming correct spelling and searching by location, it is possible they are operating without a valid license, which is considered illegal in Maryland.

Are there any financial assistance programs for families seeking childcare in Maryland?

Yes, the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program in Maryland provides financial assistance to eligible working families to help cover childcare costs. These scholarships can be used at licensed child care programmes that participate in Maryland EXCELS, which is a quality rating and improvement system. Families can determine their eligibility and apply for assistance through money4childcare.com. This programme aims to make quality childcare more accessible and affordable for families across the state.

What is Maryland EXCELS and how does it relate to childcare quality?

Maryland EXCELS is a quality rating and improvement system for child care and early education programmes in Maryland. It goes beyond basic state licensing requirements, offering a framework for programmes committed to providing higher quality care and education. Child care programmes can achieve different quality ratings within Maryland EXCELS, indicating their commitment to exceeding state regulations. The Child Care Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to families, can only be used at licensed child care programmes participating in Maryland EXCELS, linking quality with accessibility for families.