
Are you interested in opening a child care program in Maryland?
To become a child care provider you first need to decide if you want to open a business in your home or if you want to create a center-based business. Below is a definition of each type of business:
- Family Child Care – You may provide care for up to 8 children in your home
- Large Family Child Care – You may care for up to 12 children in your home
- Child Care Center – You may provide care in a facility outside of your home that is zoned to be used as a child care center. The number of children you serve is dependent upon the square footage of the building.
Your first step is to complete an orientation. Begin by watching the online orientation to familiarize yourself with the licensing process. Orientation sessions are conducted by the Office of Child Care’s Regional Licensing Offices. Anyone planning to open a child care home or center must also attend an in‑person orientation at their Regional Licensing Office. Contact your regional office for information on licensing requirements and the schedule of upcoming sessions.
Note: The online orientation prepares you for, but does not replace, the required face‑to‑face session.
Region City/County Phone Number
1 Anne Arundel County 410-573-9522
2 Baltimore City 667-354-5178
3 Baltimore County 410-583-6200
4 Prince George's County 301-333-6940
5 Montgomery County 240-314-1400
6 Howard County | Carroll County 410-750-8771
7 Garrett County Field Office | Allegany County | Washington County 301-791-4585
8 Kent County | Talbot County | Dorchester County| Queen Anne's County | Caroline County 410-819-5801
9 Somerset County | Wicomico County | Worcester County 410-713-3430
10 Calvert County | Charles County | St. Mary's County 301-475-3770 Toll free 1-800-874-6797
11 Harford County | Cecil County 410-569-2879 Toll free 1-800-343-0955
12 Frederick County 301-696-9766
13 Carroll County 410-549-6489
Spotlight
Learn more about health, safety, and legal issues that can impact child care licensing in this slideshow.
Contact Information
Division of Early Childhood
Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: licensingocc.msde@maryland.gov