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.

On-line Orientation

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

Contact Information

Division of Early Childhood
Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: licensingocc.msde@maryland.gov