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.
The initial step is to attend an orientation session. These sessions are conducted by Office of Child Care Regional Licensing Offices. Anyone who is interested in starting a child care business in a home or center is required to take the face-to-face orientation training. Reach out to your regional licensing office for information on the licensing process and to find out when the next orientation sessions will be held.
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
Anyone who is interested in starting a child care business in a home or center is required to take the face-to-face orientation training. Please contact the Office of Child Care Regional Licensing Office to schedule the Orientation Training.
To prepare for your orientation session, you may wish to view the on-line orientation preview. This does not replace the face-to-face orientation session you are required to attend at your Regional Office of Child Care.
Contact Information
Division of Early Childhood
Maryland State Department of Education
200 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: licensingocc.msde@maryland.gov