Licensed Daycare in Maryland
Find the right daycare in Maryland in under 5 minutes. 2,483 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Maryland licensing records.
Maryland childcare by the numbers
Maryland Childcare Licensing
In Maryland, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:3 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.
What's distinctive about Maryland: Maryland's tight 1:3 infant ratio and Maryland EXCELS quality-rating system push providers toward NAEYC-level standards even without accreditation. CCS scholarships serve families up to 60% state median.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care
- Infant ratio
- 1:3
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $1,500/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $1,080/mo
Maryland Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Maryland runs about $18,000/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Maryland center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Maryland
-
1
Check eligibility for Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program (CCS). Most Maryland families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
-
2
Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Maryland often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (877) 227-0125.
-
3
Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
-
4
Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care database and tour during operating hours.
Top Cities for Daycare in Maryland
View all cities →Maryland Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Maryland families can apply for Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program (CCS) 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.
Local intake line: (877) 227-0125
Official Maryland & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in Maryland — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Maryland is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Maryland?
How much does daycare cost in Maryland?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Maryland?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Maryland daycare?
Where to get childcare help in Maryland
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programMaryland Child Care Scholarship Program (CCS) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(877) 227-0125 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Maryland are compiled from official Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 2,483 Licensed Maryland Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.