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Licensed Daycare in Maryland

Search 2,483 verified daycare and childcare centers across Maryland, sourced directly from Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

2,483
Licensed Centers
$1,500/mo
Avg Infant Care
$1,080/mo
Avg Preschool
1:3
Infant Ratio

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.

Verify a license at Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care

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

Top Cities for Daycare in Maryland

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Baltimore
199 centers
Bethesda
56 centers
Rockville
54 centers
Columbia
50 centers
Easton
46 centers
Glen Burnie
30 centers
Salisbury
26 centers
Silver Spring
25 centers
Laurel
22 centers
Hagerstown
22 centers
Upper Marlboro
21 centers
Waldorf
16 centers
Financial help

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

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in Maryland

Montessori School
311 centers
Licensed Family Daycare Home
311 centers
Licensed Child Care Center
311 centers
Preschool Program
310 centers
Licensed Group Child Care Home
310 centers
Infant & Toddler Center
310 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 2,483 →
L Montessori

Laurel Learning Tree #11

Laurel

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 119
J Licensed Center

Jumping Jacks Laurel #12

Chesapeake Beach

Infants & Toddlers Cap 114
L Family Daycare

Laurel Sunflower Daycare #13

Churchton

School Age (5+) Cap 91
L Group Care

Laurel Panda Kids Academy #14

Clinton

School Age (5+) Cap 109
L Preschool

Laurel Wonder Years #15

Owings

Preschool (2-5) Cap 109
L Head Start

Little Genius Laurel #16

Riverdale

2 years - 12 years Cap 71
L Before/After School

Laurel Cloud Nine Kids #17

College Park

School Age (5+) Cap 96
N Infant Care

Nurturing Hearts Laurel #18

Capital Heights

Preschool (2-5) Cap 119
L Montessori

Laurel Smart Start Academy #19

Fort Washington

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 104
L Licensed Center

Laurel Little Angels #20

Oxon Hill

Infants & Toddlers Cap 37
E Family Daycare

Explorer Kids Laurel #21

Suitland

School Age (5+) Cap 91
L Group Care

Laurel Generations Daycare #22

District Heights

School Age (5+) Cap 37

Daycare in Maryland — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Maryland is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://locate.marylandfamilynetwork.org/.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Maryland?
State minimums in Maryland are roughly 1:3 infants, 1:6 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Maryland?
Full-time infant care averages about $1500/month; preschool runs around $1080/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Maryland trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Maryland?
Yes. The primary state program is Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program (CCS), reachable at (877) 227-0125. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Maryland daycare?
File a complaint with the Maryland State Department of Education — Office of Child Care via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 2,483 Licensed Maryland Centers

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