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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 KinderSmile #107

Crownsville

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 48
A Licensed Center

Active Kids Laurel #108

Darlington

Infants & Toddlers Cap 68
L Family Daycare

Laurel Playhouse Academy #109

Davidsonville

School Age (5+) Cap 118
L Group Care

Laurel Learning Center #110

Dayton

School Age (5+) Cap 120
L Preschool

Laurel Childcare Academy #111

Edgewater Beach

Preschool (2-5) Cap 100
L Head Start

Laurel Little Stars Daycare #112

Edgewood

2 years - 12 years Cap 101
L Before/After School

Laurel Rainbow Learning Center #113

Ellicott City

School Age (5+) Cap 89
L Infant Care

Laurel Bright Futures Daycare #114

Daniels

Preschool (2-5) Cap 36
L Montessori

Little Hearts Laurel #115

Columbia

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 68
L Licensed Center

Laurel Kids First Academy #116

Columbia

Infants & Toddlers Cap 109
L Family Daycare

Laurel Sunshine Daycare #117

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 46
T Group Care

Tiny Tots of Laurel #118

Fallston

School Age (5+) Cap 112

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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