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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 →
F Preschool

Frederick Rainbow Learning Center #87

Clements

Preschool (2-5) Cap 67
F Head Start

Frederick Bright Futures Daycare #88

Cobb Island

2 years - 12 years Cap 39
L Before/After School

Little Hearts Frederick #89

Coltons Point

School Age (5+) Cap 16
F Infant Care

Frederick Kids First Academy #90

Dameron

Preschool (2-5) Cap 66
F Montessori

Frederick Sunshine Daycare #91

Dowell

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 32
T Licensed Center

Tiny Tots of Frederick #92

Drayden

Infants & Toddlers Cap 108
F Family Daycare

Frederick Early Learning Center #93

Faulkner

School Age (5+) Cap 47
F Group Care

Frederick ABC Childcare #94

Great Mills

School Age (5+) Cap 36
F Preschool

Frederick Bright Beginnings #95

Hollywood

Preschool (2-5) Cap 75
G Head Start

Growing Minds Frederick #96

Hughesville

2 years - 12 years Cap 70
F Before/After School

Frederick Children's Place #97

Huntingtown

School Age (5+) Cap 85
H Infant Care

Happy Days Frederick Daycare #98

Pisgah

Preschool (2-5) Cap 47

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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