Maine Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

Maine childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 2(F)(6)(b) (Licensing Requirements and Procedures - Administration; facility handbook content: 'Hours of operation and daily schedule').

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 2(F)(6)(b) (Licensing Requirements and Procedures - Administration; facility handbook content: 'Hours of operation and daily schedule')

Maine childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 9 (Child Guidance), incl. § 9(D) (Detrimental practice - prohibited corporal punishment).

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 9 (Child Guidance), incl. § 9(D) (Detrimental practice - prohibited corporal punishment)

Maine childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 12(E) (Dismissal of Children due to illness); cf. § 12(D) (Health monitoring).

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 12(E) (Dismissal of Children due to illness); cf. § 12(D) (Health monitoring)

Maine childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 12(H) (Medication administration).

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 12(H) (Medication administration)

Maine childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 12(K) (Emergency procedures); cf. § 12(G) (First aid).

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 12(K) (Emergency procedures); cf. § 12(G) (First aid)

Maine childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 7 (Staff-Child Ratios, Supervision, and Qualifications - supervision at arrival/departure); cf. § 2(F) (Administration - handbook / parental access).

10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 7 (Staff-Child Ratios, Supervision, and Qualifications - supervision at arrival/departure); cf. § 2(F) (Administration - handbook / parental access)

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Maine?

Childcare licensing in Maine is regulated by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), Children's Licensing and Investigation Unit. Official licensing information is published at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/provider-resources/child-care-licensing.

How many handbook policy sections does Maine require?

Maine requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

How often does Maine inspect licensed childcare centers?

The Department generally conducts unannounced site inspections. Routine inspections occur annually after the date of initial licensure (10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 4(A)(2)); inspections also occur upon application (§ 4(A)(1)), on capacity/service changes (§ 4(A)(3)), and to investigate complaints or suspected abuse/neglect (§ 4(A)(4)). The Department may conduct more frequent inspections at its discretion.

What happens if a Maine center is out of compliance?

Civil penalties under 10-148 C.M.R. ch. 32, § 21 and 22 M.R.S. § 7702-B: Operating a child care facility without a license - not less than $500 nor more than $10,000 per day, each day a separate violation (22 M.R.S. § 7702-B(3)); violations regarding child-to-staff ratios - not more than $500 per incident or $500 per number of children above the limit, or both (§ 21(B)(3)(b)); violations regarding records/disclosure - $500 per violation (§ 21(B)(3)(a)). The Department may also impose intermediate sanctions and may refuse to issue/renew, condition, suspend (including emergency suspension), or revoke a license, with appeal rights under § 21.