Maryland Childcare Licensing
Maryland Childcare Daycare Inspection Prep (2026)
Passing a Maryland childcare licensing inspection requires more than paperwork — inspectors arrive unannounced and verify staff-to-child ratios in real time, audit child files for immunization and enrollment records, check handbook compliance, and look for physical safety hazards. Routine unannounced inspections required at least once within each 12-month period after an initial or continuing license is issued; an agency representative may make inspections without prior notice during the center's hours of operation (COMAR 13A.16.17.02). An announced inspection precedes issuance of an initial or continuing license. Complaint-based inspections occur as needed (COMAR 13A.16.17.01).
Licensing Agency
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Early Childhood, Office of Child Care (OCC), Licensing Branch →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMaryland Daycare Inspection Prep: The Specifics
Routine unannounced inspections required at least once within each 12-month period after an initial or continuing license is issued
COMAR 13A.16.17.02
an agency representative may make inspections without prior notice during the center's hours of operation (COMAR 13A.16.17.02).
COMAR 13A.16.17.02
An announced inspection precedes issuance of an initial or continuing license.
COMAR 13A.16.17.02
Complaint-based inspections occur as needed (COMAR 13A.16.17.01).
COMAR 13A.16.17.01
Civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation
COMAR 13A.16.17.08
each day a violation occurs or the center operates illegally is a separate violation
COMAR 13A.16.17.08
the total amount of civil penalties imposed in a civil action may not exceed $5,000 (COMAR 13A.16.17.08).
COMAR 13A.16.17.08
Criminal penalties for operating without a license (misdemeanor): up to $1,500 for a first violation and up to $2,500 for a second or subsequent violation.
misdemeanor
Additional enforcement under COMAR 13A.16.17: warnings (.03), intermediate sanctions (.04), suspension (.05), emergency suspension (.06), and license revocation (.07).
.07
During a Maryland childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Infants (under 18 months) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:3 (max group size 6).
During a Maryland childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Toddlers (18 months to under 2 years) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:3 (max group size 9).
During a Maryland childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Two-year-olds age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:6 (max group size 12).
During a Maryland childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Preschool (3 to 4 years) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:10 (max group size 20); 1:12 (max group size 24) in Department-approved educational programs during a school day approved by the Department (COMAR 13A.16.08.03 E(1)).
During a Maryland childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the School-age (5 years and older) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:15 (max group size 30).
Maryland inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Hours of Operation policy (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per COMAR 13A.16.04.02 (Enrollment and Attendance — subsection B limits enrollment to no more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period unless approved by the Office; chapter 13A.16.04 is titled 'Operational Requirements.' Days/hours of facility operation are part of the required plan of operation under COMAR 13A.16.02 License Application and Maintenance — umbrella reference).
COMAR 13A.16.04.02 (Enrollment and Attendance — subsection B limits enrollment to no more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period unless approved by the Office; chapter 13A.16.04 is titled 'Operational Requirements.' Days/hours of facility operation are part of the required plan of operation under COMAR 13A.16.02 License Application and Maintenance — umbrella reference)
Maryland inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy policy (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per COMAR 13A.16.07.03 (Child Discipline).
COMAR 13A.16.07.03 (Child Discipline)
Maryland inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Illness and Exclusion Policy policy (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per COMAR 13A.16.11.01 (Exclusion for Acute Illness).
COMAR 13A.16.11.01 (Exclusion for Acute Illness)
Maryland inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Medication Administration Policy policy (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per COMAR 13A.16.11.04 (Medication Administration and Storage).
COMAR 13A.16.11.04 (Medication Administration and Storage)
Maryland Daycare Inspection Prep at a Glance
| Infants (under 18 months) | 1:3 (max group size 6) |
|---|---|
| Toddlers (18 months to under 2 years) | 1:3 (max group size 9) |
| Two-year-olds | 1:6 (max group size 12) |
| Preschool (3 to 4 years) | 1:10 (max group size 20); 1:12 (max group size 24) in Department-approved educational programs during a school day approved by the Department (COMAR 13A.16.08.03 E(1)) |
| School-age (5 years and older) | 1:15 (max group size 30) |
Maryland Daycare Inspection Prep Checklist
- Supervision gaps and ratio violations during breaks, naps, or transitions
- Expired CPR certifications or background checks for staff
- Incomplete child files (missing enrollment forms, immunization records, or emergency contacts)
- Missing or undated fire-drill logs (most states require monthly drills)
- Unsecured cleaning supplies, chemicals, or medications accessible to children
- Outlet covers missing or electrical hazards in child-accessible areas
Go Deeper
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Maryland Daycare Inspection Prep: Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Maryland inspect licensed childcare centers?
Routine unannounced inspections required at least once within each 12-month period after an initial or continuing license is issued; an agency representative may make inspections without prior notice during the center's hours of operation (COMAR 13A.16.17.02). An announced inspection precedes issuance of an initial or continuing license. Complaint-based inspections occur as needed (COMAR 13A.16.17.01).
What do Maryland inspectors check during a childcare inspection?
Maryland childcare inspectors typically verify: (1) staff-to-child ratios are met for every age group, (2) staff CPR/First Aid certifications and background checks are current, (3) each child's file contains required enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records, (4) fire-drill logs are complete, (5) the parent handbook covers all required policy sections, and (6) the physical environment is free of hazards such as unsecured cleaning supplies and missing outlet covers.
What happens if a Maryland childcare center fails an inspection?
Civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation; each day a violation occurs or the center operates illegally is a separate violation; the total amount of civil penalties imposed in a civil action may not exceed $5,000 (COMAR 13A.16.17.08). Criminal penalties for operating without a license (misdemeanor): up to $1,500 for a first violation and up to $2,500 for a second or subsequent violation. Additional enforcement under COMAR 13A.16.17: warnings (.03), intermediate sanctions (.04), suspension (.05), emergency suspension (.06), and license revocation (.07).
How can I prepare my Maryland childcare center for an unannounced inspection?
Use the /inspection-check tool on TotReady to run a pre-inspection self-audit. Key areas: confirm all staff ratios are met and documented, verify CPR and background-check expiration dates, audit every child file for completeness, check that fire-drill logs are current, and walk the facility for physical hazards (unsecured chemicals, missing outlet covers, blocked exits).
Which handbook sections do Maryland inspectors verify?
Maryland inspectors check that the parent handbook includes these required sections: Hours of Operation, Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy, Illness and Exclusion Policy, Medication Administration Policy. Each must be present and comply with the cited Maryland administrative code.
Maryland childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Maryland administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Early Childhood, Office of Child Care (OCC), Licensing Branch before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.