Maryland Childcare Licensing
Maryland Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Maryland sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infants (under 18 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:3 (max group size 6). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Maryland licensing condition.
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 Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Maryland, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infants (under 18 months) age group is 1:3 (max group size 6).
In Maryland, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddlers (18 months to under 2 years) age group is 1:3 (max group size 9).
In Maryland, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Two-year-olds age group is 1:6 (max group size 12).
In Maryland, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (3 to 4 years) age group is 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)).
In Maryland, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age (5 years and older) age group is 1:15 (max group size 30).
Maryland sets maximum group sizes for child care centers by age band: 6 for infants, 9 for toddlers, 12 for two-year-olds, 20 for preschool-age children (3-4 years), and 30 for kindergarten-age and older children (5 and older), per COMAR 13A.16.08.03.
5 and older
Maryland Staff-to-Child Ratios 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) |
Go Deeper
Generate a Maryland-Compliant Handbook
TotReady builds a fully compliant parent handbook for your Maryland childcare center in minutes — every required section, your branding, and regulatory citations included.
Maryland Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Maryland?
Maryland requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:3 (max group size 6) for the Infants (under 18 months) age group.
Does Maryland cap maximum group size?
Maryland sets maximum group sizes for child care centers by age band: 6 for infants, 9 for toddlers, 12 for two-year-olds, 20 for preschool-age children (3-4 years), and 30 for kindergarten-age and older children (5 and older), per COMAR 13A.16.08.03.
How many staff do I need for my Maryland classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Maryland ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
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.