Maryland Childcare Licensing
Maryland Childcare Training Hour Requirements (2026)
Maryland childcare staff must complete both pre-service (orientation) training before working with children and ongoing annual training each year. A Maryland family child care provider must complete 18 clock hours of approved continued training in the first registration year and then a total of 12 clock hours each subsequent year (at least 6 core-of-knowledge clock hours and no more than 6 elective clock hours), per COMAR 13A.15.06.02; child care center directors and teachers must complete at least 12 clock hours per full year of employment (minimum 6 core-of-knowledge, maximum 6 elective), per COMAR 13A.16.06.05.
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 Training Hour Requirements: The Specifics
A Maryland family child care provider must complete either the 90-clock-hour pre-service course or its approved equivalent OR at least 24 clock hours of approved training that includes 4 clock hours in each of the six core-of-knowledge competencies (within the 2 years before application), plus first aid, CPR, and emergency/health-and-safety training before providing care, per COMAR 13A.15.06.02
within the 2 years before application
a child care teacher or director in a preschool center must complete 6 semester hours or 90 clock hours of approved pre-service training or hold the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, per COMAR 13A.16.06.09.
CDA
A Maryland family child care provider must complete 18 clock hours of approved continued training in the first registration year and then a total of 12 clock hours each subsequent year (at least 6 core-of-knowledge clock hours and no more than 6 elective clock hours), per COMAR 13A.15.06.02
at least 6 core-of-knowledge clock hours and no more than 6 elective clock hours
child care center directors and teachers must complete at least 12 clock hours per full year of employment (minimum 6 core-of-knowledge, maximum 6 elective), per COMAR 13A.16.06.05.
minimum 6 core-of-knowledge, maximum 6 elective
Maryland Training Hour Requirements at a Glance
| Pre-service training | A Maryland family child care provider must complete either the 90-clock-hour pre-service course or its approved equivalent OR at least 24 clock hours of approved training that includes 4 clock hours in each of the six core-of-knowledge competencies (within the 2 years before application), plus first aid, CPR, and emergency/health-and-safety training before providing care, per COMAR 13A.15.06.02; a child care teacher or director in a preschool center must complete 6 semester hours or 90 clock hours of approved pre-service training or hold the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, per COMAR 13A.16.06.09. |
|---|---|
| Annual training | A Maryland family child care provider must complete 18 clock hours of approved continued training in the first registration year and then a total of 12 clock hours each subsequent year (at least 6 core-of-knowledge clock hours and no more than 6 elective clock hours), per COMAR 13A.15.06.02; child care center directors and teachers must complete at least 12 clock hours per full year of employment (minimum 6 core-of-knowledge, maximum 6 elective), per COMAR 13A.16.06.05. |
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Maryland Training Hour Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
How many pre-service training hours does Maryland require?
A Maryland family child care provider must complete either the 90-clock-hour pre-service course or its approved equivalent OR at least 24 clock hours of approved training that includes 4 clock hours in each of the six core-of-knowledge competencies (within the 2 years before application), plus first aid, CPR, and emergency/health-and-safety training before providing care, per COMAR 13A.15.06.02; a child care teacher or director in a preschool center must complete 6 semester hours or 90 clock hours of approved pre-service training or hold the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, per COMAR 13A.16.06.09.
How many annual training hours does Maryland require?
A Maryland family child care provider must complete 18 clock hours of approved continued training in the first registration year and then a total of 12 clock hours each subsequent year (at least 6 core-of-knowledge clock hours and no more than 6 elective clock hours), per COMAR 13A.15.06.02; child care center directors and teachers must complete at least 12 clock hours per full year of employment (minimum 6 core-of-knowledge, maximum 6 elective), per COMAR 13A.16.06.05.
Does CPR/First Aid count toward Maryland training hours?
States differ on whether CPR and First Aid certification counts toward required training hours. Confirm with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Early Childhood, Office of Child Care (OCC), Licensing Branch before relying on it for your annual total.
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.