Maryland Daycare Self-Inspection Checklist (Printable)

Recent and upcoming changes (2024–2026)

New centralized background-check unit; probation rule reaches 2-year-old rooms Md. Code, Educ. § 9.5-118; Ch. 361 of 2026 Centers · Family child care Chapter 361 of 2026 (SB 359, identical HB 635 is Ch. 360) took effect October 1, 2026.
Fingerprint check rules updated (emergency law) Md. Code, Fam. Law § 5-555; Ch. 266 of 2026 Centers · Family child care Chapter 266 of 2026 (HB 281) was passed as an emergency measure and took effect when the Governor signed it on April 28, 2026.
Family child care homes may run an approved nursery-school program COMAR 13A.15.16 Family child care A new COMAR chapter, effective July 6, 2026, lets a registered family child care provider be approved to run an educational program as a nonpublic nursery school, which also lets the home take part in public pre-K.
Substitute care for providers in the Guard or reserves Md. Code, Educ. § 9.5-305.1; Ch. 732 of 2026 Family child care From July 1, 2026, a family child care provider who serves in the National Guard or a military reserve component must designate a substitute to provide care during required training and active service, and may use that…
More items checked at every annual inspection; informal care now inspected MSDE Division of Early Childhood bulletin, June 9, 2026 Centers · Family child care MSDE announced that from May 1, 2026 several regulatory items were added to the mandatory inspection report, including child records, first aid/CPR certification, medication administration and child security, to be…
Pending: more flexible school-age group size, staffing and first aid/CPR Proposed amendments, DLS Control No. 26-122 (2026) Centers In July 2026 the State Board sent proposed amendments to COMAR 13A.16.08.03, 13A.16.10.02, 13A.17.08.03 and 13A.17.10.02 to the legislature's AELR Committee.
Ratios did not change in 2025 (despite what some sites say) Ch. 287 of 2025 (HB 477) Centers · Family child care HB 477 was introduced to loosen infant ratios in family homes and centers, but the enacted Chapter 287 struck those changes and only requires MSDE to analyze Maryland's child care regulations, with an interim report due…
First aid/CPR coverage ratio now set by MSDE Md. Code, Educ. § 9.5-404(b)(8); Ch. 319 of 2025 Centers Chapters 318 and 319 of 2025 (effective July 1, 2025) removed the statutory rule of one first aid/CPR certificate holder per 20 children in centers serving more than 20 and left the ratio to the Department.
Safe sleep rules tightened (April 2024) COMAR 13A.16.10.05 Centers · Family child care Amendments effective April 29, 2024 require firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surfaces for babies under 12 months (unless a doctor orders otherwise in writing), ban weighted blankets, sleepers and swaddles for children…
Elijah's Law: food-allergy policy Md. Code, Educ. § 9.5-117; Ch. 273 of 2024 Centers · Family child care Since July 1, 2024, every licensed center and registered large family child care home with at least one enrolled child who has a food allergy must adopt a policy on reducing exposure to anaphylactic major food allergens…

Who needs a license or registration

License posted where parents can see it; no one works with children before clearances are back. COMAR 13A.16.02.01 Centers
Opening a center COMAR 13A.16.02.02 Centers Before opening, complete an MSDE licensing orientation, file a notice of intent before applying for building permits, and submit the application at least 60 days before the planned opening date.
Continuing license and annual paperwork COMAR 13A.16.02.03 Centers After the initial license, the operator applies for a continuing license, which needs a passed local fire inspection.
Family and large family child care homes Md. Code, Educ. § 9.5-301 Family child care Family child care is care in a residence for children under 13 (or developmentally disabled persons under 21) for which the provider is paid.
Registering a family child care home COMAR 13A.15.02.02 Family child care Applicants complete MSDE's family child care orientation, submit a medical evaluation for themselves and every resident (done within 12 months), get federal and State fingerprint checks for themselves, every resident 18…
Registering a large family child care home COMAR 13A.18.02.02 Family child care Large family home applicants complete a separate orientation and submit background checks for themselves, every employee, substitute and volunteer, and every adult resident; medical evaluations; evidence of zoning and…

Staff-to-child ratios and capacity

Infants 1:3 (max 6); toddlers 1:3 (max 9); 2s 1:6 (max 12); 3–4s 1:10 (max 20); 5+ 1:15 (max 30); mixed groups per the 13A.16.08.03D tables. COMAR 13A.16.08.03 Centers
When group sizes may vary COMAR 13A.16.08.04 Centers Groups may be larger during outdoor play and special activities such as field trips and assemblies, but the ratios must still be kept.
Ratios at rest time (centers) COMAR 13A.16.08.08 Centers For children under 2, the full ratio applies during rest and every assigned staff member stays with the group.
No more than 8 children (counting your own under 6), no more than 4 under age 2; an approved additional adult present whenever more than 2 under-2s are in care. COMAR 13A.15.04.03 Family child care
Large family child care home ratios COMAR 13A.18.08.03 Family child care Large family homes (up to 12 children) follow their own tables: 2-year-olds 1:6; 3- and 4-year-olds 1:10; 5 and older 1:12; infants and toddlers 1:3 (infant groups up to 6, toddler groups up to 9).
Statutory limits for family homes Md. Code, Educ. § 9.5-305 Family child care State law caps a family child care home at 8 children with no more than 4 under age 2 and at least 1 adult for every 2 children under age 2, and a large family home at 12 children.

Group size and hours

Attendance, hours and minimum age (centers) COMAR 13A.16.04.02 Centers Every child present at one time counts for capacity, group size and ratio.
Center capacity COMAR 13A.16.04.01 Centers The licensing office sets each center's capacity from its floor space (at least 35 square feet per child, 13A.16.05.03), outdoor space, staffing, equipment, ages served, toilets and local codes.

Staff qualifications

Center directors COMAR 13A.16.06.05 Centers A director must be at least 21, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have 90 clock hours (6 semester hours) of approved preservice training or a CDA credential, plus 9 hours on communicating with staff and…
Each teacher's file shows age, diploma, 90-hour preservice (or CDA), ADA, communication, health & safety training and infant-toddler training if assigned to under-2s. COMAR 13A.16.06.09 Centers
Probationary teachers COMAR 13A.16.06.09-1 Centers A first-time teacher with an associate or bachelor's degree may teach children 3 and older for up to 6 months while finishing training: with a degree in early childhood or a related field they must be enrolled in the 90…
Aides COMAR 13A.16.06.12 Centers Aides must be at least 16, work under the direct supervision of the staff person in charge of the group, complete basic health and safety training within 90 days, and complete 6 hours of continued training a year.
Substitutes COMAR 13A.16.06.13 Centers Substitutes must be 18 or older (substitute aides 16).
Family child care providers COMAR 13A.15.06.01 Family child care A family child care provider must be at least 18.
Large family home teachers and directors COMAR 13A.18.06.06 Family child care In a large family home, a family child care teacher must be 19 or older with a high school diploma, 90 hours of preservice training (or a CDA or NAFCC accreditation), 9 hours on communication, 3 hours of ADA and basic…

Background checks

Who can't work in a center COMAR 13A.16.06.03 Centers A center may not employ anyone with a conviction, probation before judgment, not-criminally-responsible finding or pending charge for crimes involving a child, animal cruelty, domestic violence, weapons, sex offenses,…
Not alone with children until cleared COMAR 13A.16.07.06 Centers Until an employee or staff member has passed federal and State criminal background checks and the abuse and neglect records review, they may not be alone with an unrelated child.
New hires and departures reported to the regional office within 5 working days; qualifications sent within 15 working days. COMAR 13A.16.03.06 Centers
Family home substitutes, additional adults and volunteers COMAR 13A.15.06.03 Family child care Every family child care provider must designate at least one MSDE-approved substitute who is 18 or older, has a medical evaluation from the past 12 months, abuse and neglect clearance and federal and State fingerprint…

Training hours

Annual continued training (centers) COMAR 13A.16.06.09 Centers Directors and child care teachers complete at least 12 clock hours of approved training per year of employment (at least 6 core of knowledge, at most 6 elective), documented on a professional development plan.
First aid and CPR current; 12 hours of continued training this year (6 core); annual health and safety update done; SIDS training within 5 years if serving under-2s. COMAR 13A.15.06.02 Family child care
Medication administration training COMAR 13A.16.11.04 Centers · Family child care Whenever children are present, at least one employee who has completed MSDE-approved medication administration training must be on site, and only trained employees may give medication, unless the center uses a nurse or…

Health and illness

Sick children COMAR 13A.16.11.01 Centers Staff must watch for signs of acute illness, notify the parent, and isolate the child within sight and hearing of an adult.
Handwashing and diapering COMAR 13A.16.11.03 Centers Post an MSDE-approved handwashing procedure at every handwashing sink.
Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and vaping COMAR 13A.16.11.05 Centers · Family child care No one may drink alcohol, use cannabis or be under the influence while at the center during operating hours, on off-site activities or during transport.
Staff health evaluations COMAR 13A.16.06.04 Centers Every staff member and on-site support staff needs a medical evaluation, done within 6 months before starting, confirming they are free of communicable tuberculosis if indicated and able to do the job.

Facility, equipment and hazards

Walk each room: tall shelves, dressers and TVs anchored or out of reach; equipment used as the manufacturer intends. COMAR 13A.16.10.03 Centers
Chemicals locked away from food; outlets capped; no firearms; cordless blinds (or no reachable cords). COMAR 13A.16.10.04 Centers
Hot water and drinking water COMAR 13A.16.05.07 Centers Hot water may not exceed 120°F. Provide at least one drinking water source for every 40 children that 2-year-olds and older can use without help and that isn't in a toilet room or handwashing sink.
Lead-safe environment COMAR 13A.16.05.05 Centers Lead paint may not be used anywhere in the facility.
Outdoor play area and pools COMAR 13A.16.05.12 Centers Centers need an outdoor activity area with adequate play space; centers that filed a notice of intent since 2009 need at least 75 square feet of usable play space for half the approved capacity (or for each child if…
Family home hazards COMAR 13A.15.10.02 Family child care Family homes must keep knives, sharp tools, firearms, matches, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, cannabis edibles and vaping products stored and out of children's reach.

Emergency preparedness

Written emergency and disaster plan updated this year; fire drill every month and 2 other drills a year, with dates and times recorded; escape routes posted in each room. COMAR 13A.16.10.01 Centers
Family home emergency plan and drills COMAR 13A.15.10.01 Family child care Family providers write and maintain the same kind of plan, practice fire evacuation monthly and other emergencies twice a year (and four times a year with children present if offering overnight care), update it yearly,…
Certified first aid/CPR staff present at 1 per 20 children, including on field trips and in vehicles. COMAR 13A.16.10.02 Centers

Medication

Signed MSDE medication form with practitioner approval for every medicine; first dose given at home for prescriptions; every dose recorded. COMAR 13A.16.11.04A–G Centers · Family child care
Self-administration and medical cannabis COMAR 13A.16.11.04H–I Centers · Family child care A child may carry and use their own medication only with a written physician's order, a written parent request, and a written self-administration procedure, which the operator can revoke.

Immunizations and health records

Each child's file: MSDE immunization form, physician health assessment, lead test (12 and 24 months), emergency form signed this year. COMAR 13A.16.03.04 Centers
Temporary admission while records are pending COMAR 13A.16.03.02 Centers A child who is homeless, or whose parent can't produce the required health records, may be admitted temporarily if the parent shows an appointment, no later than 20 calendar days out, to get the evaluation,…
Family home admission records COMAR 13A.15.03.02 Family child care Family providers also need age-appropriate immunization evidence on an MSDE-approved form before admitting a child, with the same temporary-admission option when the parent is getting the records.

Nutrition

Weekly menu posted; food actually served recorded and kept 4 weeks; no sweetened or caffeinated drinks; 1% or skim milk for 2+. COMAR 13A.16.12.01 Centers · Family child care
Infant feeding COMAR 13A.16.12.06 Centers Follow each infant's and toddler's written feeding schedule and update it at least every 3 months.
Modified diets COMAR 13A.16.12.02 Centers A child on a medically modified diet needs a written prescription signed by the child's health practitioner within the past 6 months; a cultural or religious diet needs dated written instructions from the parent.

Napping and safe sleep

Babies on their backs; no swaddles or weighted sleep items under 12 months without a written medical order. COMAR 13A.16.10.05 Centers
Cribs and rest furnishings (centers) COMAR 13A.16.09.04 Centers Each child under 12 months needs a CPSC-compliant crib (not stackable) with a snug mattress, waterproof cover and tight fitted sheet on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface; no pillows, quilts, comforters or bumpers.
Sleeping children checked every 15 minutes; under-2s within sight and sound. COMAR 13A.15.08.01 Family child care
Family home cribs and bedding COMAR 13A.15.05.06 Family child care Each child under 12 months needs a CPSC-compliant crib, portable crib or playpen with a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface and no soft bedding or bumpers, and a baby who falls asleep elsewhere must be moved to it…

Discipline

Written discipline policy given to every family; no physical discipline or food-related punishment. COMAR 13A.16.07.03 Centers · Family child care
Reporting abuse and neglect COMAR 13A.16.07.02 Centers · Family child care Any operator, employee, substitute or volunteer who suspects abuse must report directly to the local department of social services or law enforcement (neglect to the local department), and the center may not require…

Records

Emergency form for every child, signed and updated within the last 12 months, and taken on field trips. COMAR 13A.16.03.04 Centers
Staff records and posted staffing pattern COMAR 13A.16.03.05 Centers Keep a current list of everyone who works at the center, and post a staffing pattern showing the number and ages of children, the ratio across the daily schedule and each staff member's assignment.
Serious injuries: parent told immediately and licensing within 24 hours; minor injuries: parent told the same day. COMAR 13A.16.03.06 Centers
Program records and Infants and Toddlers notice COMAR 13A.16.03.03 Centers · Family child care Keep enrollment and attendance records for 2 years, the discipline policy, 4 weeks of food served, and drill dates and times.

Attendance and sign-in/out

Daily attendance by group, verified by each parent, kept 2 years. COMAR 13A.16.03.03 Centers
Daily attendance verified by parents (family homes) COMAR 13A.15.03.03 Family child care Family providers keep a written record of each child's daily attendance verified by the child's parent, plus a record of each day a substitute provided care, and keep them 2 years.
Release only to authorized, verified adults COMAR 13A.16.07.05 Centers · Family child care Staff may release a child only to the parent or to someone the parent has directed, after verifying their identity.
Children travelling to school alone COMAR 13A.16.08.01 Centers A child may go to or from school or a school bus stop without an adult only if the child is in first grade or higher and the parent and operator agree in writing that the child can travel safely.

Transportation

Car seats and vehicles COMAR 13A.16.10.06 Centers · Family child care Unless riding a licensed school bus or contract motor coach, each child is buckled into a car seat or seat belt appropriate to age and weight under Maryland law, and every vehicle must meet State and federal safety…
A second adult in the vehicle COMAR 13A.16.08.06 Centers When the center transports children, a second background-cleared adult besides the driver must be in the vehicle if more than 8 preschoolers ride together, or if the driver isn't a center employee or an authorized…

Inspections and enforcement

Required records ready to show the inspector during operating hours. COMAR 13A.16.17.02 Centers · Family child care
Warnings and intermediate sanctions COMAR 13A.16.17.04 Centers For a violation that isn't an immediate threat, the office may issue a written warning citing the regulation and a correction deadline (13A.16.17.03).
Suspension and revocation COMAR 13A.16.17.05 Centers The office may suspend a license for up to 60 days with 20 days' written notice, or immediately in an emergency, and may revoke it for threatening violations, false information, interfering with inspectors, using a…
Penalties for unlicensed care COMAR 13A.16.17.08 Centers Operating a center without a license is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,500 for a first offense and $2,500 after that.

Contesting findings and appeals

Any adverse notice: calendar the 20-day hearing request deadline. COMAR 13A.16.18.03 Centers
Decision and court appeal COMAR 13A.16.18.08 Centers · Family child care The administrative law judge's decision is the Department's final decision, with findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Review of inspection findings (family homes) COMAR 13A.15.13.01 Family child care A family provider who disagrees with a noncompliance finding may ask for a review by the regional office or MSDE's central office.

Maryland daycare self-inspection checklist

Recent and upcoming changes (2024–2026)

Who needs a license or registration

Staff-to-child ratios and capacity

Group size and hours

Staff qualifications

Background checks

Training hours

Health and illness

Facility, equipment and hazards

Emergency preparedness

Medication

Immunizations and health records

Nutrition

Napping and safe sleep

Discipline

Records

Attendance and sign-in/out

Transportation

Inspections and enforcement

Contesting findings and appeals

Email me when Maryland's rules change