In Maryland, the State Department of Education (MSDE) is responsible for all child care licenses and regulations. The child care business is regulated differently in each state, with MSDE responsible for issuing new licenses, inspecting homes and facilities to verify compliance with licensing regulations, providing technical assistance, and suspending or revoking licenses when necessary. The basis for much of that material is found in state regulations for early childhood, which are outlined in the Maryland Code of Regulations (COMAR).Child Care Centers (CCC) must have a valid license from the Office of Child Care. CCCs are defined as an agency, institution or establishment that provides child care to children who are not related to the operator, with a regular schedule for at least two days a week and at least two hours a day.
As a provider or parent, it's important to be aware of the rules that govern child care and to understand where to get additional information. All child care services in Maryland are regulated by the Licensing Branch of the Office of Child Care (OCC) of the Maryland State Department of Education. The purpose of child care licenses and registration is to protect the health, safety, and well-being of children while they are in child care arrangements. A provider's license is important, as it indicates that it operates in accordance with the health and safety laws of the state of Maryland and that it receives regular visits from professionals who grant licenses from the Office of Child Care. The Child Care Scholarship Program (CCS) provides financial assistance to cover child care costs to eligible working families in Maryland. A child care provider may have a business license issued by a city or county, but a business license is not the same as the registration or license issued by the Office of Child Care.
The FCC does not require a record if care is provided to children who are related to the provider or if care is provided on an irregular basis for less than 20 hours a month. If you're looking for quality child care for your little one in Baltimore, MD, it's essential to understand the regulations that govern it. To ensure your peace of mind when leaving your child in someone else's care, make sure you check that your provider has a valid license from the Office of Child Care. Additionally, you can download Maryland's Early Childhood Family Engagement Framework to learn how you can support the family participation of children in your care. The regulations set forth by MSDE are designed to ensure that all child care services meet certain standards and provide safe environments for children. It's important for parents and providers alike to be aware of these regulations so they can make informed decisions about their child's care.
By understanding what is required by law and what resources are available, parents can make sure their children receive quality care while they're away. The Office of Child Care provides resources such as licensing information, training opportunities, and technical assistance to help providers meet licensing requirements. They also provide information about financial assistance programs such as CCS and other resources available to families. Additionally, they offer guidance on how to create an effective family engagement plan that will help ensure children receive quality care while they're away from home.
