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Prince George's County, MD Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Licensing agency
MSDE Office of Child Care
Registration
Certificate required (13A.15.02.01)
Max capacity
8 children (13A.15.04.03)
Under age 2
No more than 4 total
Training
Required before registration

Summary

Family child care in a Prince George's County home is licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care under COMAR 13A.15. A provider must hold a certificate of registration and may care for no more than eight children, no more than four under age 2.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Prince George's County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The maximum total capacity of a family child care home may not exceed eight children, of whom not more than four may be younger than 2 years old.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Home-based child care in Maryland is regulated by the state. Under COMAR 13A.15, an individual may not operate a family child care home without a valid certificate of registration from the MSDE Office of Child Care, obtained through its regional licensing office. Registration requires pre-service training (at least 4 clock hours in each of six Core of Knowledge areas), background checks, and home-safety standards. COMAR 13A.15.04.03 caps capacity at eight children, no more than four younger than 2, and no more than two under age 2 at once unless approved. Care for relatives or occasional care under 20 hours a month needs no registration. The County treats a registered home as residential; confirm use-and-occupancy or fire-safety requirements with DPIE.

Violations & Fines

Operating without the required MSDE certificate of registration, or exceeding the eight-child capacity or under-age-2 sub-limits, violates COMAR 13A.15 and is enforced by the Office of Child Care, which can deny, suspend or revoke registration. County safety rules also apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a daycare in my home here?
Yes, but you must obtain a certificate of registration for a family child care home from the Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care, under COMAR 13A.15, meeting its training, background-check and home-safety requirements.
How many children can I care for?
A family child care home may have no more than eight children, of whom no more than four may be younger than 2, per COMAR 13A.15.04.03. No more than two under age 2 at once unless the office approves.
Do I need a County permit too?
Family child care is licensed by the state. The County treats a registered home as residential, but confirm any use-and-occupancy or fire-safety requirements with Prince George's County DPIE.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Prince George's County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsCustomer Traffic RestrictionsSome RestrictionsSignage RulesHeavy RestrictionsZoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsCottage Food OperationsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingFew RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionSome Restrictions

All Prince George's County rules

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