Takoma Park, MD Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Home daycare in Takoma Park is regulated primarily by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Child Care. A family child care home serving 1 to 8 children (including the provider's own children under age 6) must register with MSDE. A large family child care home serving 9 to 12 children requires a full MSDE license and an additional adult caregiver. Registration and licensing require background checks, home safety inspections, CPR/First Aid certification, and completion of pre-service training. Montgomery County zoning permits family child care as an accessory residential use in all zones, consistent with Maryland law that preempts local zoning restrictions on registered family child care. The home must maintain residential character. Outdoor play areas must be fenced and safe. Drop-off and pickup traffic is an inherent part of child care operations and is permitted, though the provider should manage traffic to minimize neighborhood disruption. MSDE conducts annual inspections of licensed facilities. The Maryland Child Care Scholarship (voucher) program helps eligible families afford care. Takoma Park's family-friendly policies and walkable neighborhoods make it a popular location for home-based child care.