Maryland Daycare Ratios and Maximum Group Sizes

Maryland child care center ratios (same-age groups)

Infants and toddlers are children under 2. See the regulation for Maryland's exact age definitions. Amendments affecting school-age group sizes were proposed in 2026, so check the current rule.

Source

These figures come from COMAR 13A.16.08.03 (Group Size and Staffing), administered by the Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care.

Last verified: October 2026

Rules that can change these numbers

A child's age is set by the most recent birthday. In a group of infants and toddlers with 3 or more infants, the maximum group size is 6. Mixed-age groups have their own staffing tables, and a mixed-age preschool group may not exceed 20 children. Approved educational programs follow different limits during the school day.

Track staff-to-child ratios in Caredence

Caredence compares the children checked in to each classroom with the staff checked in to that room, using the children-per-staff limit your center sets for the room, and shows an over-ratio warning when there aren't enough staff. It doesn't apply state rules automatically, so use the figures above to choose each room's limit.

Check another location with the state ratio calculator, or see how Caredence supports daycare compliance.

For a national overview, read the staff-to-child ratios by state guide.