Child Care Center Starter Kit - Montgomery County Business Portal

Child Care Business Starter Kit

Use this kit as a general overview of what it would take to open a child care business in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Beyond the general steps required to start your business there are certain considerations that specifically apply to child care businesses.

Finding a location

Models for various child care businesses in Montgomery County:

Providers that care for up to 8 children in their own home are considered Family Child Care providers and are allowed to operate in private homes in Montgomery County.
Child care businesses that serve 9-12 children are considered Group Child Care (or Large Family Child Care) providers and are allowed only in certain areas of the County.
Child care provided in a non-residential facility is considered a Child Care Center and is permitted only in specific areas of the County.
Child Care Center (13-30 Persons) means a Child Care Facility for 13 to 30 people where staffing, operations, and structures satisfy State and local regulations. A Child Care Center (13-30 Persons) includes a Family Child Care (Up to 8 Persons) and Group Child Care (9-12 Persons) where the provider is not a resident and cannot meet the non-resident provider requirement. A Child Care Center (13-30 Persons) is allowed as a conditional use in certain zones and it may be permitted by the Hearing Examiner within the Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings under Section 7.3.1.
Child Care Center (Over 30 Persons) means a Child Care Facility for over 30 people where staffing, operations, and structures comply with State and local regulations and is not located in a townhouse or duplex building type. Where a Child Care Center (Over 30 Persons) is allowed as a limited use, and the subject lot abuts or confronts property zoned Agricultural, Rural Residential, or Residential Detached that is vacant or improved with an agricultural or residential use, site plan approval is required under Section 7.3.4. Where a Child Care Center (Over 30 Persons) is allowed as a conditional use, it may be permitted by the Hearing Examiner under Section 7.3.1.

The conditional use standards in Section 3.4.4.E.2.b and Section 3.4.4.F.2.b.i through Section 3.4.4.F.2.b.v do not apply to a Child Care Center operated by a nonprofit organization and located in:

1. a structure owned or leased by a religious organization and used for worship, or a structure located on premises owned or leased by a religious organization that is adjacent to premises regularly used as a place of worship;

2. a structure used for private, parochial education purposes that is exempted from the conditional uses standards under Section 3.4.5, Educational Institution (Private); or

3. a publicly-owned building.

Before you decide which model to follow, thoroughly review Section 3.4.4. of the County's Zoning Ordinance related to Child Care Facilities (see below for general information about zoning). If you plan to operate a child care facility out of your home, be sure to review the Family Child Care Fire Safety Checklist before scheduling a fire safety inspection.

If you are planning to buy or lease space for a Child Care Center, be sure to check the County's official zoning map to ensure that you are permitted to operate a child care center in the proposed location. You also should check to be sure the location you are considering has a current Use & Occupancy Certificate matching your intention to operate a child care center.

One option is to explore operating a child care center in a Montgomery County Public School through the Childcare Program in MCPS.

Zoning

Montgomery County Planners have rewritten the County's zoning code and have modernized zoning regulations. They have created a new interactive digital zoning map to look up zoning and property information.

Business Construction or Change of Use

If you plan to build or renovate a child care center, be sure to review the County's building codes and standards. In addition, several municipalities in Montgomery County have their own planning and zoning requirements:

Construction

Commercial New Construction
Commercial Change of Use
Commercial Use & Occupancy
Sign Permits
Montgomery County and ADA Compliance

Utilities

Electricity

BG&E Construction & Remodeling, New Business Services 1-800-233-1854
First Energy/Potomac Edison Customer Service: 1-800-686-0011
PEPCO Business Solutions 301-670-8700

Washington Gas Customer Service 703-750-1000

Consumers have choices for electric and gas utility services. You may obtain a complete list of these companies from the Maryland Public Service Commission’s utility listing.

Water and Sewer Service

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Customer Service 301-206-4001

Licenses

The Maryland Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing Branch oversees all child care licensing activities in Maryland.

To become licensed, you must complete an on-line orientation session for your specific type of Child Care operation:

Once you have finished the orientation, complete and submit the appropriate forms to register or obtain your license.

Visit the Office of Child Care Region 5 (Montgomery County) web site to access additional resources including local permit information.

Hiring Employees

The State of Maryland regulates registered Family Child Care and the specific regulations are contained in the Maryland State Code (COMAR 13A.15). Within this code, Section 13A.15.06 defines Provider Requirements including requirements for the primary provider, a provider substitute, as well as an Additional Adult and Volunteer(s), if applicable.

Large Family Care and Child Care Centers have specific staffing requirements also defined by the State of Maryland.

Management Practices

Montgomery County regulates certain employer-employee practices. Please be sure you are aware of the requirements as they apply to your business.

Ongoing Business Regulations

Family Child Care homes are initially authorized to operate for a period of two years. After the initial period, a continuing (non-expiring) registration may be issued that continues in effect until it is surrendered suspended or revoked. All registered Family Child Care operations are subject to an unannounced visit annually to determine if child health and safety requirements are being met.

Child Care Centers and Large Family Child Care homes are initially authorized to operate for a period of two years. After the initial period, the license or letter of compliance may be converted to continuing (non-expiring) status that continues in effect until it is surrendered suspended or revoked. All licensed child care centers are subject to an unannounced visit annually to determine if child health and safety requirements are being met.

Additional Resources

Things to think about when choosing a location

When choosing a location or building for a Child Care Center, there are some very specific requirements that should be considered. Be sure to think through what is required to establish a successful child care center.

Child Care Support Services

The Montgomery County Child Care Support Services' mission is to build a successful and knowledgeable child care workforce through professional development and individualized support. The Center is a valuable resource for child care providers.

Maryland Women's Business Center

The Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) supports childcare businesses in Montgomery County by providing tools, information and business-related classes. In addition, the MWBC provides direct support to programs through Montgomery County Child Care Support Services.