Title: Family Child Care Providers | Division of Early Childhood
Headings: Family Child Care Providers
Family Child Care Providers
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Content: Family Child Care Providers | Division of Early Childhood
Family Child Care Providers
What is a Family Child Care Provider? Family child care providers offer care in their own home to one or more children who aren’t related to the provider. To ensure a safe environment, Maryland limits the number of children in a family child care home: Family Child Care Home – A provider may care for up to eight children with no more than two under the age of two. The provider’s own children under the age of six are counted within the group of eight. Large Family Child Care Home – A provider may care for between nine and 12 children with no more than four under the age of two. The provider’s own children under the age of six are counted within the group of nine to 12. Family child care is regulated under the Code of Maryland Regulations COMAR 13A.15, which require that you obtain a "certificate of registration" (which is a form of license) before you operate a family child care program. Being registered means your program meets the child health and safety requirements established by the state. It also makes you eligible for tax deductions, certain food subsidies, and liability insurance.