From Home to Haven: Launching Your Daycare in Maine

If you love working with children and dream of running your own business from #home, opening a home #daycare in Maine could be the perfect path. Not only do #home-daycares offer a nurturing environment for young children, but they also allow you to create a flexible, rewarding #career for yourself.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started — and how ChildCareEd.com can support your journey with training and certification.

Step 1: Understand Licensing Requirements in Maine

In Maine, #home-daycares are regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). If you plan to care for more than two children who are not your own, you’ll need to become a licensed family child care provider.

To be licensed, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Complete a criminal background check

• Meet #health-and #safety standards for your home

• Complete required training hours

There are two types of home daycares in Maine:

• Family Child Care: Care for 3–12 children

• Small Child Care: Care for 3–6 children (with no assistant)

Step 2: Complete Required Training

Maine requires family child care providers to complete basic #health-and-safety training before opening and to continue with ongoing professional #development.

🎓 At ChildCareEd.com, you can meet these requirements with our state-approved online training, including:

• Health, Safety & Nutrition Courses

• Child Development & Supervision Training

• Emergency Preparedness & First Aid

All of our courses are self-paced, affordable, and accessible 24/7, so you can learn on your schedule.

Step 3: Prepare Your Home

Your daycare space will need to meet Maine’s safety and environmental standards. This includes:

• Safe #sleep areas for infants

• Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors

• Childproofing (e.g., outlet covers, stair gates)

• Accessible learning materials and toys

• Clean indoor and #outdoor #play-areas

You’ll also need to develop policies and procedures for your program, such as:

• Discipline policy

• Daily routines and curriculum

• Emergency response plan

• Parent communication and enrollment forms

📘 Consider our Curriculum & Program Management Courses to help you design engaging activities and a structured learning environment for children.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once your home and training are ready, you’ll submit your licensing application through the Maine Child Care Licensing Unit, which includes:

• Background checks for all household members over 18

• A home inspection

• Proof of completed training

• Required forms and fees

The licensing process may take several weeks, so plan accordingly.

Step 5: Build Your Business

After you’re licensed, it’s time to start welcoming families and building your daycare community! Focus on:

• Marketing your services (word of mouth, social media, flyers)

• Setting your rates and tuition policies

• Keeping accurate records for taxes and licensing

• Continuing your professional development

🎓 Keep your skills up to date with our Ongoing Training Courses, including behavior guidance, family #engagement, and special needs support.

Final Thoughts

Opening a home daycare in Maine is a fulfilling way to combine your passion for children with your entrepreneurial spirit. With the right preparation and training, you can create a safe, loving, and enriching space for children to grow and thrive — right in your own home.

👉 Ready to get started? Explore ChildCareEd.com for affordable, flexible training to meet Maine’s licensing requirements and support your home daycare success.