What Are the Recent and Upcoming Changes to Maryland Child Care Regulations? - post

Maryland child care rules are updated from time to time to keep children #safe and #healthy. One important reminder for all child care #staff and family child care providers is about Annual Basic Health and Safety Update training.

These updates help caregivers stay informed about best practices, #safety rules, and health needs. They are required by the state and must be completed on time to stay in compliance.

This article explains who must complete the training, important deadlines, and how to stay on track—all in clear, simple language.

Who Must Complete the Annual Basic Health and Safety Updates?

If you work in child care in Maryland, this training likely applies to you.

You must complete the Annual Basic Health and Safety Updates if you are:

• A child care center staff member

• A family child care provider

• An assistant or substitute working in a licensed program

This training is mandatory, not optional. It helps protect children, families, and child care professionals.

Completing the training on time also helps your program pass inspections and licensing reviews. #MarylandChildCare #ChildCareCompliance

When Is the Deadline to Complete the Training?

Understanding the deadline is very important.

Here are the key dates to remember:

• Most child care staff and family child care providers

  • Must complete the Annual Basic Health and Safety Updates before December 31, 2025

• New staff and new family child care providers approved:

  • Between October 2025 and December 2025

  • Have extra time

  • Must complete the training by March 31, 2026

Missing the deadline could lead to licensing issues or #delays in employment, so planning ahead is a smart move.

What Topics Are Covered in the Annual Health and Safety Updates?

The Annual Basic Health and Safety Updates focus on real-life issues that child care professionals face every day.

Common topics include: 

• Preventing the spread of illness

• Safe #sleep practices

• Emergency preparedness

• Child supervision and injury prevention

• Creating safe indoor and #outdoor environments

• Supporting children’s #mental and emotional health

These topics help ensure children are cared for in safe, healthy, and supportive spaces. #HealthAndSafety #EarlyChildhoodEducation

Which ChildCareEd Courses Can Help You Meet Maryland Requirements?

ChildCareEd offers high-quality online courses that meet Maryland training requirements and are easy to complete on your schedule.

Here are two courses directly related to the Annual Basic Health and Safety Updates:

• Basic Health, Safety, and Breastfeeding Awareness
  This course covers essential #health-and-safety practices, including #safe-sleep, illness prevention, and breastfeeding support.

• Safe and Sound: Creating Healthy Environments for Every Child
  Learn how to create safe, clean, and supportive environments where children can #learn and grow.

These courses are online, flexible, and written in clear language—making them a great choice for busy #educators.

How Can Infant and Toddler Mental Health Be Part of Health and Safety?

Health and safety are not only about physical care. Emotional well-being matters too.

ChildCareEd offers a helpful resource:

• Supporting Infant and Toddler Mental Health

This resource explains how strong relationships, routines, and responsive care support young children’s #mental-health. When children feel safe emotionally, they are better able to learn and thrive.

Where Can You Learn More About Maryland’s Training Requirements?

If you want more details about Maryland’s rules, ChildCareEd has a related article that explains the basics:

• Basic Health and Safety Training Required in Maryland

This article is a great companion to the annual update reminder and helps clarify what the state expects from child care professionals.

How Can You Stay Updated and Avoid Missing Important Deadlines?

Staying informed is one of the best ways to stay compliant.

Here are a few easy tips:

• Mark training deadlines on your calendar

• Complete required courses early

• Save certificates of completion

• Follow ChildCareEd on social media for reminders and updates

ChildCareEd regularly shares helpful tips, training reminders, and child care news.

👉 Follow ChildCareEd on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/childcareed

👉 Follow ChildCareEd on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@childcareed

Following on social media can help you stay ahead of changes and feel supported in your work. #ChildCareTraining

Why Completing Training on Time Matters

Completing the Annual Basic Health and Safety Updates is more than just a requirement—it is part of being a trusted caregiver.

When you complete your training on time, you:

• Help keep children safe

• Support families with confidence

• Protect your job and license

• Show professionalism and care

Maryland’s child care regulations are designed to support quality care. With the right training and reminders, meeting these requirements can be simple and #stress-free.

Final Friendly Reminder

The Annual Basic Health and Safety Updates are mandatory and must be completed before December 31, 2025. It is mandatory for child care staff and family child care providers. New staff and family child care providers approved between October 2025 and December 2025 have until March 31, 2026 to complete the update training.

The Annual Basic Health and Safety can be found at: This training can be found online at: https://msde.instructure.com/courses/1133

If you need to contact your regional licensing office, use the following online list. Click on your region to find personnel and contact information: https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/child-care-providers/licensing/regional-licensing-offices