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Licensing and Certification Rules

The Child Care Licensing Unit, within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for issuing licenses for Child Care facilities, Family Child Care Providers, and Nursery Schools and for monitoring compliance with the rules.

Any facility (home or center) that cares for more than two children must be licensed by the State of Maine. Licenses must be renewed every year.

Licensing Rules support childcare services which meet childrens' psychosocial and developmental needs while providing a safe, healthy and secure environment.

A child care licensing worker is assigned to monitor compliance with licensing rules for each child care center, home, or nursery school. In addition to regular monitoring and visits, licensing workers will investigate any complaints that are filed against a facility or staff person. If abuse or neglect charges are made, an investigation will also be carried out by the Department of Health and Human Services.

If a facility or child care provider fails to comply with applicable laws and rules, the Department of Health and Human Services may refuse to issue or renew a child care license. If a person is aggrieved by the decision there is an appeal procedure that s/he is entitled to. For more information, refer to applicable licensing rules.

People interested in obtaining information about childcare rules or applying to become a licensed childcare provider should fill out an on-line request form, call the Child Care Licensing Unit at 1-207-287-5060 or write to:

Child Care Licensing Unit
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Station #11
Augusta, ME 04333

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Licensing Rules can be viewed  or printed on-line (If you cannot access the documents listed below, contact Child Care Licensing at 1-207-287-9300.):

Rules for the Licensing of Child Care Facilities

• Cover Sheet (Microsoft Word)
• Table of Contents (Microsoft Word)
  • Rules (Microsoft Word)
  • Rules for the Licensing of Nursery Schools (Microsoft Word)
  • Rules for Family Child Care Providers (Microsoft Word)

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