Starting a Nursery School

A Nursery School is different from family child care homes and child care centers because if offers programs for children between the ages of 3 to 7 for no more than 3 1/2 hours a day. While two sessions can be offered at a Nursery School, each child can only attend one session per day. No hot meals are served at Nursery Schools.

"Law Providing for the Licensing of Nursery Schools " (Microsoft Word) (free viewer) were approved by the Maine Legislature in 1976 and are currently being revised. Please review these rules as you will need to comply with them in order to become a Licensed Nursery School.

The first step in starting a Nursery School is to request a Licensing packet by calling (207) 287-5049.

You will be sent a packet containing:

Law Providing for the Licensing of Nursery Schools , (Microsoft Word) (free viewer)
Informational booklet on Fire Prevention and Life Safety Requirements,
Information about municipal ordinances,
Information about the required lead inspection,
Instructions and information about the fire marshal inspection,Nursery School Medical Statements,
Supplemental Information sheet on Nursery Schools,
and an application for a License to Operate a Nursery School

Please note that some of the forms are available on-line for you to review. Please request a full packet if you will be applying for a License. Receiving the packet by mail will ensure that you have all of the information that is required.

The Licensing process will not begin until all forms from the Licensing packet have been returned to our office, along with the application fee of $10. The process to become Licensed generally takes at least three months from the time your completed application is received.

The process to become licensed generally takes three months from the time we receive your completed application.

The State Fire Marshall's Office will be contacted and asked to inspect the facility as soon as possible. The Child Care Resource Development Centers in your area will also be notified that you have applied.

A Licensing Worker from the Department of Health and Human Services, CSC Child Care Licensing Unit, will be in contact with you after your application is received to schedule a site visit to the facility. He or she will discuss your plans for operating a Nursery School, inspect the facility you intend to use, and offer any assistance that you might need in order to obtain a License.

If you have any questions about the Licensing process, please contact the Child Care Licensing Unit and speak with a Nursery School Licensing staff at (207) 287-5060.

General information

Information for Providers

Starting a Nursery School