The Maryland State Department of Education's Division of Early Childhood Development has launched an online collection of child care licensing inspection results, designed to help consumers make informed choices.

The site, www.CheckCCMD.org, offers detailed compliance findings from child care licensing inspections as well as links to a wide range of information about early care and education in Maryland.

"The foundation for a child's learning and development is built upon experiences and relationships formed in early childhood, and selecting a child care provider is an important decision for a family," said Interim State Superintendent Bernard Sadusky. "The CheckCCMD.org website allows families to review the inspection compliance of the child care facility or family child care home they are considering for their child, and gives them additional information for making informed decisions."

The Office of Child Care (OCC), within the Maryland State Department of Education's Division of Early Childhood Development, is responsible for the regulation and oversight of all licensed child care in Maryland. The Office of Child Care Licensing Branch maintains 13 regional offices through which approximately 23,000 licensing inspections are conducted annually to monitor and assess compliance with Maryland child care licensing regulations.

While important, regulatory compliance is only one factor for families to consider when choosing or continuing with a child care provider. Child care providers have the opportunity to correct or appeal any noncompliance identified by the Office of Child Care. Families are encouraged to talk with their provider about any finding of noncompliance. For additional information on choosing quality child care visit the MSDE website.

Findings from licensing inspections conducted before January, 2011 can be found by clicking here. 

For additional information about the Maryland State Department of Education's Division of Early Childhood Development visit the website.