All daycare centers that are not on the state’s approved list must close by end of day on Friday, March 27, 2020.

The Maryland State Superintendent of Schools has issued a new order to daycare centers operating in the state. In an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, Dr. Karen Salmon has ordered all daycare facilities that are not serving families of essential workers to close by the end of the day on Friday, March 27. Centers that are part of the state program for essential workers will remain open with new safety measures in place.

The State of Maryland already has a program in place that provides daycare for children of designated essential personnel. Workers who are eligible can get utilize these daycare services at no cost. Children in these programs will be placed in classes with a ratio of one teacher to nine children and will practice social distancing. 

The best option is for children to stay at home. Officials realize this is not feasible for everyone, so Governor Larry Hogan relaxed restrictions for home care in an executive order. Effective on March 13, 2020, regulations allow care for neighbors, friends, and family of up to five students.

child playing with clay

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon from Pexels

If you are in need of childcare, you can visit the Maryland Public Schools website at earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org or call 877-261-0060. Information is also available at these Child Care resource phone numbers:

  • 410-767-0335
  • 410-767-7823
  • 410-767-0583
  • 410-767-7798
  • 410-767-7805

Childcare providers that are required to close do have the option to apply for the state program and can reopen on March 30. These daycare centers can only serve essential personnel and must be cleaned and sanitized before reopening. Centers that fit these criteria must apply to their regional licensing specialists.