The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Maine Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Maine. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
MAINE Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Maine Department of Health and Human Services Child Care Licensing Unit
41 Anthony Avenue, Station 11, Augusta, ME 04333
http://maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/ec/occhs/cclicensing.htm
(207) 287-9300
License renewal is required once every two years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
6 Wks.- 1Year |
1-2 1/2 Years |
2 1/2-3 1/2 Years |
3 Years-5 Years |
5+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:4 or 1:15 |
1:7 |
1:8 or 1:10 |
1:13
|
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
8 |
10 or 12 |
21 |
20 0r 24 |
None | |
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
10 |
21 |
20 |
26 | |
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
280 sf. |
420 sf. |
735 sf. |
840 sf. |
910 sf. | |
Outdoor Space Requirements: none
- There must be an exit from the playground other than through a building.
- Where hazardous conditions exist in the outdoor play area, the children must be protected from those conditions by fencing or other appropriate barriers.
- Play areas must be well drained.
- Commercially manufactured indoor/outdoor equipment specifically designed to be stable and safe without being fastened to the ground.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
4 |
Natural light is required in any room in which any child’s attendance exceeds 4 hours per day. |
68 |
A minimum temperature in the child care’s must be at least 68 degrees. |
24 |
Any staff that operates a swimming pool over 24 inches deep at any point must be in compliance with Department of Health and Human Services. |
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Did you know . . .
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Any requests for the increasing number of children, the Child Care Facility who is licensed, must be made in writing to the department. |  |
Drinking and food water must be kept in a satisfactory water system approved by the division of Health Engineering of the Department of Health and Human Services. |  |
Portable heaters, except those approved by the Department of Public Safety, State Fire Marshal’s Offices, are prohibited. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019