The children are supervised by professional child care staff. Within the center, children are usually grouped with others of the same age. There are different types of child care centers. Some centers primarily provide care for infants and toddlers. Other centers care for preschool or school-age children.
Some centers care for children of mixed-age groups, from six weeks old through school age.
Small group centers have a maximum capacity of 12 children and may be located in private residences. Nursery schools are educational programs for children 2 years through 4 years old. These programs are approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. Regulations allow the caregiver to take care of up to eight children at one time if the home meets certain physical requirements. No more than two of these children, including the caregiver's own, may be under two years old unless additional staff members are present.