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Protect Maryland’s children. Get licensed with confidence.

Getting your daycare licensed or re-licensed in Maryland doesn’t have to be stressful. We help daycare providers and facility owners work through MSDE lead compliance requirements quickly and clearly, so you can focus on caring for kids.

Home-based daycare or licensed child care center, we’ve got you covered.

Call now 443-927-6301Get your compliance assessment
Does your daycare need a lead inspection? Start with the year your building was built.

Pick one to see what MSDE expects.

Lead Paint Contractors License Number MDE # 17986
Maryland Home Inspector License #33696

Why lead compliance matters for daycares

Maryland’s State Department of Education (MSDE) takes lead safety seriously, and for good reason. Young children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure because they spend hours each day at your facility, often in hands-on contact with surfaces, play equipment, and dust.

Lead exposure in childcare settings can cause:

  • Developmental delays and learning problems
  • Attention and behavioral issues
  • Lower immune system function
  • Lifelong health consequences

The good news: getting compliant and staying compliant is straightforward with the right partner. We make it simple.

MSDE lead requirements for Maryland daycares

Understanding what Maryland requires is the first step. It depends on when your building was built.

Before 1978 Inspection required

You must have one of these:

  1. A written report from a Lead Dust Test (the property has been tested and meets Maryland’s safety standards for daycares)
  2. A written report from an XRF Inspection (the property is verified lead-free using X-ray fluorescence testing)
  3. Be actively working toward compliance, with dated documentation

What this means

  • No chipping, peeling, flaking, or deteriorated paint inside or outside areas where children play or sleep
  • Proper lead dust testing to meet Maryland’s requirements for daycare facilities
  • A professional written report documenting that your facility is safe for children
  • If you’re renovating, work must be done by lead-safe contractors only

1978 or later No inspection needed

You do not need a lead inspection. MSDE does not require a lead risk assessment for properties built after 1978.

In-home daycares follow the same rules

Whether you operate out of your home and care for up to 8 children, or run a larger registered family day care home, the same lead rules apply. MSDE inspectors look for the same written report and clean surfaces.

What we provide for daycare compliance

Our certified lead inspectors are accredited by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). We specialize in helping daycare providers meet MSDE requirements.

Lead Dust Test for facilities built before 1978

Visual inspection
We walk through your entire space (classrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor areas, play equipment) to identify any deteriorated or suspect painted surfaces.
Lead dust testing
We collect samples from high-traffic areas (floors, window sills, play surfaces) and have them analyzed by a certified lab.
Professional written report
If your property meets Maryland’s requirements for daycares, we provide a detailed written report documenting that your facility is safe for children. This is what MSDE inspectors need to see.
Clear findings and next steps
You get a professional report with findings, photos, and recommendations. No confusing jargon, just facts.

XRF Inspection if you want to certify lead-free

If your property qualifies for lead-free status, we can conduct an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) inspection to verify the absence of lead-based paint and provide a written report documenting that finding.

Renovation guidance

Planning updates or repairs that disturb paint? We’ll make sure you understand what you need to do and who needs to do it, and we can verify the work meets lead-safe standards afterward.

Our process: fast and straightforward

  1. Schedule your assessment

    Call or contact us online. We’ll talk through your facility type, building age, and timeline.

  2. On-site inspection

    Our MDE-accredited inspector visits your daycare. We’re respectful of your schedule and won’t disrupt operations. A typical inspection takes 1–2 hours depending on facility size.

  3. Lab testing and analysis

    Dust samples go to our accredited lab. You’ll have results within 7–10 business days. Rush testing is available if you’re on a tight timeline; ask us about it.

  4. Get your written report

    Once lab results are back, we prepare a detailed professional report documenting your facility’s lead status: everything MSDE inspectors need to see.

  5. Submit to MSDE

    You take our written report to your licensing inspector. Done.

Who we serve

Licensed child care centers
Operating a larger facility? We conduct thorough inspections of all areas, including classrooms, play areas, bathrooms, and kitchen spaces.
Family day care homes
Running a home-based daycare? We understand the unique layout of residential properties and know exactly what MSDE inspectors look for.
In-home daycares
Caring for a small group in your home? Same process, same professional standards.
New licensees
Getting licensed for the first time? We help you get ahead by inspecting early so you’re ready when MSDE comes.
License renewals
Renewing your license? We provide updated lead documentation so you stay compliant and keep your license active.

Why providers choose Charm City Inspections

  • Maryland licensed and accredited. Our inspectors hold active accreditations from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). We know Maryland’s specific standards inside and out.
  • Daycare-specific expertise. We understand the unique challenges of childcare facilities. We know what MSDE is looking for and help you get there efficiently.
  • Fast turnaround. Need your Lead Dust Test or XRF Inspection quickly for a license application? We offer expedited scheduling and rush lab testing. Standard lab results take 7–10 business days.
  • Clear communication. No intimidation tactics or confusing reports. You’ll understand exactly what we found, what it means, and what’s next.
  • Fair, transparent pricing. You know the cost upfront. No surprises, no hidden fees.
  • Trusted by Maryland providers. Hundreds of daycare operators and facility owners trust us to help them stay compliant and get licensed.

Daycare lead inspection FAQs

Does my daycare need a lead inspection?

If your facility was built before 1978, yes. MSDE requires a written report from either a Lead Dust Test or an XRF Inspection to be licensed. If your building was built after 1978, you do not need a lead inspection.

How long does the inspection take?

Usually 1–2 hours, depending on your facility size and layout. We work around your schedule and try not to disrupt children’s activities.

I’m opening a new daycare. Do I need to get tested before I apply for my license?

Not required, but highly recommended. Getting tested early gives you time to address any issues before your license inspection. Lab results take 7–10 business days, so plan accordingly. If you’re on a tight deadline, ask about rush testing.

What if my facility is in a pre-1978 building but I don’t see any chipped or peeling paint?

That’s exactly why our Lead Dust Test matters. Even if paint looks fine, lead dust can accumulate on surfaces where children play and crawl. Our dust sampling and lab analysis will tell you exactly what’s present. That’s what MSDE requires to verify your facility is safe.

What do I do if the results show lead?

Don’t panic. The next steps depend on what we find. If it’s minor deterioration, careful surface cleaning and sealing is sometimes enough to meet MSDE requirements. If it’s more serious, you may need renovation work, and that work must be done by a lead-safe contractor. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you understand what’s realistic for your timeline and budget.

Do you help with lead abatement (cleanup or remediation)?

We inspect and document; we don’t do the cleanup work ourselves. But we can refer you to licensed, trusted lead-safe contractors who do, and we can verify their work afterward to make sure it meets standards.

How much does a daycare lead inspection cost?

Pricing depends on your facility size and layout. Call us at 443-927-6301 or contact us online for a quote. We’re upfront about costs, with no hidden fees.

How long before I get my report?

Lab results typically take 7–10 business days. Once we have them, we prepare your written report and get it to you promptly. If you’re on a tight timeline, ask about rush testing when you schedule.

Do I need to be present during the inspection?

Yes. We need someone present who knows which areas of your home or facility are accessible to the children. That tells our inspector where to focus and makes sure we test the spaces that matter most. It doesn’t have to be the owner, but it should be someone who understands your facility’s layout and child access areas.

Will the inspection disrupt my daycare operations?

We work around your schedule and try to minimize disruption. We can come before hours, during nap time, or at whatever time works best for you.

My license is expiring soon. Can you help me renew my lead documentation?

Yes. We can conduct a new inspection and provide updated documentation in time for your renewal. Call us to schedule.

Ready to get compliant?

Whether you’re getting licensed for the first time or renewing your current license, we’re here to make lead compliance simple and stress-free.

Schedule your daycare inspection

Tell us your facility type, building age, and licensing date, and we’ll find a time that works around your kids.

Call 443-927-6301 Schedule online
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