Licensing Specialist in Childcare

Kids After Hours•Rockville, MD

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Kids After Hours is seeking a detail-oriented and knowledgeable Licensing Specialist to ensure all programs operate in full compliance with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Child Care (OCC) regulations. This role supports program quality, safety, and regulatory adherence across multiple school-age childcare sites. The Licensing Specialist serves as a key liaison between Kids After Hours and regulatory agencies, ensuring licensing standards are consistently met while supporting staff in maintaining high-quality environments for children.

Requirements

Knowledge of MSDE Office of Child Care licensing regulations (or similar childcare regulatory framework).
Experience in childcare, education administration, or regulatory compliance.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to interpret and apply regulatory standards.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education Administration, Public Administration, or related field.
Previous experience working with licensing agencies or in a compliance-focused role.
Experience in multi-site program oversight.

Responsibilities

Ensure all Kids After Hours programs comply with MSDE OCC licensing requirements and Maryland childcare regulations.
Conduct regular internal audits and site visits to assess compliance with health, safety, and program standards.
Identify areas of non-compliance and develop corrective action plans in collaboration with site leadership.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date licensing records for all program sites.
Prepare and submit licensing applications, renewals, and required documentation to MSDE.
Track expiration dates for licenses, certifications, and required documentation to ensure timely renewals.
Serve as the primary point of contact with MSDE licensing specialists and other regulatory bodies.
Coordinate and support official licensing inspections and visits.
Respond to licensing inquiries, violations, and corrective actions in a timely and professional manner.
Provide guidance and training to program staff on licensing regulations and compliance expectations.
Develop resources and tools to help site teams maintain compliance.
Stay current on regulatory updates and communicate changes to leadership and staff.
Promote best practices that exceed minimum licensing standards.
Support continuous improvement initiatives across all sites.
Assist in developing policies and procedures aligned with state regulations.