Licensing Specialist in Childcare

Job Title: Licensing Specialist – School-Age Child Care

Organization: Kids After Hours
Location: Rockville Md
Reports To: owners
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance & Monitoring

• 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.

Licensing & Documentation

• 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.

Agency Coordination

• 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.

Staff Support & Training

• 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.

Quality Assurance

• 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.

Qualifications

Required:

• 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.

Preferred:

• 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.

Key Competencies

• Regulatory knowledge and interpretation
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Collaboration and communication
• Time management and prioritization

Work Environment & Expectations

• Frequent travel between program sites may be required.
• Ability to conduct on-site inspections and reviews.
• Occasional evening or early morning visits depending on program hours.

Why Join Kids After Hours?

At Kids After Hours, we are committed to providing safe, engaging, and enriching environments for children. The Licensing Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement across all our programs.