Dawns Early Light - Dunkirk
WEST WARD ROAD SUITES 405 406 407, DUNKIRK, MD 20754Childery Rating: 4/5
Data last updated ·
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.4 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.3 / 5
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Maryland EXCELS rating of Level 3 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Maryland's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Maryland caps infant ratios at 1:3, toddler ratios at 1:3, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 12 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Maryland EXCELS Level 3 (Max 5) Learn more →
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
- Recognized by Maryland Accreditation.
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 85
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:3 6 Toddlers 1:3 9 Preschool 1:10 20
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 2 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (7), Children's Records & Files (3), and Food Safety & Allergic Reactions (2). None of the 14 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Sep 4, 20253 Findings3 Important
- The Director13A.16.06.05C(3)
The Director, 5 teachers and 4 Aides did not complete their 2024 Basic Health and Safety Update within the allotted time frame. However, the Director ensured that they all have now completed the training and have their training certificates in their employee files. Therefore, this non-compliance i
- All Aides Shall Complete a Basic Health and Safety Course Within 90 Days of Their Employment at the Center13A.16.06.12A(3)
All Aides shall complete a basic health and safety course within 90 days of their employment at the Center. One Aide should have completed it by 01/30/2025, but completed it on 05/15/2025, albeit late. Therefore, this portion of the non-compliance is now corrected. Another Aide should have complet
- All Aides Shall Complete a 3 Hour Aide Orientation Course Within 6 Months of Their Employment13A.16.06.12C
All Aides shall complete a 3 hour Aide Orientation course within 6 months of their employment. One Aide should have taken the course no later than 01/30/2025, but has now completed it on 05/15/2025, albeit late. Another Aide should have completed a 3 hour Aide Orientation course no later than 02/05
Sep 26, 202411 Findings11 Important
- Out of the 36 Randomly Selected Children's Records13A.16.03.02E
Out of the 36 randomly selected children's records, it was found that four children do not have any evidence of having a second blood lead test. Please notify the parents in writing of the need for the second lead test so that they may schedule that with their respective child's physician. Provide
- During a Review of All Emergency Forms13A.16.03.04C
During a review of all emergency forms, it was found that a three year old did not have any phone numbers listed for any of the child's emergency contacts. The Center Director was able to find this information listed in Brightwheel, so she added it to the child's emergency form. Therefore, this no
- Out of the 36 Randomly Selected Children's Records13A.16.03.04G
Out of the 36 randomly selected children's records, it was found that three children do not have the age-appropriate immunizations. Please notify the respective parents so that they may obtain the necessary immunizations or supply the Center with a copy of their already updated immunization records
- During the Inspection13A.16.03.05E
During the inspection, an Aide was substituting for another Aide in the Infant Room (The Little Patriots), but the substitute log was not completed. While in the Licensing Specialist was still in the room, the substitute completed the form. Therefore, this non-compliance was corrected on site.
- During a Review of Staff Files, It Was Found That One Staff Member Is No Longer Employed, but OCC Had Not Been Notified13A.16.03.06A(2)
During a review of staff files, it was found that one staff member is no longer employed, but OCC had not been notified. The Center Director deleted her via 1203 during the inspection. Therefore, this non-compliance was corrected on-site.
- During a Review of Staff Files13A.16.06.04A(1)
During a review of staff files, it was found that a newly hired Aide does not have a medical evaluation in her employee file at the Center. Please obtain a copy of the staff's medical evaluation and submit it to OCC for the correction of this non-compliance.
- During a Review of Staff Files13A.16.06.12A(3)
During a review of staff files, no evidence was found to indicate that two Aides completed their required Basic Health and Safety training course within 90 days of their employment. Please have each of them complete MSDE's Basic Health and Safety course and submit their training certificates to OCC
- During the Inspection, There Was No Evidence of a Written Schedule of Daily Activities Posted in the Adventure Room13A.16.09.01A(1)
During the inspection, there was no evidence of a written schedule of daily activities posted in the Adventure Room. When this was brought to the attention of the Director, she posted an activity schedule in the room. Therefore, this non-compliance was corrected on-site.
- During the Inspection of the Little Patriots Room13A.16.10.04A
During the inspection of the Little Patriots room, a drawer was found to be unsecured and contains potentially hazardous items such as push pins, scissors and paperclips. It has a latch on it, but the latch was not working properly in order to secure the items. While on-site. the latch was replace
- During the Inspection, Open Packages of Food Were Found in the Pantry13A.16.12.04A(1)
During the inspection, open packages of food were found in the pantry. These food items had been opened and then taped closed. The goldfish container was only closed, but not sealed. When this was brought to the attention of the Center Director, she moved all of the previously opened items into a
- The Freezer Located Between the Pioneer Room and the Explorers Room Had a Temperature Reading of 6 Degrees F13A.16.12.04F(4)
The freezer located between the Pioneer Room and the Explorers Room had a temperature reading of 6 degrees F. While the Licensing Specialist was still on-site, the Director turned down the temperature in the freezer. It later read below 0 degrees F. Therefore, this non-compliance was corrected on
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