Dawns Early Light - Prince Frederick
STEEPLE CHASE DRIVE, PRINCE FREDERICK, MD 20678Childery 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
- 72
- 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 3 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (8), Children's Records & Files (2), and Medication Administration (2). None of the 14 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Mar 2, 20266 Findings6 Important
- During a Review of a Sampling of Children's Files13A.16.03.04G
During a review of a sampling of children's files, it was found that a 5 year old boy and a 5 year old girl both need another MMR vaccination. In addition, a 2 year old boy did not have any immunizations in his file. The Center Director contacted all three parents during the course of the inspecti
- During a Review of Staff Files13A.16.06.09C
During a review of staff files, it was found that a preschool teacher did not complete her required 12 hours of training during her designated training period. However, she has since made up all of her training hours. Therefore, this non-compliance has been corrected.
- During a Review of Staff Files13A.16.06.12A(3)
During a review of staff files, it was found that three Aides did not complete the required Basic Health and Safety course within 90 days of employment. However, each of them have completed a Basic Health and Safety course. albeit late, and have the completed training certificates in their files.
- During a Review of Staff Files13A.16.06.12C
During a review of staff files, it was found that two Aides did not complete a three hour Aide Orientation course within 6 months of hire. However, both have now completed an aide orientation course, albeit late, with the training certificate in their respective files. Therefore, this non-complianc
- During the Inspection13A.16.11.04A(3)
During the inspection, it was found that a medication administration form authorizing the administration of a certain medication to a child expired in December of 2025. Please inform the respective parent so that they may obtain another medication authorization form from the child's physician. Thi
- During the Inspection, Medication Designated for a Particular Child Expired in January of This Year13A.16.11.04E(1)(c)
During the inspection, medication designated for a particular child expired in January of this year. The Center was unaware that it was expired. Since being brought to the attention of the Center, the Center shall give the medication to the parent upon expiration in order for them to dispose of th
Mar 11, 20252 Findings2 Important
- An Aide Did Not Complete a Basic Health and Safety Course Within 90 Days of the Start of Her Employment at the Center13A.16.06.12A(3)
An Aide did not complete a Basic Health and Safety course within 90 days of the start of her employment at the Center. However, she has completed the course, albeit late. Therefore, this non-compliance has already been corrected.
- An Aide Did Not Complete a 3 Hour Aide Orientation Course Within 6 Months of Her Date of Hire13A.16.06.12C
An Aide did not complete a 3 hour Aide Orientation course within 6 months of her date of hire. However, she has completed the course, albeit late. Therefore, this non-compliance has already been corrected.
Mar 12, 20246 Findings6 Important
- During a Review of a Sampling of Children's Records13A.16.03.04C
During a review of a sampling of children's records, it was found that two sibling children do not have their physician's address listed on their emergency form. Please have their parent complete the required information then initial and date the update to the emergency form. While this Licensing S
- Inaccurate Staffing Patterns Were Posted in Two Classrooms13A.16.03.05B
Inaccurate staffing patterns were posted in two classrooms. When this was discussed with the Center Director, she modified the staffing patterns to accurately reflect the correct staffing patterns and posted them in the corresponding classrooms. Therefore, this non-compliance was corrected on-site
- When Asked About the Center's Associated Parties List13A.16.03.06A(2)
When asked about the Center's associated parties list, the Center Director reported that one of the staff members no longer worked at the Center. The staff member's last day of employment was 12/22/23. OCC must be notified of the ending of employment within 5 business days. The Director completed
- During a Review of Staff Files13A.16.06.12A(3)
During a review of staff files, it was found that two staff members did not complete the Basic Health and Safety within the required 90 days of employment. However, both of them have now completed the course. Therefore, this non-compliance is now corrected.
- During a Review of Staff Files13A.16.06.12C
During a review of staff files, it was found that one staff member did not complete the 3 hour Aide Orientation course within the required 6 months of employment. However, she has now completed the course. Therefore, this non-compliance is now corrected.
- During the Inspection13A.16.09.02B(3)
During the inspection, it was observed that the individualized activity plans for infants and toddlers did not contain the name of the staff member who is assigned primary responsibility for the care of the child during each staff shift. Instead of listing the staff member, the line on the form was
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