Embark Education
B SPARKS VALLEY ROAD, SPARKS, MD 21152Childery Rating: 3/5
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.3 / 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.2 / 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 3 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Maryland EXCELS rating of Level 1 (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 1 (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
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 129
- 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 Curriculum & Developmental Programming (4), Children's Records & Files (2), and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2). Of 14 total findings, 2 were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Jul 15, 202511 Findings2 Critical9 Important
- LS Observed Chemicals in a Cabinet Under a Sink in One Classroom That Was Not Secured with a Safety Device13A.16.07.06A
LS observed chemicals in a cabinet under a sink in one classroom that was not secured with a safety device. This was immediately corrected during the inspection when the chemicals were moved out of reach of the children and later a safety lock was placed on the cabinet.
- LS Observed Chemicals in a Cabinet Under a Sink in One Classroom That Was Not Secured with a Safety Device13A.16.10.04A
LS observed chemicals in a cabinet under a sink in one classroom that was not secured with a safety device. This was immediately corrected during the inspection when the chemicals were moved out of reach of the children and later a safety lock was placed on the cabinet.
- LS Did Not Observe an Emergency Form for One Enrolled Child. The Center Has Electronic Emergency Contact Information for the Child.13A.16.03.02A
- LS Did Not Observe an Emergency Form for One Enrolled Child13A.16.03.04C
LS did not observe an emergency form for one enrolled child. The center has electronic emergency contact information for the child. LS observed one child's emergency for missing the annual parental update. LS observed two children's emergency forms missing the child's physician information.
- LS Observed One Staff Person Missing the Orientation of COMAR.13A.16.06.02
- LS Observed Two Children's Infant/toddler Activity Plans Not Reevaluated Every 3 Months13A.16.09.02C
LS observed two children's infant/toddler activity plans not reevaluated every 3 months. This was corrected during the inspection. LS observed one child's infant/toddler activity plan not dated. This was corrected during the inspection.
- LS Did Not Observe Parental Permission for Two Children's Medications.13A.16.11.04A(1)(a)
- LS Did Not Observe Approval From a Licensed Health Practitioner to Administer Medication for 2 Children.13A.16.11.04A(1)(b)
- Center Confirms That Parents Provide All Meals and Snacks for Children.13A.16.12.01B(1)
- Center Confirms That Parents Provide All Meals and Snacks for Children and the Center Operates for 10 Consecutive Hours.13A.16.12.01C
- LS Did Not Observe a Posted Weekly Planned Menu of Foods and Beverages Furnished by the Center13A.16.12.01E(1)
LS did not observe a posted weekly planned menu of foods and beverages furnished by the center. This was corrected during the inspection when the Director posted the weekly menu.
Jul 16, 20243 Findings3 Important
- LS Did Not Observe a Current Staffing Pattern in Room P313A.16.03.05B
LS did not observe a current staffing pattern in Room P3. This was corrected during the inspection when the Director posted the current staffing pattern.
- LS Observed an Inoperable Toilet in One Girls Restroom.13A.16.05.01A(1)
- LS Observed Three Aide Staff Missing the Required Aide Orientation.13A.16.06.12C
Explore More
Daycares Near This One
- Caliday Before and After Care of SparksSparks · 4/5 Childery Rating
- Step by Step Children's Learning CenterSparks · 3/5 Childery Rating
- The Goddard School SparksSparks · 5/5 Childery Rating
- Play and Learn at Hunt ValleyHunt Valley · 4/5 Childery Rating
- Reggio & CompanyHunt Valley · 5/5 Childery Rating
- ABC Family DaycareCockeysville · 5/5 Childery Rating