Optimal Learning Center at Captain Daly Elementary School
Data last updated · May 2026
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 1 (out of 5) and NAEYC accreditation. 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)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
- Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- Not Available
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group 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 Emergency Preparedness & Drills (4), Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (3), and Children's Records & Files (2). None of the 14 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Aug 25, 20252 Findings2 Important
- The LS Did Not Observe an Emergency Escape Floor Plan.13A.16.10.01A(4)
- The LS Observed That Some Files Were Missing Emergency Contact with Initials GA, SM, AS.13A.16.10.01C
Aug 30, 202412 Findings12 Important
- File Missing for Child Enrolled.13A.16.03.02A
- LS Did Not Observe Documentation of Emergency and or Fire Drills Being Conducted.13A.16.03.03B(4)
- Missing Emergency Forms and /Or Not Updated.13A.16.03.04C
- Staffing Pattern Posted Was Dated 2023. Updated Staffing Pattern Is Needed.13A.16.03.05B
- A Staff Person File Was Not Available During the Inspection.13A.16.03.05C
- During the Inspection, It Was Stated That a Staff Person Left in the Spring. (April).13A.16.03.06A(2)
- There Is a Hole in the Wall Near the Staff Desk. Floor Surface Is Missing Near the Staff Desk.13A.16.05.01A(1)
- Center Needs a Current Fire Report.13A.16.05.01B
- L.S. Did Not Observe a Current Medical Report for All Staff.13A.16.06.04A(2)
- LS D Id Not Observe Emergency and Disaster Drill.13A.16.10.01A(3)(c)
- The Staff Person in the Building Did Not Have Current First aid/CPR.13A.16.10.02A(1)
- Thermometer Was Not Observed in the Refrigerator.13A.16.12.04F(3)