Potomac Early Learning Center
CHARLES STREET UNIT B, LA PLATA, MD 20646Childery 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
- 76
- 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 5 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (3), Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (1), and Discipline & Adult-Child Interaction (1). None of the 8 findings were critical.
See All 5 Inspection Visits
Jun 4, 20251 Finding1 Important
- A Complaint States That a Child Missed Their School Bus13A.16.08.01A(1)
A complaint states that a child missed their school bus, and the center put the child on another bus where the bus driver did not know the child, and the parents were not notified. During the interview with the director, the Director stated that the normal school bus had a substitute driver and that
Jan 9, 20251 Finding1 Important
- A Report Came Into the Office of Child Care That a Staff Member Put a 20 Month Old Child in the Trash Can Because The…13A.16.07.01
A report came into the Office of Child Care that a staff member put a 20 month old child in the trash can because the child did not want to have their diaper changed. At the complaint inspection, the Director had already interviewed all staff that were in the classroom during the incident. The Direc
Dec 18, 20242 Findings2 Important
- At the Time of the Full Inspection There Was One Staff Member with a Medical That Was Over 5 Years Old13A.16.06.04A(4)
At the time of the full inspection there was one staff member with a medical that was over 5 years old. For correction, please have the staff have an updated medical evaluation done and submit a copy to the licensing specialist.
- At the Time of the Full Inspection There Were 8 Staff Members That Did Not Complete the Original Basic Health And…13A.16.06.12A(3)
At the time of the full inspection there were 8 staff members that did not complete the original basic health and safety within 90 days of employment. For correction, please have the staff complete the basic health and safety and send a copy of the certificate to the licensing specialist. Please see
Jun 18, 20242 Findings2 Important
- OCC Received a Complaint Stating That the Child Care Did Not Have AC and the Children Were Visibly Hot13A.16.05.01B
OCC received a complaint stating that the Child Care did not have AC and the children were visibly hot. At the time of the inspection more than half of the AC units were working. However, the 2-year-old classroom, 3-year-old classroom, and 4-year-old classroom did not have working AC. Each classroom
- A Complaint Was Received Stating That the Child Care Did Not Have AC and the Children Were Visibly Hot13A.16.05.06
A complaint was received stating that the Child Care did not have AC and the children were visibly hot. At the time of the inspection more than half of the AC units were working. However, the 2-year-old classroom, 3-year-old classroom, and 4-year-old classroom did not have working AC. Each classroom
Dec 21, 20232 Findings2 Important
- The Director Is Reminded That the Infant Rooms Must Have a Qualified Teacher at All Times13A.16.08.02B
The Director is reminded that the infant rooms must have a qualified Teacher at all times. At the time of the inspection the qualified teacher in the House Infant room was on break and the classroom was being supervised by two aides. The qualified teacher did remain on site during her break. For cor
- The Toddler Room Had an Electrical Heater, That Was Off in the Room13A.16.10.04A
The Toddler room had an electrical heater, that was off in the room. The staff is reminded that the heater can not be used when children are in care. The kitchen in the House building does not have a barrier stopping children from going into the kitchen where potentially harmful items are accessible
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