The Goddard School in North Bethesda
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.5 / 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.5 / 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 5 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Maryland EXCELS rating of Level 5 (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 5 (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 Cognia Early Learning Accreditation.
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 225
- 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 2023, the issues cited most often were Discipline & Adult-Child Interaction (4), Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (3), and Hazardous Materials Handling (2). Of 11 total findings, 3 were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Aug 12, 20256 Findings3 Critical3 Important
- Staff Members Stated That They Observed Another Staff Member Aggressively Grabbing Children by the Arms When They Were…13A.16.07.01
Staff members stated that they observed another staff member aggressively grabbing children by the arms when they were not listening. This behavior subjected the children to potentially injurious treatment while in care.
- LS Was Informed by Staff Members That They Had Witnessed a Teacher Grabbing a Child and Placing a Hand Over the Child's…13A.16.07.02A(1)
LS was informed by staff members that they had witnessed a teacher grabbing a child and placing a hand over the child's mouth. However, the staff did not report the incident to the appropriate agency as required.
- Multiple Staff Members Reported to LS That They Had Witnessed a Teacher Aggressively Grabbing Children by the Arms And…13A.16.07.06A
Multiple staff members reported to LS that they had witnessed a teacher aggressively grabbing children by the arms and also observed the same teacher placing a hand over a child’s mouth. These actions raise serious concerns regarding the safety and well-being of children in care.
- LS Was Told by Staff That When a Child Was Crying, They Witnessed Another Staff Member Cover the Child’s Mouth in an Attempt to Quiet Them.13A.16.07.03A(1)
- At No Time May a Staff Member Cover a Child's Mouth to Stop Them From Crying13A.16.07.03B(4)
At no time may a staff member cover a child's mouth to stop them from crying. A staff member alleged that another staff member was seen aggressively grabbing children by the arms as a method of physical discipline when they were not listening.
- LS Learned That at Least Two Children in Care Did Not Receive Adequate Supervision and Care at All Times, as Required by Regulation.13A.16.08.01A(2)(b)
Mar 8, 20244 Findings4 Important
- LS Observed More Then 2 Rooms That Contained Bleached Water Solution That Was Exposed to Children's Reach.13A.16.10.04A
- LS Observed More Then 2 Rooms That Contained Bleached Water Solution That Was in Reach of Children.13A.16.10.04A
- LS Observed Multiple Infant Bottles Missing Dates on the Label.13A.16.12.06E(1)
- LS Observed Multiple Infants Children's Bottles Missing Dates on the Labels.13A.16.12.06E(1)
Dec 18, 20231 Finding1 Important
- During the Complaint Investigation LS Observed 1 Staff Member with 7 Children Inside of Classroom 3 During Nap Time.13A.16.08.08A(1)