The Valley School, Inc.
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 Maryland Accreditation.
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 163
- 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 Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (5) and Safe Sleep & SIDS Prevention (1). None of the 6 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Feb 13, 20263 Findings3 Important
- At the Time of Inspection13A.16.08.01A(2)(a)
At the time of inspection, a child care teacher admitted that she dozed off in a rocking chair while holding a sleeping baby on one occasion last week. A statement of correction will be sent to LS.
- At the Time of Inspection13A.16.08.01B(2)
At the time of inspection, a child care teacher admitted that she dozed off in a rocking chair while holding a sleeping baby on one occasion last week. A statement of correction will be sent.
- At the Time of Inspection13A.16.09.04G
At the time of inspection, a child care teacher admitted that she dozed off in a rocking chair while holding a sleeping baby on one occasion last week. The baby was not immediately moved to an approved sleeping arrangement during this incident. Facility will send a statement of correction.
Oct 28, 20243 Findings3 Important
- The Facility Served a Child in Care a Known Allergen for Snack, Causing a Severe Reaction.13A.16.07.06A
- Regulation 13A.16.02.01I States That the Operator May Not Allow an Employee13A.16.07.06C
Regulation 13A.16.02.01I states that the operator may not allow an employee, staff member, sub or volunteer to be assigned to a group of children or have access to a child in care until the individual has successfully passed the child abuse and neglect clearance and a federal or state criminal backg
- The Facility Served a Child in Care a Known Allergen for Snack, Causing a Severe Reaction.13A.16.08.01A(2)(b)