Tophat Early Learning Center
FLOWER HILL WAY A, GAITHERSBURG, MD 20879Childery 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.Not Available
- 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.3 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 3 out of 5 stars overall. 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. No objective process measures (e.g., state quality rating or national accreditation) are available for this daycare. The overall rating reflects structural features only.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- 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
- Licensed capacity
- Not Available
- 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 Children's Records & Files (3), Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (2), and Safe Sleep & SIDS Prevention (2). None of the 10 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Oct 3, 20243 Findings3 Important
- The Director Stated During Music Class Both Infant Classrooms Combine Totaling Up to 9 Infants.13A.16.08.03C(1)
- LS Observed Infants with Blankets Inside of 5 Cribs.13A.16.09.04F
- LS Observed 3 Infants Swaddled in the Crib.13A.16.10.05B
Aug 30, 20245 Findings5 Important
- LS Observed 3 Staff Members with Outdated Criminal Background Clearances.13A.16.02.03C(3)(b)
- LS Observed Multiple Emergency Form and Health Assessment Forms Missing Information.13A.16.03.04A
- LS Observed Multiple Children's Emergency Forms Incomplete.13A.16.03.04C
- LS Observed Multiple Children Missing Lead Screening Information.13A.16.03.04E
- LS Observed One Sink Inside of 37F Staff Member Stated That the Sink Is Used for Handwashing After Diapering and Preparing Food.13A.16.05.08A
Aug 24, 20232 Findings2 Important
- LS Observed a Staff Person Unknown to the OCC13A.16.07.06A
LS observed a staff person unknown to the OCC. Facility must submit all required documents immediately to the office or staff person may not return to the facility on August 25, 2023.
- LS Observed a Staff Person Unknown to the OCC Working with Children13A.16.08.02B
LS observed a staff person unknown to the OCC working with children. Facility must submit all required documents and have this individual cleared and approved to work. If the required information is not received the staff person may not return to work until approved.