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Childery

Top Hat Child Care

FLOWER HILL WAY A, GAITHERSBURG, MD 20879Childery Rating: 4/5

Data last updated ·

Quality Indicators

See Methodology →
  • Overall Quality
    4 / 5
  • Process Quality
    4 / 5
  • Structural Quality
    5 / 5

Why this rating

This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Maryland EXCELS rating of Level 4 (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 4 (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 Asthma & Allergy Friendly.

Facility Info

Facility type
Child Care Center
Age groups served
Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
Licensed capacity
85
Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
AgeMax ratioMax group
Infants1:36
Toddlers1:39
Preschool1:1020

Teacher Credentials

Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
High School Diploma

Inspection History

3 Inspection Visits Since 2023 · 10 Findings
Most recent: Apr 30, 2026⤓ Download Inspection History Report (PDF)
10 Important

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
  1. 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
  2. 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    • LS Observed 3 Staff Members with Outdated Criminal Background Clearances.13A.16.02.03C(3)(b)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
  3. 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.

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