YMCA Back River Head Start Center
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.4 / 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.4 / 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 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
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 48
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group 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 Qualifications & Background Checks (7), Building & Premises Safety (2), and Children's Records & Files (2). None of the 13 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Aug 26, 20253 Findings3 Important
- Approximately Three Rows of Siding on the Left of the Building Is Damaged by the Weed Whacker13A.16.05.12D
Approximately three rows of siding on the left of the building is damaged by the weed whacker. Insulation is showing. Please have the rows replaced and submit a picture to Licensing as soon as possible.
- Two Preschool Teachers Have Not Completed All of Their 12 Hours of Continued Training Within Their Anniversary Year.13A.16.06.09C
- One Aide Did Not Complete the Basic Health and Safety Annual Update13A.16.06.12B(3)
One aide did not complete the Basic Health and Safety annual update. Please complete as soon as possible and submit certificates along with Professional Development Plan to the office.
May 29, 202410 Findings10 Important
- The Center Had a Fire Inspection Completed on October 25, 2023 but Failed the Fire Inspection13A.16.02.03C(4)
The center had a fire inspection completed on October 25, 2023 but failed the fire inspection. The center has had the items fixed but has not been re-inspected from the Fire Department.
- COMAR Regulations Were Not Printed and Readily Accessible to Parents.13A.16.03.03B(5)
- Emergency Cards Were Missing Pediatrician Information, Daily Pick Up Person, Parental Signature and Pediatrician Address.13A.16.03.04C
- Children Were Missing the Health Inventory Pages 1 and 2, Lead and Immunizations.13A.16.03.04D(3)
- Staff Files Were Missing Current Training and Medicals.13A.16.03.05C
- The Bathrooms Did Not Have Paper Towels in the Bathroom13A.16.05.08I
The bathrooms did not have paper towels in the bathroom. The staff was using the napkins that are located in the classroom to dry off the children's hands after handwashing.
- Medicals Were Missing in Staff Files.13A.16.06.04A(1)
- Two Staff Medicals Were Over 5 Years Old.13A.16.06.04A(4)
- Training Was Not Documentated on the Professional Development Plan.13A.16.06.05C(2)
- Training Was Not Documented on the Professional Development Plan.13A.16.06.09C