YMCA Merritt Park Head Start
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.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.2 / 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 3 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Maryland EXCELS rating of Level 1 (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 1 (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
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 71
- 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 2025, the issues cited most often were Discipline & Adult-Child Interaction (6), Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (6), and Building & Premises Safety (1). None of the 14 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Mar 4, 20265 Findings5 Important
- LS Received a Reportable Child Incident Form From the Program Which Did Not State That the Parent Was Notified of The…13A.16.03.06D(1)
LS received a reportable child incident form from the program which did not state that the parent was notified of the serious injury. LS did not observe a parent signed incident report in the child's file. The program stated to the LS that the parent was notified. The program will have an injury rep
- LS Observed the 2 Year Old Fenced Outdoor Activity Area13A.16.05.12D
LS observed the 2 year old fenced outdoor activity area. The area is secured from the shopping center's parking center. The building's brick wall should have some padding to ensure a child does not get injured should one come in contact with the wall. The program will immediately have the wall padde
- OCC Received Information That a 2-year Old Child Was Injured While Playing on the Playground13A.16.07.06A
OCC received information that a 2-year old child was injured while playing on the playground. On the following day the child's parent notified the center that the child was taken to a medical professional.
- LS Noticed Additional Staff From Kenwood Site Were Present to Assist as Their Center Is Closed Due to No Heat13A.16.07.06D(1)
LS noticed additional staff from Kenwood site were present to assist as their center is closed due to no heat. The staff did not have unsupervised time with the children in care nor used to maintain ratio. LS discussed with the program director that they are still required to be listed on the person
- OCC Received Information That a 2-year Old Child Was Injured While Playing on the Playground13A.16.08.07A
OCC received information that a 2-year old child was injured while playing on the playground. On the following day the child's parent notified the center that the child was taken to a medical professional.
Jan 8, 20266 Findings6 Important
- OCC Received a Complaint That During a Review of Classroom Video Footage13A.16.07.03A(1)
OCC received a complaint that during a review of classroom video footage, a staff person was viewed picking up a 2 year old child by the extended arms to put on the cot for rest time. This is an unsafe method to pick up a young child. The child has an active IFSP and should have been provided appro
- OCC Received a Complaint That During a Review of Classroom Video Footage13A.16.07.03B(4)
OCC received a complaint that during a review of classroom video footage, a staff person was viewed picking up a 2 year old child by the extended arms to put on the cot for rest time. This is an unsafe method to pick up a young child. The child has an active IFSP and should have been provided appro
- OCC Received a Complaint That During a Review of Classroom Video Footage13A.16.07.03C(3)
OCC received a complaint that during a review of classroom video footage, a staff person was viewed picking up a 2 year old child by the extended arms to put on the cot for rest time. This is an unsafe method to pick up a young child. The child has an active IFSP and should have been provided appro
- OCC Received a Complaint That During a Review of Classroom Video Footage13A.16.07.06A
OCC received a complaint that during a review of classroom video footage, a staff person was viewed picking up a 2 year old child by the extended arms to put on the cot for rest time. This is an unsafe method to pick up a young child.
- OCC Received a Complaint That During a Review of Classroom Video Footage13A.16.08.01A(1)
OCC received a complaint that during a review of classroom video footage, a staff person was viewed picking up a 2 year old child by the extended arms to put on the cot for rest time. This is an unsafe method to pick up a young child. The child has an active IFSP and should have been provided appro
- OCC Received a Complaint That During a Review of Classroom Video Footage13A.16.08.01B(2)
OCC received a complaint that during a review of classroom video footage, a staff person picked up a 2 year old child by the extended arms and put on the cot for rest time. The child has an active IFS and should have been provided with appropriate accommodations. The program has dismissed the resp
Oct 15, 20253 Findings3 Important
- LS Observed Staffing Patterns Need to Be Updated for Classrooms 2 and 4 for Staff Changes.13A.16.03.05B
- OCC Received a Complaint That a Teacher Was Speaking in a Disrespectful Manner to Children in the Classroom And…13A.16.07.03B(4)
OCC received a complaint that a teacher was speaking in a disrespectful manner to children in the classroom and grabbed a child's arm. The teacher is unavailable for the LS to interview during this inspection. LS requested classroom video footage from the director of the program. The program will h
- OCC Received a Complaint That a Teacher Was Speaking in a Disrespectful Manner to Children in the Classroom And…13A.16.07.03C(3)
OCC received a complaint that a teacher was speaking in a disrespectful manner to children in the classroom and grabbed a child's arm. The teacher is unavailable for the LS to interview during this inspection. LS requested classroom video footage from the director of the program. The program will h