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Tophat Early Learning Center

Gaithersburg, MD 208794.6· 78 reviews
Call (240) 813-0713Website

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About Tophat Early Learning Center

Tophat Early Learning Center is a licensed child care center in Gaithersburg, Maryland. It is licensed by the state.

It is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. It describes a Play-based approach, with after-school care, before-school care, infant care and pre-k.

Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care made 6 visits in the last 3 years and cited 9 rules across 3 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

InfantsPreschool / pre-KBefore- and after-schoolAccepts child care subsidy

Ages served: infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children

From the state license. Ages it lists: 6 weeks to 5 years
Ask when you call: rates, current openings and staff-to-child ratio.
Type
Child care center
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
Hours today
Closed today
Capacity
Not listed

Hours

Hours

Monday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Tuesday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Wednesday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Thursday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Friday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayTodayNot listed

Programs

Programs and care

AgesInfants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license. It lists: 6 weeks to 5 years
ProgramsAfter-school care, before-school care, infant care, pre-k, preschool and toddler care
ApproachPlay-based
EnrichmentGeography, cultures, science, art, music, yoga, Spanish language; optional sports programs
StaffDedicated, certified teachers
Daily lifeSnacks provided
SafetyOutdoor playground
Assistance it acceptsMCCYN (DoD & U.S. Coast Guard fee assistance); also licensed provider with ChildCare Aware of America
A daycare without an item may still offer it; ask.

Cost

Tuition and costs

Tophat Early Learning Center has not listed its tuition.

Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition.

State record

Inspection reports for Tophat Early Learning Center

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
Licensed Child Care Center
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
See the state's record

Summary

6 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Apr 30, 2026: 1 rule cited

Rules cited on 4 of 6 visits · 9 rules in all

  • Health, medication and illness 3
  • Safe sleep 2
  • Discipline and child guidance 1
  • Supervision and ratios 1
  • Records and paperwork 1
  • Background checks 1

For comparison: 73% of Maryland daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 3.

A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record

See all 6 visits
  1. Apr 30, 2026Complaint investigation1 rule cited
    • Discipline and child guidance

      13A.16.07.02A(1)

      “Facility did not report suspected child abuse or neglect to the OCC or other agency after it was brought to the attention of management that a staff member allegedly physically mistreated a child in care.”
  2. Apr 30, 2026Inspection1 rule cited
    • Discipline and child guidance

      13A.16.07.02A(1)

      “Facility did not report suspected child abuse or neglect to the OCC or other agency after it was brought to the attention of management that a staff member allegedly physically mistreated a child in care.”
  3. Jul 14, 2025VisitNo rules cited
  4. Jun 26, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
  5. Oct 3, 2024Complaint investigation3 rules cited
    • Safe sleep

      13A.16.10.05B

      “LS observed 3 infants swaddled in the crib.”
    • Safe sleep

      13A.16.09.04F

      “LS observed infants with blankets inside of 5 cribs.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      13A.16.08.03C(1)

      “The director stated during music class both infant classrooms combine totaling up to 9 infants.”
  6. Aug 30, 2024Inspection5 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      13A.16.05.08A

      “LS observed one sink inside of 37F Staff member stated that the sink is used for handwashing after diapering and preparing food.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      13A.16.03.04E

      “LS observed multiple children missing lead screening information.”
    • Records and paperwork

      13A.16.03.04C

      “LS observed multiple children's emergency forms incomplete.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      13A.16.03.04A

      “LS observed multiple emergency form and health assessment forms missing information.”
    • Background checks

      13A.16.02.03C(3)(b)

      “LS observed 3 staff members with outdated criminal background clearances.”

Copied from Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care on October 2, 2026; the state's records start around Oct 2023. Rule wording, severity and dates are the state's.

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FAQ

Questions about Tophat Early Learning Center

Is Tophat Early Learning Center licensed?

Yes. Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care lists it as licensed and operating.

When was Tophat Early Learning Center last inspected?

Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care lists the most recent visit on April 30, 2026, with 1 rule cited. It lists 6 visits in the last 3 years.

Has Tophat Early Learning Center had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 9 rules across 4 of 6 visits in the last 3 years. For comparison: 73% of Maryland daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 3. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

What are Tophat Early Learning Center's hours?

Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does Tophat Early Learning Center cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (240) 813-0713 to ask.

What is Tophat Early Learning Center's phone number?

(240) 813-0713.

Where is Tophat Early Learning Center?

Gaithersburg, MD 20879.

Sources: Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care (license and visits).