Board approves Sung's Black Belt Academy daycare expansion to 30 children

The Calvert County Board of Appeals voted Sept. 4 to grant a special exception allowing Sung's Black Belt Academy to raise its licensed daycare capacity from 19 to 30 children at 10750 Towne Centre Boulevard in Dunkirk.

Wendy Deeben, identified as a master instructor and assistant daycare director, told the board, “We have a wait list right now of 12 kids that would really like to join our program,” and said the Maryland State Department of Education had previously approved the site for 30 children. Staff confirmed public notice and filed exhibits including the application packet, field photos, maps and a building permit review.

Board members focused questions on supervision ratios, transportation and safety. Deeben said the program operates two school‑run pickup “runs,” uses three 15‑passenger vans and maintains a 1:15 staff‑to‑child ratio where needed. The applicant said health‑department checks and state licensing inspections occur annually or more often, and she described the unload/load process in a rear area away from the busiest parking.

The board read findings tied to the county planning ordinance and placed conditions on approval. The board asked the applicants to provide a more legible copy of the most recent fire‑system inspection from the landlord, a new state license or certificate showing the 30‑child capacity, and a childcare administrative approval letter for this location; the special exception was limited to the current owner/lessee and is not transferable without renewal.

The decision follows the board’s practice of requiring county permits and state licensing to be consistent with any change in occupancy. The board noted that an order would be issued within 45 days of the decision according to board procedures.