In Brandywine, Maryland, a home-based childcare facility known as "Byrd’s Family Day Care," has been operating since 2008. The daycare, run by U.S. Capitol Police Captain Michael Byrd and his wife Kaleska, has recently come into the spotlight due to Byrd’s involvement in the high-profile January 6, 2021, Capitol incident, where he fatally shot protester Ashli Babbitt.
While the daycare is licensed under Maryland law, it has not pursued accreditation, a voluntary quality standard in the state. This detail has garnered attention, particularly as Byrd's law enforcement career intersects with his private business venture. Despite this, inspection records as of June 2025 show that the daycare had four children enrolled and was fully compliant with Maryland regulations.
The operation has been subject to scrutiny over the years, especially after Byrd was cleared of wrongdoing in the shooting of Babbitt. His past lapses, including an incident where he left a service weapon unsecured and failed to meet semi-annual firearms qualifications, have raised questions about his judgment and the safety of the childcare facility.
Social media and online forums have fixated on the juxtaposition of Byrd's roles as a police officer and a daycare provider. Investigative reports by The Gateway Pundit, with contributions from private investigator Susan Daniels and journalist Paul Sperry, reveal that the Byrds initially ran the business from a different residence between 2008 and 2018. During that time, the original registration lapsed, but the daycare later re-registered under a new number and continues to operate legally.
Maryland's approach to childcare emphasizes that licensing is the key measure for ensuring safety and operational standards, not accreditation. The state receives approximately $190 million annually in federal support for childcare programs, but there is no indication that Byrd’s facility has benefited significantly from taxpayer funding.
Despite the controversies surrounding Byrd's law enforcement history, the daycare maintains proper licensing and has addressed all minor violations identified in previous inspections. The Byrds' center is one among many in a neighborhood with numerous childcare options, yet only a few hold voluntary accreditation.
This case underscores the complexities of public officials managing private businesses amidst public scrutiny. It also highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in maintaining safety, accessibility, and public trust in such enterprises. Families in the Brandywine area can choose from multiple childcare options, with official monitoring ensuring that Byrd’s facility meets state requirements. The unaccredited status of the daycare does not impede its safe and legal operation, nor does it imply any misconduct by the Byrds.
The ongoing debate around Byrd’s dual roles and the daycare's accreditation status is a reminder of the broader challenge faced by public figures engaging in private business. Public records confirm the operation's legality and compliance, illustrating how individuals with high-profile careers can manage private enterprises legally, even under intense scrutiny.
