Find a program / Delaware / Dover / NEW GARDEN EARLY CARE & EDUCATION CENTER LLC
Child care center · Dover, DE
NEW GARDEN EARLY CARE & EDUCATION CENTER LLC
A licensed child care center in Dover, Delaware, with its state inspection and complaint history from the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL).
Program details
Program type: Licensed child care center
Address: 4557 N DUPONT HWY, Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 730-8585
Ages served: 6 weeks through 12 years.
Age group: Infant through School-Age
Licensed capacity: 218 children
OCCL license number: 689039
Current enforcement action (as published): none listed in the state's file
Injuries reported to the state (as published): the state's file lists injuries in the last 5 years that needed medical or dental treatment. 2026: 2 facility injuries. No facility deaths reported. 2024: 4 facility injuries. No facility deaths reported.
View the official record on Delaware's child care search (search for the program's name).
Inspection history
Last 3 years (November 12, 2023 to November 12, 2026, when the state's files were last updated)
- 6 visits where violations were cited (the state's file doesn't list visits where nothing was cited)
- 47 violations cited on these visits
- 27 complaint investigations completed (No Evidence to Substantiate: 14; Substantiated: 11; No Evidence to Substantiate with Concern: 2)
A violation means a licensing specialist found that a Delaware licensing rule wasn't met. The state gives the program a date to correct each one and records when it was corrected. Complaint results use the state's own terms, as published. Read the official record for details.
Visits with violations
All 8 visits with violations in the state's file (which starts November 12, 2021), newest first, with 61 violations in all. The state's file lists only visits where a rule was cited, so visits where nothing was cited are not shown. Each violation shows the state's short title for the rule, its regulation code, the date the state set for the fix and the correction status as published.
April 15, 2026 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 12 violations
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision
Regulation code 27U · Correct by April 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by May 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 11, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff files are complete. One staff member needed health and safety training before working with children, the staff member started on 11/5/25, and the health and safety training was not completed until 1/31/26. One staff member needs orientation. One staff member needs health and safety training. Four staff members need a job description. Three staff members need references. Two staff members need the adult abuse registry results. Three staff members need a health appraisal on OCCL's form. Two staff members need TB test results. Three staff members need the release of employment history completed. Three staff members need a second attempt for a service letter. Five staff members need initial attempts at service letters.
Staff Attendance
Regulation code 36U · Correct by April 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Parents Right to Know
Regulation code 38U · Correct by May 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 11, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure tours and newly enrolled families sign and complete the Parent's Right to Know Log. Four children enrolled need to have the log completed.
Children's Attendance
Regulation code 43U · Correct by April 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure that when children are moving about the center, not in a group, their locations are documented with arrival and departure times. The infant classroom left two infants behind, and the rest went to the gym for music. The infants in the gym did not have their departure from the classroom or arrival at the gym documented.
Hazardous Materials
Regulation code 45U · Correct by May 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 11, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Toilet Facilities
Regulation code 51U · Correct by May 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 11, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Pools and Swimming
Regulation code 54U · Correct by May 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 11, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure portable pools are not in use.
Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
Regulation code 56U · Correct by May 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 11, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Diapering and Soiled Clothing
Regulation code 61U · Correct by May 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 11, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure the bathroom has a diapering procedure posted, a floor-activated diaper pail with a liner within arms' reach, a changing pad, and disposable covers. The sunflower room needs the required diaper-changing items in the bathroom when the changing table is not in use.
Administration of Medication
Regulation code 63U · Correct by May 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 11, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure that over-the-counter and prescription medications are out of reach, in their original packaging, accompanied by a completed medication administration record, the child's name on the medication, and action plans. 13 children need MARs completed for specific over-the-counter or prescription medications. One child needs an on-site action plan. One Child needs the original prescription package and stored out of reach. One child needs a name on their medication. One child needs medication in its original container.
Feeding of Infants
Regulation code 72U · Correct by April 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure the water used to warm a bottle does not go over 120 degreese farenheight. The infant classroom crockpot water was over 170 F.
April 1, 2025 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 8 violations
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by April 25, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 9, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Staff Attendance
Regulation code 36U · Correct by April 1, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, April 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Child Files
Regulation code 40U · Correct by April 25, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 9, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure that the child's files are complete. Two children need updated health appraisals, two children need updated immunization records, and three children need blood lead testing results on file.
Children's Attendance
Regulation code 43U · Correct by April 1, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, April 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Kitchen and Food Preparation
Regulation code 50U · Correct by April 1, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, April 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure foods are labeled with the contents of the container. The items in the pantry did not have content on the container.
Administration of Medication
Regulation code 63U · Correct by April 25, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 9, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure medications are returned when expired and replaced, if necessary, in their original packaging, with the pharmacy label on the prescription medication's original packaging. One child had an expired prescription and over-the-counter medicines that also needed to have their original packaging and pharmacy labels available.
Meals and Snacks
Regulation code 71U · Correct by April 1, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, April 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure that meals have all required components. Breakfast was served consisting of cereal and milk only in the bowl.
Feeding of Infants
Regulation code 72U · Correct by April 1, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, April 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
December 9, 2024 · Enforcement Visit · 4 violations
Children's Attendance
Regulation code 43U · Correct by December 9, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, December 9, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
Regulation code 56U · Correct by December 9, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, December 9, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
When an infant is sleeping in a crib, remove items from the rails. The specialist observed one infant asleep with a bib on the crib rail.
Administration of Medication
Regulation code 63U · Correct by December 16, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, January 16, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Feeding of Infants
Regulation code 72U · Correct by December 16, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, January 16, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Infant feeding forms must be updated monthly. Two children's feeding forms have not been updated since October 1, 2024.
October 4, 2024 · Enforcement Visit · 1 violation
Feeding of Infants
Regulation code 72U · Correct by October 4, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 4, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure a crock pot's water is not more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The LS observed the crock post was not in use, the room was vacant, but a thermometer read the water temperature to over 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
April 15, 2024 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 20 violations
Food Service Policy
Regulation code 21U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Staffing
Regulation code 26U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure a staff member who is qualified as at least an early childhood teacher is present and designated as responsible for the center when the early childhood administrator is not present. There was not documentation in the staff files showing a qualified staff member was trained in the day-to-day operations. Please send documentation to OCCL when corrected.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision
Regulation code 27U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 3, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure supervision of children is done by qualified and eligible. Staff #5 has been alone with children and not determined eligible. Admin was notified on 4/2 to not have staff on stie until eligible. Send OCCL eligibility when obtained.
General Qualifications
Regulation code 28U · Correct by April 15, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure a staff member is eligible before the start of employment or a comprehensive background check and letter of eligibility is on file. On 4/2/24 admin was made aware staff were no longer provisionally eligible or eligible and to not be at the licensed address. LS observed attendance showing staff#5 & staff#7 were onsite after the 4/2/24 notification. This was corrected with a conversation for Staff #7 who is out sick to not return until eligible and Staff #5 was sent home until eligible.
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, June 21, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs CPR/FA, Orientation/references. Staff #2 needs OCCL H&S training. Staff #3 needs annual safe sleep / annual abuse & neglect. Staff #4 needs current PD plan. Staff #5 needs CPR/FA, Med Admin, PD plan, OCCL H&S training, references, eligibility. Staff #6 needs orientation/OCCL H&S /references. Staff #7 needs CPR/FA, PD plan, job description, references, eligibility. Staff #8 needs PD plan. Staff #9 needs CPR/FA. Staff #10 needs annual safe sleep. Staff #11 needs references/Health appraisal w/TB. Staff #12 needs orientation/OCCL H&S training/ service letters. Staff#13 needs CPR/FA, OCCL H&S training, references. Staff #14 needs orientation/adult abuse/release of employment/service letters. Staff #15 needs complete file.
Staff Attendance
Regulation code 36U · Correct by April 15, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff document arrival and departure times are exact. LS observed at 9:07 Staff #1 entered the room and Staff #11 left. Neither staff recorded arrival or Staff #11 did not record departure.
Child Files
Regulation code 40U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, June 21, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure children's files are complete. Child #1 needs developmental plan. Child #2 needs developmental plan. Child #3 needs developmental plan. Child #6 needs developmental plan/transportation permission. Child #7 needs date of enrollment. Child #8 needs date of enrollment/health appraisal/immunizations/blood lead screening results. Child #9 needs date of enrollment/developmental plan. Child #10 needs date of enrollment/developmental plan.
Children's Attendance
Regulation code 43U · Correct by April 15, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Hazardous Materials
Regulation code 45U · Correct by April 15, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Indoor Space
Regulation code 49U · Correct by April 15, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Kitchen and Food Preparation
Regulation code 50U · Correct by May 15, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
Regulation code 56U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Equipment
Regulation code 57U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Hand Washing
Regulation code 59U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Diapering and Soiled Clothing
Regulation code 61U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Administration of Medication
Regulation code 63U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Child Accident and Injury
Regulation code 64U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure parent notification is documented when calling as required for head injuries. Child #2 fell off a bathroom stool needing an ice pack on her head. Parent signed report but no documentation of phone call. Review regulation and provide review proof to OCCL.
Emergency Planning
Regulation code 66U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure a monthly fire inspection is conducted and posted and a monthly fire drill is conducted and posted. Send OCCL inspections/drills for March and April. Ensure emergency water for 24 hours of use and infant supplies are on site. Send OCCL a photograph.
Feeding of Infants
Regulation code 72U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure feeding forms for infants are updated monthly. Child #21 missed February. Child #22 not updated since 2-1-24. Child #23 not updated since 27-24. Child #24 not updated since 2-12-24. Update feeding forms and submit copy to OCCL.
Lesson Plans
Regulation code 74U · Correct by May 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
November 20, 2023 · Unannounced · 2 violations
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision
Regulation code 27U · Correct by December 4, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, December 4, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
The state's notes for this violation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They're in the state's published file (see Sources).
Heating and Cooling
Regulation code 48U · Correct by November 22, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, November 27, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure the minimum room temperature is 68 degrees. Discussed putting the heat on a timer to ensure all rooms are up to temperature by the time the center opens. Submit verification of plan to maintain temperature.
Older than 3 years (not counted in the summary above)
October 9, 2023 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 11 violations
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, January 25, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff files are complete one staff member needs annual review of abuse and neglect, two staff members need health and safety training for childcare professionals, four staff members need reference letters, and four staff members need an attempt for service letters from prior employment and possible follow-up attempt for service letters if needed.
Child Files
Regulation code 40U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 31, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure child files are complete. Nine children need date of enrolment, five children need hours attending care, one child needs days attending care, two children need a health appraisal on file, three children need a blood lead screening test result on file, six children need a development plan, and two children need transportation permission.
Indoor Space
Regulation code 49U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 31, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure classrooms that perform diapering duties have a separate trash can used only for soiled diapers is this can must be foot activated within arm's reach.
Kitchen and Food Preparation
Regulation code 50U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 31, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure there is a working thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer in the fox classroom.
Outdoor Area
Regulation code 53U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 31, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure the gate in the outdoor play area is self-closing.
Equipment
Regulation code 57U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 31, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure the busy bug classroom has music equipment available.
Administration of Medication
Regulation code 63U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 31, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure the medication administration records are correctly filled out for each medication received. A license shall ensure the parent or guardian provides the required information for administering medication. Keep a written record of medication administered to a child including time and by whom. Two MARs were missing required items. This was corrected at the visit when the specialist provided technical assistance on both medication administration records and how to use them. The staff agreed to comply in the future.
Emergency Planning
Regulation code 66U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 31, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure the monthly safety and fire inspection checklist and fire drill evacuation logs are completed. The last completes log was July 2023.
Feeding of Infants
Regulation code 72U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 31, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure proper infant feeding procedures are being followed in the fox classroom food was observed mixed in bottles, bottles were not labeled with a child name, and crock pots for bottled feeding warming we're at 160 degrees and 190 degrees. The fox and sloth classrooms feeding schedules were not complete or up to date. A written record of each infant's food intake must be shared with the parent or guardian daily. Juice may not be fed to infants
Lesson Plans
Regulation code 74U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 31, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure physical or gross motor activities are included on lesson plans the little explorer's classroom Lesson plan did not include a physical area. Ensure weekly opportunities in food or healthy habits are being offered. The little explorers classroom did not include this on their lesson plan. Ensure all classrooms have a completed lesson plan and post it in a visible area lesson plans must include areas of physical social emotional, language and literacy, and cognitive development and must include weekly opportunities for food or healthy habits, science, music, and sensory.
Activity Schedule
Regulation code 76U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 31, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure a daily schedule is posted one classroom needs to post a schedule.
August 3, 2023 · Unannounced · 3 violations
Staffing
Regulation code 26U · Correct by August 17, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 9, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Complete the teacher trained in day to day operations orientation record for the staff member in charge during the administrator's absence.
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by August 17, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 9, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff files are complete. One staff member needs first aid certification. Two staff members need orientation. One staff member needs OCCL's Health and Safety Training for Child Care Professionals. Three staff members need a job description. Twelve staff members need two references. Three staff members need employee declaration. Two staff members need drug/alcohol statement. Two staff members need eligibility letters from the Criminal History Unit. One staff member needs an adult abuse registry check. One staff member needs an adult health appraisal. Four staff members need an adult health appraisal with TB results. One staff member needs release of employment history. Twelve staff members need service letters.
Child Files
Regulation code 40U · Correct by August 17, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, October 9, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure child files are complete. Two children need health appraisals. Two child need immunization records. Four children need blood lead screening results. One child needs mat permission.
Complaint investigations
All 28 complaint investigations in the state's file (which starts November 29, 2021), newest first, with the result and the state's summary as published.
Completed August 28, 2026 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
On August 6, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint alleging a lack of positive behavior support. An investigation was conducted on August 10, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because the video footage from August 5, 2026, was reviewed by the licensing specialist and the licensing specialist did not observe staff enter the classroom bathroom which is where the alleged incident was said to have happened, did not observe staff use force or handle a child roughly, and did not hear staff speak inappropriately to the children.
Completed July 27, 2026 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
On July 13, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint alleging a lack of positive behavior support. An investigation was conducted on July 13, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because the statement from Staff #1 and the video footage viewed by the licensing specialist showed no force or rough handling of Child #1 occurred.
Completed May 20, 2026 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on May 8, 2026, regarding a lack of positive behavior support for taking away physical activity, not meeting the child's needs, the complaint policy, and not using respectful communication. An investigation was conducted on May 11, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint based on staff interviews. In addition, staff stated Child #1 was attending graduation practice until Parent #1 spoke with the owner and decided not to have Child #1 participate due to the graduation being photographed and recorded.
Completed March 16, 2026 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on February 27, 2026, regarding not following the parent handbook policies on photographing and videography. An investigation was conducted on March 4, 2026. The complaint is substantiated for not following the parent handbook regarding photographing and videography because the handbook states permission is required for disseminating photographs or videography of a child, and the permission was not in the child's file.
Completed February 17, 2026 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on September 5, 2025, regarding a lack of positive behavior supports, not having access to activity areas, improper staff-to-child ratio, and staff communication. An investigation was conducted on September 5, 2025. This complaint is substantiated regarding a lack of positive behavior supports because all children interviewed stated Staff #4 and Staff #5 were putting children in the closet and telling them a monster is going to get them. Also, Staff #1 stated she witnessed Staff #5 put a child in the closet and tell them the monster would get them. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of not having access to activity areas because during the visit, the children were engaged with materials and staff indoors and outdoors. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of improper staff-to-child ratio because according to attendance records for the week of September 2, 2025, and observation at the time of the visit, all classrooms were following proper staff-to-child ratio. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of improper staff communication because no staff member interviewed stated they had communication or bullying issues with the mother and daughter staff members. An additional concern noted during the visit was the upstairs of the facility was being renovated without OCCL prior approval.
Completed October 6, 2025 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate with Concern
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
On September 17, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding not meeting the child's needs and the use of cell phones at a facility. An investigation was conducted on September 18, 2025. After investigating the complaint, no non-compliances were cited regarding the allegation because the allegation is historical. The child in the picture had not been enrolled at the facility for more than a year, and the staff is no longer employed either. A concern noted was Staff #5 was observed yelling in a child's face.
Completed May 27, 2025 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on May 6, 2025, regarding diapering, suspension policies, and infant daily logs. An investigation was conducted on May 7, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of improper diapering because the staff members stated they check the children every hour and look for signs of needing to be changed. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of not following their suspension policy because Administrator #1 stated Child #1 was never suspended but sent home for health exclusions. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of not completing the infant daily logs because during the visit the Licensing Specialist observed the logs were completed as required.
Completed May 22, 2025 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
On May 6, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding using alcohol or a drug that could adversely affect job functions or having prohibited or illegal drugs, substances, or a non-prescribed controlled substance in the workplace and not keeping the center in a hazard-free and safe condition. An investigation was conducted on May 7, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate the use of alcohol or a drug that could adversely affect job functions, or having illegal drugs, substances, or non-prescribed controlled substances in the workplace because the Administrator and staff who work in the classrooms stated that no one has been in the classrooms while impaired. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint of not keeping the center in a hazard-free and safe condition because the classrooms did not have any objects or odors that indicated the use or storage of prohibited items at the child care.
Completed April 7, 2025 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on February 7, 2025, regarding the facility's termination policy and staff communication. An investigation was conducted on February 24, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because the center's parent handbook states care may be terminated for any reason. Also, administrators stated the child's enrollment was terminated due to a lack of respectful and hostile communication with staff. The facility handbook also states families using purchase of care may receive a five-day notice. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of staff not communicating respectfully because both administrators stated their communication was professional.
Completed March 28, 2025 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary of this complaint may name a person, so we don't show it here. It's in the state's published file (see Sources).
Completed March 24, 2025 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on February 26, 2025, regarding not having enough staff to fulfill administrative duties, not following the facility's complaint procedure process, and not safely using cleaning supplies. An investigation was conducted on February 28, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate the lack of safe use of cleaning supplies because the staff stated they used a dry paper towel to remove the yogurt from the shirt and would not use bleach around the children. There is no evidence to substantiate the facility not following their complaint process because, until February 26, 2025, staff stated there have not been any parent complaints for Child #1 to administrators, owners, or staff, and when an email was received on February 26, 2025, the owner responded to the email. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint of insufficient staff to fulfill administrative duties because the time cards observed for the administrators and the day-to-day staff show someone available for all hours of the facility's operation.
Completed February 5, 2025 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
On January 10, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding staff using alcohol or a drug that could adversely affect job functions. An investigation was conducted on January 16, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because administration stated they could not define a particular cause of the smell, LS #1 observed the facility smelled clean, staff were engaged with children, and all staff denied working with children while impaired.
Completed December 13, 2024 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on December 4, 2024, regarding staff communication, child developmental plans, and not having water accessible for drinking. An investigation was conducted on December 9, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of staff not communicating respectfully because both staff and administrators denied communication was unprofessional. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of not having a developmental plan because the child's file contained a developmental plan and other screening documents. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of water not being available because the licensing specialists observed water bottles in cubbies, water in a pitcher with cups, and two faucets to accommodate a child without a water bottle.
Completed October 22, 2024 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on September 27, 2024, regarding meeting the needs of the child and enrollment procedures. An investigation was conducted on October 4, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of not meeting the child's needs because staff stated that the child was checked in with staff, had a meal, and was changed and attended to as if he were an enrolled child. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of enrollment procedures because the child had been enrolled, but had not been present since June. However, because the parent's employment with the facility was not terminated, they still had access to the facility. The current staff and administrators were unaware the child was being dropped off and the parent's employment resuming at the center.
Completed October 21, 2024 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on September 29, 2024, regarding staff communication, cell phone usage, and unqualified staff alone with children. An investigation was conducted on October 4, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of improper staff communication because both administrators stated Staff #1 was not onsite most of the week in question and when Staff #1 was present, interaction was limited to the lobby where Administrator #2 was, and communication was appropriate. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of cell phone usage because staff were engaged with children during the visit. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of unqualified staff alone with children because attendance records show all classrooms were staffed with qualified staff.
Completed September 9, 2024 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on July 31, 2024, regarding unqualified staff alone with children, combining the two-year-old and three-year-old children, and punishing children for not napping. An investigation was conducted on August 12, 2024. Despite a statement from Administrator #1 that only qualified staff are alone with children, the complaint is substantiated for unqualified staff alone with children because attendance records showed unqualified staff were alone with children at various times throughout multiple days and in multiple classrooms from July 24, 2024, through July 26, 2024, and July 29, 2024, through July 31, 2024. The complaint is substantiated for combining the two-year-old and three-year-old classrooms because Child #1 was moved from the three-year-old classroom to the two-year-old classroom due to being overstimulated in the three-year-old classroom and not being potty trained. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of punishing children for not napping because all staff interviewed stated they did not know about this happening and it was not occurring at the time of the visit. Additional concerns noted were improper staff-to-child ratio and incomplete staff and child attendance records
Completed August 30, 2024 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on July 26, 2024, regarding discrimination and not following the expulsion policy. An investigation was conducted on July 26, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because the facility had the early childhood mental health consultant involved in the classroom and explained to the parent that they would attempt to keep the child enrolled if they could meet the needs, he is safe, and not endangering the staff or other children. The center staff stated Child #1's enrollment was terminated because Child #1 was a safety risk to himself, staff, and other children in care. This aligns with the facility handbook which states a family will be provided five days to find alternate care if their presence becomes a serious threat to themselves or the others.
Completed August 1, 2024 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate with Concern
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on July 8, 2024, regarding an infant not being fed. An investigation was conducted on July 26, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint of an infant not being fed because staff denied the allegation. Staff stated feedings would have been documented on the wall, even though it was not available in the application. A concern noted was the LS did not observe a record of the infants June 20, 2024, daily food intake in the approved electronic format the facility uses.
Completed July 15, 2024 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on June 26, 2024, regarding not providing truthful information, not meeting the needs of the children by incorrectly lifting them, and accident/injury procedures. An investigation was conducted on July 3, 2024. The allegation of not meeting the needs of the child is substantiated because a staff stated she had an infant in her arms, and she pulled a one-year-old child up by the hand. The allegation of not following accident/injury procedures is substantiated because the accident report was not in the child's file or able to be located during the complaint visit. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of not providing truthful information because the accident/injury report aligns with how the staff stated the injury occurred and the report is signed by the parent.
Completed July 11, 2024 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on June 26, 2024, regarding not following the expulsion policy and discrimination. An investigation was conducted on July 3, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because the facility stated child care was terminated due to a high account balance and denied discrimination.
Completed July 1, 2024 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary of this complaint may name a person, so we don't show it here. It's in the state's published file (see Sources).
Completed June 21, 2024 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on June 3, 2024, regarding improper staff communication, not having sufficient staffing, improper staff-to-child ratio, not being respectful, not meeting the needs of the children, and not following their schedule. An investigation was conducted on June 7, 2024. The complaint is substantiated for not following their schedule because three classrooms were not following the posted schedule, and one staff stated the classroom does not have a schedule. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of not having sufficient staffing and improper staff-to-child ratio because during the visit the licensing specialist observed enough staff in the facility to run daily functions and all classrooms were following proper staff-to-child ratio. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of not meeting the needs of the child because the facility has conducted the ASQs, and therapists are providing services to the children. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of not having respectful communication because the staff interviewed stated they have not heard any disrespectful communication from the accused staff.
Completed May 15, 2024 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on April 24, 2024, regarding improper staff communication. An investigation was conducted on May 7, 2024. The complaint is substantiated because three staff members stated they have either been spoken to or overheard one of the owners speak to staff in a threatening tone and using curse words. Additional concerns noted were upon arrival, all staff were in classrooms, and no one was available to answer the door or provide breaks, and the administrator was in a classroom supervising children when she used her phone to call the owner.
Completed March 14, 2024 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
On February 21, 2024, OCCL received a complaint regarding improper staff-child-ratio. An investigation was conducted on February 26, 2024. The complaint is substantiated because attendance records showed several classrooms were not following proper staff-to-child ratio or maximum group sizes. There were several additional concerns noted. An aide was alone with 12 children for an hour on February 12, 2024. A staff was signed in on the attendance records on February 21, 2024, but she was not fingerprinted for the center. Staff #1 was observed sitting on a shelf eating fast food but when the licensing specialist entered the classroom, Staff #1 then got down and began assisting children with handwashing. Staff #1 did not know the name of one of the children in the classroom; therefore, the child was not signed in and did not have a labeled cubby. Also, staff and child attendance were incomplete on several days.
Completed February 5, 2024 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on December 27, 2023, regarding unqualified staff alone with children, improper diaper changing procedures, and lack of positive behavior supports. An investigation was conducted on January 8, 2024. The complaint is substantiated for unqualified staff alone with children because interviewed staff and attendance records confirm aides and interns were alone when they cannot be on several instances. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of improper diaper changing procedures because all staff interviewed stated they check diapers at least hourly and change them then or at least every two hours. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for lack of positive behavior supports because Staff #2 denied mistreating any child. Also, the staff that works in the classroom with Staff #2 denied ever observing Staff #2 mistreat any child. Additional concerns noted were improper staff-to-child ratio, exceeding maximum group size, and staff and child attendance records were incomplete.
Completed February 5, 2024 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on December 27, 2023, regarding insufficient staffing. An investigation was conducted on January 8, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because the administrator and 14 staff denied the allegation. One staff stated there have been times when the administrator was not there to provide breaks.
Completed November 13, 2023 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on October 23, 2023, regarding lack of supervision, accident/injury procedures, and not keeping the center hazard free. An investigation was conducted on October 26, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for not keeping the center hazard free because a metal outside door was hot enough to burn a child's hand. This complaint is also substantiated for not following accident and injury requirements because the incident report was written five days after the incident occurred. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision because based on evidence and staff interviews, children were being appropriately supervised at the time of the incident. Other concerns noted were maximum group was not being followed, and child and staff attendance records were missing sign out times.
Older than 3 years (not counted in the summary above)
Completed November 7, 2023 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary of this complaint may name a person, so we don't show it here. It's in the state's published file (see Sources).
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More programs in Dover · Delaware child care rules
Sources
- Licensed Child Care Providers and Facilities: program details, enforcement action and injuries report.
- Child Care Licensing Compliance Review Information: visits, violations, corrections and specialist notes.
- Child Care Licensing Complaint Reviews: complaint investigations, results and summaries.
All three are published by the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing on data.delaware.gov as Public Domain and cover about the last five years. State files updated November 12, 2026. We show the state's text as published. Program details last checked October 21, 2026.