Find a program / Delaware / Ellendale / HAND-N-HAND EARLY LEARNING CENTER, INC.
Child care center · Ellendale, DE
HAND-N-HAND EARLY LEARNING CENTER, INC.
A licensed child care center in Ellendale, 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: 13724 SOUTH OLD STATE ROAD, Ellendale, DE 19941
Phone: (302) 422-0702
Ages served: 6 weeks through 12 years.
Age group: Infant through School-Age
Licensed capacity: 25 children
OCCL license number: 433741
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. No facility injuries reported. 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)
- 3 visits where violations were cited (the state's file doesn't list visits where nothing was cited)
- 21 violations cited on these visits
- 2 complaint investigations completed (No Evidence to Substantiate: 1; Substantiated: 1)
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 6 visits with violations in the state's file (which starts November 12, 2021), newest first, with 26 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.
October 8, 2026 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 2 violations
Indoor Space
Regulation code 49U · Correct by October 23, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, October 26, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Cover the outlets when not in use. The infant classroom has one outlet that needs a cover.
Sanitation
Regulation code 58U · Correct by October 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, October 8, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure toileting surfaces are cleaned daily or as needed. Clean and disinfect the girls' restroom toilet seat.
October 16, 2025 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 7 violations
Governing Body
Regulation code 15U · Correct by November 14, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, December 5, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure the annual fire marshal inspection is completed. The last inspection was August 29, 2024.
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by November 14, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, October 24, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff files are complete. One staff member needs their DEEDS credential on file, OCCL Health and Safety Training, release of employment history, and service letter attempts.
Hazardous Materials
Regulation code 45U · Correct by November 14, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, November 28, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure a radon test is conducted for each classroom every five years.
Outdoor Area
Regulation code 53U · Correct by November 14, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, December 10, 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 November 14, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, October 24, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure each infant has a monthly feeding statement completed each month. Three infants need a monthly feeding statement.
License Renewal
Regulation code 8U · Correct by October 16, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, October 16, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure a renewal application is submitted 60 days before the license expires.
Changes Affecting a License
Regulation code 9U · Correct by November 14, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, December 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure a plan review is submitted when making a change to regulated services. The outdoor play area has not been in use for weeks due to the removal of fencing and mulch. Currently, the outdoor play area is neither compliant nor usable for the children.
October 3, 2024 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 12 violations
Governing Body
Regulation code 15U · Correct by October 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 3, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure enough staff are on the premises to assist with daily running of the facility. There were no staff to allow the LS into the facility. There were not enough staff to assist if there was an emergency, bathroom breaks, or if staff had to call out.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision
Regulation code 27U · Correct by October 18, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 17, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure toddlers and preschool children are cared for in separate areas after the first 90 minutes. A three-year-old child is enrolled in the one-through-two-year-old classroom.
First Aid and CPR Training
Regulation code 35U · Correct by October 18, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 17, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff have the hand on skill demonstration in addition to the CPR training. Staff #1 needs the CPR hands on skill demonstration.
Parents Right to Know
Regulation code 38U · Correct by October 18, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 17, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure when individuals who arrive to tour or enroll at the facility are completing out Parent's Right to Know Log before touring or enrolling.
Child Files
Regulation code 40U · Correct by October 18, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 17, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure child files are up to date. One child needs an updated health appraisal and immunization record.
Hazardous Materials
Regulation code 45U · Correct by October 3, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 3, 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 October 18, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 17, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Keep all areas, furnishings, and equipment of the center in a clean, hazard-free, and safe condition. Floors, walls, counter surfaces, toilets, and surfaces or finishes must be cleanable and in good repair. The boys bathroom baseboards need repair or replace due to water damage. The boys bathroom sink base needs to be repaired or replaced due to water damage. The baseboards near the boys bathroom by the door to outside need repair or replace due to water damage. The Preschool classroom carpets need to be vacuumed. The School age classroom lat surfaces need to wipped off. The toddler classroom cabinet was not locked providing access to plastic bags and chemicals. The preschool closet was not leached providing access to chemicals. The School age classroom had chemicals accessible under the sink. The boys bathroom had access to chemicals and trash under the sink.
Toilet Facilities
Regulation code 51U · Correct by October 18, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 17, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
A licensee shall ensure toilet rooms are kept in a sanitary condition and cleaned daily or more frequently if needed. The boys restroom toilet seat and toddler potty seat need to be cleaned after each use. Both have fecal matter on them the potty seat has urine around the cushion.
Outdoor Area
Regulation code 53U · Correct by October 18, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 25, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Openings in the fences should be no larger than 3-1 2 inches. The right gate needs a new chain link fence the openings are over 3-1/2 inches. gates have self-closing and positive self-latching closure mechanisms. Gates should have operational self-closing and positive self-latching closure mechanisms. The left gate no longer set closed self latches when opened at a minimum of 18 inches.
Sanitation
Regulation code 58U · Correct by October 18, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 17, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Toilet seats, potty chairs, and diaper changing areas are to be washed with soap and water and then disinfected as required. LS observed the staff member spray an unknown substance on a diaper chaining area after a use but other item was utilized leaving speculation of sanitizing and disinfection of the surface. Fecal matter and urine on the boys toilet ing seats provides conclusion that no sanitizing or disinfecting has occurred. Bottles of sanitizing and disinfecting solution bottles are to be labeled with contents and out of reach of children and available at all times. No classroom bottles were labeled. The boys and girls bathroom have no access to the disinfecting or sanitizing bottles to use when required.
Diapering and Soiled Clothing
Regulation code 61U · Correct by October 18, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 10, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
A diaper-changing area with a non-porous surface and disposable covers must be used for each diaper change. The toddler classroom changing pad has holes and during an observed diaper change a disposable cover was not used.
Program Goals and Planning
Regulation code 73U · Correct by October 18, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, October 17, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Lesson plans must have areas of physical, social-emotional, language and literacy, and cognitive development and be developmentally appropriate for the children enrolled. No classroom had social emotional everyday and was missing one or more or the healthy habits, science, music, or sensory components.
Older than 3 years (not counted in the summary above)
October 16, 2023 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 2 violations
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, November 16, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff files are complete. Two staff need professional development plans completed. Two staff need Heath and Safety for Child Care Professionals training, One staff need orientation, employment history form, and a job description.
Indoor Space
Regulation code 49U · Correct by October 31, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, November 2, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure all areas are in good repair. The preschool, school age, and toddler areas need the air vents repaired or replaced. The walls in the preschool classroom need the peeling paint repaired. All the baseboards in the classrooms need to be repainted.
October 4, 2022 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 2 violations
Child Files
Regulation code 40U · Correct by November 14, 2022 · Correction status: Completed, October 13, 2022 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure child files are complete. Two children need lead test results.
Feeding of Infants
Regulation code 72U · Correct by October 4, 2022 · Correction status: Completed, October 4, 2022 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure bottles are labeled with name, time, and date prepared. This was discussed and corrected at the visit.
December 14, 2021 · Enforcement Visit · 1 violation
Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
Regulation code 56U · Correct by December 14, 2021 · Correction status: Completed, December 14, 2021 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Three children in the preschool room needed a sheet to meet the required minimum of 2 sheets for napping. This was corrected when 3 sheets were brought to the room and provided to the children.
Complaint investigations
All 3 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 April 21, 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 regarding lack of supervision on April 7, 2025. An investigation was conducted on April 11, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of lack of supervision because the attendance records observed showed a proper staff-to-child ratio, and all staff interviewed stated they were engaged with the children and perform walk arounds. Materials observed in the classroom were appropriate for the ages of the children.
Completed February 13, 2025 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
On January 15, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding kitchen requirements, not receiving approval to change the facility's approved food operation, and meals and snacks. An investigation was conducted on January 22, 2025. This complaint is substantiated because the Licensing Specialist (LS) observed the kitchen was in the process of being remodeled, did not have the required equipment, and the facility did not notify OCCL of or receive approval to change the facility's approved food operation. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation that meals and snacks do not meet requirements because the menu posted reflected the required components and the menu was being followed. Additional concerns noted were the facility did not contact other state and local agencies to ensure compliance. The Child and Adult Care Food Program was not contacted for approval to cater or change meal plans. Person #1 was preparing meals at their house and did not have a food establishment permit from the Department of Public Health. During another state agency's visit, lunch was prepared from Person #1's home, brought in at 7:30 a.m., left on a table, and was not refrigerated or temperature controlled, with the intention of serving to the children. The state agency's representative informed the facility the food could not be consumed and the facility ordered lunch for the children instead.
Older than 3 years (not counted in the summary above)
Completed November 7, 2023 · 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 October 19, 2023, regarding not following the policies in the parent handbook. An investigation was conducted on November 2, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because the center followed their policies.
Is this your program?
Claiming is free. We'll fix any mistakes we made and send you a badge for your website that links to this listing. Claiming does not change the state's inspection record; to correct it, contact the Office of Child Care Licensing. Claim this program
More programs in Ellendale · 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.