NEWARK DAY NURSERY AND CHILDREN'S CENTER

Inspection history

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 7 visits with violations in the state's file (which starts November 12, 2021), newest first, with 22 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.

1. April 7, 2026 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 1 violation

   • Personnel Files

     Regulation code 30U · Correct by May 15, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 13, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Ensure Staff Files are complete - Staff #1 needs References and Health Appraisal/TB Screener - Staff #2 needs CPR/First Aid - Staff #3 needs 1 Reference - Staff #4 needs 2 References.

2. April 15, 2025 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 5 violations

   • Personnel Files

     Regulation code 30U · Correct by May 16, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs DEEDS Certificate. Staff #2 needs Health Appraisal/TB Screener. Staff #3 needs OCCL Health and Safety Training and 2 additional references (if no service letter is attempted after a second request).

   • Indoor Space

     Regulation code 49U · Correct by May 16, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 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).

   • Kitchen and Food Preparation

     Regulation code 50U · Correct by May 16, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Replace the fridge in the Infant Classroom. At the time of the visit, te fridge was reading 50 .

   • Diapering and Soiled Clothing

     Regulation code 61U · Correct by May 16, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Ensure diaper changing areas have diaper changing procedures posted. PS Stars, PS Suns, and Toddlers need procedures posted.

   • Feeding of Infants

     Regulation code 72U · Correct by May 16, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Ensure Infant Feeding Schedules are updated monthly. All infants except for 1 child need updates--last update was March. A licensee shall ensure parent/guardian permission is obtained for all food and drink served to children under one year of age. An initial infant feeding schedule was viewed in the child's file but there were no monthly updates available for observation. The child is no longer enrolled in the program and LS #1 observed updated feeding schedules for all infants currently in the infant room during the program's annual compliance visit conducted on April 15, 2025.

3. April 11, 2024 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 3 violations

   • Personnel Files

     Regulation code 30U · Correct by May 10, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 30, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs declaration and drug/alcohol statement.

   • Child Files

     Regulation code 40U · Correct by May 10, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 30, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Ensure child files are complete. Child #1, #2 need lead screening. Child #3 needs health appraisal with immunizations.

   • Children's Attendance

     Regulation code 43U · Correct by May 10, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 30, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Ensure all children are signed in and signed out accurately. School-age children were not signed out for morning care.

4. January 30, 2024 · Complaint Visit · 1 violation

   • Positive Behavior Management

     Regulation code 20U · Correct by January 30, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, January 30, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     The children in a preschool class were sitting on the carpet and Child #1 was reclining rather than sitting. Staff #1 did not give any verbal suggestions but instead grabbed her arm, lifted her off of the ground, and transported her in the air for a few feet that way. This non compliance was corrected when Staff #1 was terminated immediately following the incident.

5. Older than 3 years (not counted in the summary above)

6. April 19, 2023 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 4 violations

   • Personnel Files

     Regulation code 30U · Correct by May 15, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, May 24, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Ensure all staff files are complete. Ensure all staff are determined eligible before working for a facility. Staff #1 needs 2 service letter attempts, Staff #2 needs administration of medication certification and an adult abuse registry check. Staff #3 needs CPR and First Aid certification. Staff #4 needs administration of medication certification and an adult abuse registry check. Staff #5 needs administration of medication certification and a release of employment. Staff #6 needs administration of medication certification, an adult abuse registry check, and an adult health appraisal. Staff #7 needs CPR/First Aid certification. Staff #8 needs CPR/First Aid certification and an adult health appraisal. Staff #9 needs administration of medication certification. Staff #12 needs 4 references, a release of employment, and a service letter. Staff #6 and #8 need 2 documented service letter attempts.

   • Child Files

     Regulation code 40U · Correct by May 15, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, May 12, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Ensure all child files are complete. Child #12 needs their parents right to know signature. Child #3 and #4 must have their medications in its original container. Child #5 needs an MAR form completed. Ensure all infants have an updated feeding schedule.

   • Outdoor Area

     Regulation code 53U · Correct by May 15, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, May 24, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Replace basketball hoops on the school age playground.

   • Diapering and Soiled Clothing

     Regulation code 61U · Correct by May 15, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, May 19, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Ensure tweenies and toddlers classroom has disposable covers for diaper changes.

7. January 4, 2023 · Complaint Visit · 1 violation

   • Activity Schedule

     Regulation code 76U · Correct by January 4, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, January 4, 2023 · 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).

8. April 26, 2022 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 7 violations

   • Personnel Files

     Regulation code 30U · Correct by May 13, 2022 · Correction status: Completed, June 1, 2022 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Obtain complete staff files. Obtain administration of medication training for staff #8, eligibility letters for staff #6 and 11, health appraisal with TB assessment for staff #9, job description for staff #10, and professional development plans for staff #2, 5, and 7.

   • Child Files

     Regulation code 40U · Correct by May 13, 2022 · Correction status: Completed, May 24, 2022 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Obtain complete child files. Obtain lead test results for Children #7, 9, 11, 13, and 14. Obtain health appraisal for Child # 14.

   • Indoor Space

     Regulation code 49U · Correct by May 13, 2022 · Correction status: Completed, May 13, 2022 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Clean rug in the stars room. Patch up walls in school-age rooms. Place lid on toddler trash can and liner in diaper pale.

   • Toilet Facilities

     Regulation code 51U · Correct by April 29, 2022 · Correction status: Completed, April 27, 2022 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Fill liquid soap dispenser in the Stars classroom.

   • Outdoor Area

     Regulation code 53U · Correct by April 29, 2022 · Correction status: Completed, April 29, 2022 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Remove standing water in playground area. Ensure grounds drain naturally or through installed drainage systems so there is no standing water on premises.

   • Equipment

     Regulation code 57U · Correct by May 6, 2022 · Correction status: Completed, May 6, 2022 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Replace torn sofa cushions in the School-Age room.

   • Infant and Toddler Care

     Regulation code 77U · Correct by April 27, 2022 · Correction status: Completed, April 27, 2022 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document

     Licensing specialist's notes (as published)

     Place safety straps on highchairs in infant room.

Complaint investigations

All 18 complaint investigations in the state's file (which starts November 29, 2021), newest first, with the result and the state's summary as published. In the state's summaries, "IA" is the state's Institutional Abuse Unit.

1. Completed October 13, 2025 · Result: Substantiated

   Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint

   The state's summary (as published)

   On September 15, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint alleging unqualified staff members were left alone in classrooms and staff-to-child ratios were not being maintained. Additional concerns included a lack of understanding and respect for the individual needs of children, as well as unprofessional and disrespectful communication from the program's administrative team. An investigation was conducted on September 25, 2025, with a follow-up visit on September 26, 2025. Based on the findings of the investigation, this complaint is substantiated for unqualified staff members being left alone with children. After reviewing attendance records for three classrooms, there were nine occasions where a staff member either did not hold a DEEDS Early Learning certificate or did not possess an adequate certificate to be alone with children. This complaint is also substantiated for not maintaining proper staff-to-child ratios. Attendance records reviewed showed two occasions where an opening staff member went over staff-to-child ratio for a brief period. There is no evidence to substantiate the portion of the complaint related to not showing understanding or respect for individual child needs. All staff members interviewed, including Administrator #1, described consistent methods used to support children's individual needs. Reported supports include collaboration with school districts, when appropriate, and the use of an external mental health consultant to assist both classroom staff and families. There is also no evidence to substantiate the concern regarding unprofessional or disrespectful communication from the administrative team. All five staff members interviewed stated they have never observed or experienced unprofessional behavior or disrespectful communication from administrators, and Administrator #1 denied use of any disrespectful communication with staff. An additional related concern involves staff members not signing in or out of classrooms consistently, which impacts ratio verification and supervision records.

2. Completed July 30, 2025 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

   Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint

   The state's summary (as published)

   On July 10 and July 22, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received two complaints alleging disrespectful communication and a failure to meet a child's developmental needs. An investigation was conducted on July 23, 2025. Based on the findings, there is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of disrespectful communication. Administrator #1 provided LS #1 with the most recent email sent to Parent #1, requesting payment of a balance (equivalent to four weeks of unpaid tuition). The communication was direct, professional, and free of any disrespectful language. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint regarding the allegation of the program failing to meet Child #1's developmental or emotional needs. Interviews with Administrator #1, Staff #2, and Staff #3 confirmed the program has implemented a variety of supportive strategies to assist Child #1 during emotionally challenging moments. These strategies include a designated calming area, access to sensory tools such as stress balls, one-on-one support and redirection, walks with staff, and engagement in preferred classroom activities. The program appears to be actively working to support the child's individual needs.

3. Completed May 5, 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).

4. Completed December 18, 2024 · Result: Substantiated

   Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint

   The state's summary (as published)

   On November 18, 2024, a complaint was called into the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regarding concerns about smoking/vaping within the building and leaving hazardous materials accessible to children. An investigation was conducted on December 3, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for leaving hazardous materials accessible to children because Staff #2 and #3 found a vape in the pocket of a hoodie left in cubbies the children have access to. There is no evidence to substantiate this allegation of a staff member vaping in the classroom with children because Administrator #1, Staff #2, and #3 all denied witnessing Staff #1 vaping in the classroom. Administrator #1 did note there was a concern regarding Staff #1 using the vape in the staff bathroom about a year ago, and it was addressed accordingly, noting there have been no issues since then.

5. Completed July 8, 2024 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

   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).

6. Completed May 23, 2024 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

   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).

7. Completed May 23, 2024 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

   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).

8. Completed March 4, 2024 · Result: Unsubstantiated

   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).

9. Completed February 13, 2024 · Result: Unsubstantiated with Concern

   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).

10. Completed December 18, 2023 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

    Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint

    The state's summary (as published)

    On November 17, 2023, a complaint was called in to the Child Abuse and Neglect Report line and was not accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). It was sent to the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) on November 17, 2023, and accepted for investigation regarding not following parent handbook policies for handling complaints and not using appropriate behavioral supports for a child. On November 17, 2023, a complaint regarding the same concerns was called in to OCCL by the same reporter and was associated with the open case. A visit was conducted on December 6, 2023. Based on the information received, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following policies for handling parent complaints. According to the email messages viewed at this visit, Parent #1 was notified of any issues regarding Child #1, and the center responded to concerns by conducting various meetings with Parent #1. The emails documented any issues regarding Child #1 were discussed with Parent #1, and it was noted in the emails that Child #1 will sometimes instigate these incidents. There is no evidence to substantiate the center not following proper behavioral supports for children, as the administrator and staff member interviewed stated while the three children involved tend to pick on each other, they did not observe any behaviors from the other children in the classroom that rose to the level of bullying requiring disciplinary action.

11. Older than 3 years (not counted in the summary above)

12. Completed July 20, 2023 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

    Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint

    The state's summary (as published)

    On June 2, 2023, a complaint was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line and accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). On June 6, 2023, IAU notified OCCL the case would be abridged. The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received the complaint on June 6, 2023, regarding lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on June 13, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint based on interviews with the Administrators and one staff member. All staff members denied seeing or hearing any inappropriate touching between Child #1, Child #2, or Child #3. Child #2 and Child #3 stated they were playing a game with Child #1 and denied touching Child #1 inappropriately.

13. Completed July 17, 2023 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

    Type (as published): IA Investigation

    The state's file has no summary for this investigation.

14. Completed May 24, 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).

15. Completed October 21, 2022 · 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 September 20, 2022, regarding improper staff-to-child ratios and inaccurate attendance records for staff and children. An investigation was conducted on September 28, 2022. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for either allegation. The staff who were interviewed reported they have not observed incorrect staff-to-child ratios. Attendance records from the date of the incident verified staff-to-child ratios were maintained and 32 children were not present with two staff in a school-age classroom. Additionally, the staff who were interviewed denied being told to forge attendance records. OCCL has been advised by our legal counsel a non-profit is not required to hold public board meetings under Delaware code. This allegation is not a violation of DELACARE Regulations therefore was not investigated by OCCL.

16. Completed October 19, 2022 · 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 September 23, 2022, regarding the center not having sufficient staff to fulfill, at a minimum, direct child care and supervisory functions, and the self-closing and self-latching closure mechanisms on a gate in the outdoor play area not working properly. An investigation was conducted on September 28, 2022. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for either allegation. The staff who were interviewed reported they have not observed staff-to-child ratios not being maintained. Neither staff nor attendance records indicated there is not sufficient staff to operate the center. An outdoor gate had been broken, but it was repaired in a timely manner once the administration was notified.

17. Completed August 3, 2022 · Result: Substantiated

    Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint

    The state's summary (as published)

    OCCL received a complaint on July 8, 2022, and July 14, 2022, regarding staff-to-child ratios, unqualified staff members, and concerns about the school-age activity schedule. An investigation was conducted on July 19, 2022. Based on attendance records, DEEDS certification records, and documents provided, this complaint is substantiated. According to attendance documents, there are several days showing classrooms over-ratio and staff with no DEEDS qualification being left alone with children on the week of July 11, 2022. During that week, there was an unqualified staff member alone with children in each classroom, except the infant and Stars classroom. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation that school-age children are forced to be quiet or nap. According to the daily schedule and documents provided, students have lights out for one hour a day. During this time, students work on developmentally appropriate activities.

18. Completed June 29, 2022 · 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).

19. Completed May 27, 2022 · Result: Substantiated

    Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint

    The state's summary (as published)

    On May 13, 2022, a complaint was received alleging sanitation concerns, improper staff-child ratios, and unauthorized persons alone with children. An investigation was conducted on May 19, 2022. This complaint is substantiated for sanitation concerns and unqualified staff being left alone with children because staff acknowledged they were not cleaning, disinfecting, and handwashing as required and two classrooms were observed without either bleach and water or soap and water solution; and two staff members acknowledged that on two occasions children were left alone with staff who were not qualified to be alone with children. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper staff-child ratios. An additional concern is that children were not provided with bottom nap mat coverings during nap time.

View the official record

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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.