Find a program / Delaware / Newark / ABOVE & BEYOND PRESCHOOL & EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Child care center · Newark, DE
ABOVE & BEYOND PRESCHOOL & EARLY LEARNING CENTER
A licensed child care center in Newark, 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: 10 SONGSMITH DRIVE, Newark, DE 19702
Phone: (302) 834-5620
Ages served: 6 weeks through 12 years.
Age group: Infant through School-Age
Licensed capacity: 60 children
OCCL license number: 801700
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)
- 4 visits where violations were cited (the state's file doesn't list visits where nothing was cited)
- 34 violations cited on these visits
- 10 complaint investigations completed (No Evidence to Substantiate: 7; Substantiated: 2; No Evidence to Substantiate with Concern: 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 4 visits with violations in the state's file (which starts November 12, 2021), newest first, with 34 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.
January 5, 2026 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 6 violations
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision
Regulation code 27U · Correct by January 5, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, January 5, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times. The two-year-old classroom was observed with 8 children, with the youngest being one year old. with one staff member. -Corrected at visit
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by February 5, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, January 22, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs CPR and First Aid.
Indoor Space
Regulation code 49U · Correct by February 5, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, January 16, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure trash cans are covered. Replace the trash cans in the school-age and preschool classroom.
Toilet Facilities
Regulation code 51U · Correct by February 5, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, January 16, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure toilets are in working order. One toilet in the bathroom is not operational.
Outdoor Area
Regulation code 53U · Correct by February 5, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, January 16, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure all canopies are anchored and safe to use. Remove the canopy from the playground.
Equipment
Regulation code 57U · Correct by January 5, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, January 5, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure there is equipment in good condition and available for the children in the two-year old classroom. Corrected at visit.
January 16, 2025 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 8 violations
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision
Regulation code 27U · Correct by January 16, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, January 16, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure ratios and maximum group size are maintained at all times. Upon arrival, the opening classroom had 14 children (including one-year-olds) present with 2 staff members. Infant classroom had 5 children with one staff member.
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by February 14, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, February 19, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #2 needs OCCL Health and Safety training, 2 references, adult abuse registry, and eligibility. Staff #3 needs service letters. Staff #4 needs updated CR and first Aid. Staff #5 needs orientation, OCCL Health and Safety training, and adult abuse check.
Staff Attendance
Regulation code 36U · Correct by February 14, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, February 4, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff members sign in and out of the classroom upon arrival and departure. One staff member was not signed into the two-year-old classroom and one staff member was signed into the classroom but was not present in the facility. Send one week of attendance to OCCL.
Child Files
Regulation code 40U · Correct by February 14, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, February 12, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure children's files are complete. Blood lead screening results for Child #8 and Child #9.
Children's Attendance
Regulation code 43U · Correct by January 16, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, January 16, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure children are signed in and out of class upon arrival and departure. Nine children were present with six children signed in. -Corrected at visit.
Indoor Space
Regulation code 49U · Correct by February 14, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, February 4, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure air fresheners are not used in the facility. -Remove air fresheners from the infant classroom and bathroom.
Equipment
Regulation code 57U · Correct by February 14, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, February 13, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure equipment is cleanable and tear-free. Repair or replace the couch in the preschool classroom. Ensure there is enough equipment for children enrolled in the two-year-old classroom. -Add additional books to the two-year-old classroom.
Feeding of Infants
Regulation code 72U · Correct by February 14, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, February 4, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure infants have an updated monthly feeding schedule. Send OCCL all infant's feeding schedules.
July 17, 2024 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 11 violations
Staffing
Regulation code 26U · Correct by August 9, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, July 22, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff are not providing direct care towards children. Staff members on personal cell phones in the classroom.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision
Regulation code 27U · Correct by July 17, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, July 17, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure ratios and supervision is maintained at all times. Three classrooms were over ratio and group size. -Corrected at visit
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by August 9, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, August 12, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff files are completed. CPR and First Aid for Staff #1 and Staff #2. Orientation for Staff #1, #3, and #5. OCCL Health and Safety training for Staff #1 and Staff #3. Job Description for Staff #1. Health Appraisal with TB for Staff #4. Release of employment for Staff #3.
Staff Attendance
Regulation code 36U · Correct by July 17, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, July 17, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff members are signing in with exact hours worked in the classroom and upon arrival.
Children's Attendance
Regulation code 43U · Correct by July 17, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, July 17, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure children's attendance is accurate with child arrival and departure times.
Hazardous Materials
Regulation code 45U · Correct by August 9, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, August 6, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure cleaners are locked up or out of reach of children.
Toilet Facilities
Regulation code 51U · Correct by August 9, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, August 6, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure the preschool bathroom has toilet paper and soap available.
Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
Regulation code 56U · Correct by August 9, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, August 7, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure nap equipment is labeled and ensure no blankets are used in the Infant classroom.
Diapering and Soiled Clothing
Regulation code 61U · Correct by August 9, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, August 7, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure foot-activated diaper pail is within arm's reach of the changing table.
Emergency Planning
Regulation code 66U · Correct by August 9, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, August 7, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure monthly fire/evacuation drills are completed monthly.
Interactions with Infants
Regulation code 78U · Correct by August 9, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, July 22, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure children are not in confining equipment for more than 30 minutes.
May 16, 2024 · 60-Day Visit · 9 violations
Staffing
Regulation code 26U · Correct by June 14, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 31, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure a teacher is trained in day-to-day operations.
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by June 14, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, June 14, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure staff files are completed. Orientation for Staff #1, 2, 3, and 4. Application or data sheet for Staff #1 and 2. Job Descriptions for Staff #1, 3, and 4. References for Staff #1, 2, 3, and 4. Health appraisal with TB for Staff #2.
Child Files
Regulation code 40U · Correct by June 14, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, June 6, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure children files are complete. Health appraisal for Child #4 and 5. Immunizations for Child #5. Blood Lead screening results for Child #2. Infant feeding schedules for Child #3, 4, and 5.
Children's Attendance
Regulation code 43U · Correct by June 14, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, June 5, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure attendance is completed when children are arriving and departing. No school age were signed out.
Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
Regulation code 56U · Correct by June 14, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, June 5, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure all sleep-safe requirements are met. Child had a coat placed on top as a blanket.- Coat was removed at visit- Ensure sheets are tight against mattress.
Sanitation
Regulation code 58U · Correct by May 16, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 16, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure there is toilet paper is in the bathroom.
Emergency Planning
Regulation code 66U · Correct by June 14, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 31, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure there is emergency water for all children enrolled.
Feeding of Infants
Regulation code 72U · Correct by June 14, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, June 5, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure all bottles are labeled with child names. No bottles or cups were labeled.
Lesson Plans
Regulation code 74U · Correct by June 14, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, June 5, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure lesson plans are current and dated. No lesson plans were dated.
Complaint investigations
All 10 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 5, 2026 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate 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).
Completed April 29, 2026 · 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 April 16, 2026, regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios, sanitation, failure to use positive behavior supports, using confining equipment for extended periods of time, inadequate water being available for the children, and snacks not being provided to children. An investigation was conducted on April 22, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for concerns of staff to child ratios based on interviews conducted and attendance records. Owner #1, Administrator #1 and five staff members all stated classrooms follow compliant staff-to-child ratios at all times. Attendance records reflected all classrooms were in staff-to-child ratio for the week of April 13, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for sanitation concerns based on staff interviews conducted and classroom observations. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and five staff members all stated classrooms are cleaned and sanitized daily. Soap and water and bleach and water were observed in all classrooms. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failure to use positive behavior supports or overuse of confining equipment based on staff interviews conducted and observations at the time of this visit. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and five staff members stated they have only observed appropriate positive behavior supports within the facility. All staff members interviewed denied handling children roughly, including grabbing them by the arms, dragging them, or using highchairs for extended periods as punishment. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for inadequate water being available for the children based on interviews conducted. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and five staff members stated children have access to water throughout the day. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for non-compliant snacks being provided to children based on interviews conducted. Owner #1, A dministrator #1, and five staff members stated the facility serves three meals every day and snacks are available for children when needed.
Completed March 9, 2026 · 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 February 24, 2026, regarding concerns of lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on February 26, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision by staff members for not intervening appropriately when behavior occurs based on staff interviews conducted. Administrator #1 and three staff members were interviewed separately stated when a child is displaying disruptive or challenging behaviors they immediately intervene.
Completed January 9, 2026 · 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 December 17, 2025, regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios, lack of supervision due to staff leaving the classroom for periods of time, and staff not intervening appropriately when negative child behavior occurs. An investigation was conducted on December 23, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper staff-to-child ratios based on classroom observations and review of attendance records. Classrooms observed on December 23, 2025, were within the correct staff-to-child ratio, and all attendance records reviewed showed classrooms within the correct staff-to-child ratios. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision based on classroom observations and staff interviews. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and four staff members were interviewed separately and stated staff members do not leave the classroom unless there is coverage. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for staff members not intervening appropriately when behavior occurs based on staff interviews conducted. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and four staff members were interviewed separately and stated when a child is displaying disruptive behaviors or having a disagreement, they immediately intervene.
Completed August 25, 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 August 14, 2025, regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios and concerns of improper discipline. An investigation was conducted on August 18, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper staff-to-child ratios based on classroom observations and review of attendance records. Classrooms observed on August 18, 2025, were within the correct staff-to-child ratio, and all attendance records reviewed showed classrooms within the correct staff-to-child ratios. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline based on staff interviews. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and three staff members interviewed stated they have not witnessed any improper discipline within the facility. One staff member stated they have reminded staff members about their tone but have not observed any improper interactions. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and three staff members interviewed stated they have not used improper discipline.
Completed August 25, 2025 · 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 August 7, 2025, regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios during nap time. An investigation was conducted on August 11, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratios during nap time based on observations of the classrooms and attendance records reviewed for the week of August 4, 2025, to August 8, 2025. Upon arrival at the facility on August 11, 2025, the infant classroom was observed with seven children, including an infant, with one staff member, the two-year-old classroom was observed with 14 children present, with no children signed into the classroom, and the three-year-old classroom had nine children present. The infant classroom attendance records for the week of August 4, 2025, to August 8, 2025, showed eight children, including at least one infant, with one staff member for an extended time each day during naptime for the entire week. An additional concern noted was the measured classroom capacity was exceeded by up to 6 children at the time of the visit. An additional concern noted was inaccurate attendance records because for the week of August 4, 2025, children were not signed in or out of the classrooms for nap time in multiple classrooms.
Completed August 12, 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 July 31, 2025, regarding concerns of improper discipline due to pinching, scratching, grabbing by one arm, failure to provide injury reports for scratches and other injuries, recording a child without parental consent, and not following health exclusions due to sending child home without due cause. An investigation was conducted on August 5, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline based on staff interviews and review of video footage. Owner #1 and six staff members interviewed stated they have not witnessed any improper discipline within the facility. All staff members interviewed stated they have not used improper discipline. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failure to provide injury reports for scratches and other injuries based on staff interviews and documents reviewed. Owner #1 and six staff members stated injury/accident reports are completed for all children. LS #1 observed a completed injury report for Child #1. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for recording a child without parents' consent based on staff interviews and enrollment documentation. Owner #1 stated Child #1 was not recorded in an inappropriate manner. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following health exclusions due to sending a child home without due cause based on staff interviews. Owner #1 stated Child #1 was sent to be evaluated for hand, foot, and mouth disease, as it was currently present in the facility.
Completed August 8, 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 July 31, 2025, regarding concerns of lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on August 5, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision based on staff interviews and attendance records reviewed. Staff interviewed stated Child #2 was not observed inappropriately touching Child #1. Attendance records reviewed reflected classrooms within correct staff-to-child ratios.
Completed August 8, 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 July 31, 2025, regarding concerns of lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on August 5, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision based on staff interviews. Owner #1 and Administrator #1 were interviewed and stated no child was observed being kicked or punched at the facility, and no families were called to notify them of an incident like this occurring. Administrator #1 was the staff member working in Child #1's classroom on August 1, 2025.
Completed April 2, 2025 · Result: Substantiated
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
On March 11, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios. An investigation was conducted on March 17, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratio based on attendance records reviewed for the week of March 10, 2025, through March 14, 2025. The infant classroom attendance records for March 10, 2025, showed the classroom had seven to eight children with one staff member for over two hours, and five infants signed in with a staff member with no DEEDS Early Learning certificate for 15 minutes. On March 11, 2025, there were eight infants signed in with no staff member signed into the classroom for 10 minutes, and on March 13, 2025, there were seven infants signed in with one staff member for a total of one hour and 59 minutes. On March 10, 2025, the one-year-old classroom had seven children signed in with one staff member for one hour and five minutes. On March 12, 2025, there were seven one-year-old children signed in with one staff member for one hour and 28 minutes, and on March 13, 2025, there were seven children signed in with one staff member for one hour and 30 minutes. On March 14, 2025, there were four one-year-old children signed in with no staff member signed in for one hour and 24 minutes. On March 14, 2025, the school-age classroom had 13 children signed in with a staff member with no DEEDS Early Learning certificate for 25 minutes. An additional concern noted was the measured classroom capacity was exceeded by up to 13 children for the entire week from March 10, 2025, to March 14, 2025, in the morning opening classroom. The one-year-old children and two-year-old children are combining in this same classroom for nap daily, again causing the room to be over the measured classroom capacity. An additional concern noted was inaccurate attendance records because on March 11, 2025, children were not signed into their classroom after nap time in the one-year-old classroom.
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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.