Find a program / Delaware / Wilmington / LITTLE HEARTS CHILDCARE, LLC
Child care center · Wilmington, DE
LITTLE HEARTS CHILDCARE, LLC
A licensed child care center in Wilmington, 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: 111 WEST 22ND STREET, Wilmington, DE 19802
Phone: (302) 656-5393
Ages served: 6 weeks through 12 years.
Age group: Infant through School-Age
Licensed capacity: 92 children
OCCL license number: 1194452
Current enforcement action (as published): Warning of Probation
Pending enforcement step (as published): Intent to Place on Warning of Probation
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)
- 34 violations cited on these visits
- 5 complaint investigations completed (Substantiated: 3; No Evidence to Substantiate: 1; 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 45 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 9, 2026 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 12 violations
Staff Qualifications
Regulation code 24U · Correct by May 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 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).
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision
Regulation code 27U · Correct by May 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, April 9, 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. During visit, the one-year-old classroom was observed with 9 children and one staff member. During the visit, the preschool staff member was observed standing between tow classrooms leaving classrooms with no direct supervision. Corrected at Visit.
General Qualifications
Regulation code 28U · Correct by May 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 1, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Staff must receive an eligibility determination or a provisional eligibility before the start of employment. Staff #12 was sent home at the visit and cannot return until eligibility has been received. Send eligibility letter to OCCL.
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by May 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, July 21, 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).
Child Files
Regulation code 40U · Correct by May 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, June 17, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure child files are complete. Blood lead screening results needed for Child #4, 12.
Indoor Space
Regulation code 49U · Correct by May 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, June 17, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure indoor space is hazard-free, cleanable and in good repair. Remove extension cord in room 6 or secure and cover if in used. Ensure walls are cleanable. Patch/paint exposed dry wall in Rooms 2, 3, School-Age are. Send photos.
Kitchen and Food Preparation
Regulation code 50U · Correct by May 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, June 17, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure a separate hand-washing sink is used in the kitchen. Move soap dispenser from double-sink to singe handwashing sink. Send photo to OCCL. Ensure there is a working thermometer reading 0 in the kitchen freezer. Ensure there is a working thermometer reading 41 or colder in the refrigerator in room 6. Send photos of thermometers.
Outdoor Area
Regulation code 53U · Correct by May 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure requires protective surface is beneath climbing equipment/slides. Move portable slide from blacktop area to an area with resilient material that absorbs falls. Send photo to OCCL.
Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
Regulation code 56U · Correct by May 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure sleep equipment is non-absorbent and cleanable. Replace all torn nap mats in classrooms throughout the center. Send photos of new mats to OCCL.
Diapering and Soiled Clothing
Regulation code 61U · Correct by May 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, June 17, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure all staff are following diapering procedure including cleaning mats, washing staff and child hands between each change. Review diapering process and have staff sign off.
Transportation
Regulation code 67U · Correct by May 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, June 17, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure there is a full travel first aid kit with emergency numbers in the bus. Send photo to OCCL.
Pets
Regulation code 69U · Correct by May 8, 2026 · Correction status: Completed, May 19, 2026 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure there are no pets that are known to be carriers of illnesses, such as turtles. Remove turtle from room 6. Inform OCCL when removed.
April 7, 2025 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 13 violations
Staffing
Regulation code 26U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Provide documentation of the administrator's presence in the center at least 50% of the hours of operation.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision
Regulation code 27U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, April 7, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Facility Visit
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure all staff stay in their assigned classrooms at all times to maintain correct staff-to-child ratios.
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Provide documentation of completion of all staff files. Submit: CPR/FA certification for staff #1, 2, 6, & 8; administration of medication certification or training for Staff #3, 5, 10; prof. dev. plan for Staff #1; annual abuse and neglect for Staff #8; orientation for Staff # 3, 7; OCCL Health and Safety for Staff # 3, 5, 6, 7, 10; an application for Staff #7; two non-family references for Staff #6, 7, 11; declaration and drug/alcohol notices for Staff #7; release of employment / service letters #6, 7. Not determined: completion of annual training hours for Staff #2 needs 10 hours; #6 needs 6 hours; #12 needs 1.25; #8 needs 18 hours and # 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9 need two hours in health & safety.
Staff Attendance
Regulation code 36U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Submit accurate attendance for all staff and children with each classroom arrival and departure. Send April 7-11 and 14-18 to OCCL .
Child Files
Regulation code 40U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Provide updated infant feeding schedules for all infants for the month of April.
Children's Attendance
Regulation code 43U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Submit accurate attendance for all staff and children with each classroom arrival and departure. Send April 7-11 and 14-18 to OCCL .
Hazardous Materials
Regulation code 45U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Provide documentation of current radon test readings of 4.0 pCi/I or below.
Indoor Space
Regulation code 49U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Submit documentation to OCCL a covered trash can in the infant and dragonflies' classrooms.
Kitchen and Food Preparation
Regulation code 50U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Provide documentation of thermometers in the refrigerators in the infants, bumblebees and butterflies room reading 41 degrees F or below.
Toilet Facilities
Regulation code 51U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Provide documentation of accessible paper towels in the infant room, and repair or replacement of the toilet in the butterflies' bathroom.
Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
Regulation code 56U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Provide documentation of the infant cribs being placed 18 inches apart.
Equipment
Regulation code 57U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 1, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Provide documentation of removal of the hazardous block basket and broken chair in the school-age room.
Diapering and Soiled Clothing
Regulation code 61U · Correct by May 9, 2025 · Correction status: Completed, May 8, 2025 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Submit documentation for disposable covering for the changing table in the infant room and a foot-activated trash can for diapering in the bumblebees room.
April 8, 2024 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 9 violations
Staffing
Regulation code 26U · Correct by May 10, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 14, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Provide accurate documentation of the administrator's presence and performing administrative duties at least 50% of the hours of operation. (6:00 to 6:00 x 5 M-F and 9:00 to 5:00 x 2 S-S = 76 hours/week--- 50 % = 37.5 hours /week.) The Administrator submitted a revised application with reduced hours of operation on May 14, 2024. Her documented hours are now meet the 50% requirement.
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by May 10, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, June 13, 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).
Annual Training
Regulation code 33U · Correct by April 30, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, May 13, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Submit documentation for the completion of annual training hours by April 30, 2024. This will become non-compliant May 1, 2024. Staff #2 needs 18 hours; Staff #3 needs 2 hours; Staff #7 needs 18 hours; Staff #11 needs 12 hours.
Staff Communication
Regulation code 37U · Correct by April 12, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Provide documentation of administrator's addressing Staff #6's need to use respectful tones/words/language with children in her care.
Child Files
Regulation code 40U · Correct by May 10, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure child files are complete. Child #4 needs an updated health appraisal with immunizations. Children # 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, & 13 need developmental plans.
Hazardous Materials
Regulation code 45U · Correct by April 12, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 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).
Indoor Space
Regulation code 49U · Correct by April 12, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Remove/replace the rug, label the cubbies and repair/replace the cracked tiles in the school age room.
Outdoor Area
Regulation code 53U · Correct by May 10, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Repair/preplace broken tricycles . Clean trash and remove carpets from play area.
Feeding of Infants
Regulation code 72U · Correct by April 30, 2024 · Correction status: Completed, April 15, 2024 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Ensure ALL infants have updated infant feeding statements. Send documentation to OCCL for all enrolled infants.
Older than 3 years (not counted in the summary above)
April 5, 2023 · Unannounced Full Compliance Review · 11 violations
Insurance Coverage
Regulation code 16U · Correct by May 5, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Submit proof of current liability and vehicle insurance. Liability expires 6-26-23.
Staffing
Regulation code 26U · Correct by April 12, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, September 18, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Discussed: The administrator of record was not present, did not file for review, nor documentation of attendance. The staff member in charge of day to day operations stated the Admin. has not been present for an undetermined amount of time due to personal issues and is uncertain of her return. A plan to document compliance with reg. #26 must be submitted by April 12, 2023.
General Qualifications
Regulation code 28U · Correct by May 5, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, May 23, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Submit documentation of the applicant's re-fingerprinting which need to be completed every five years. (x3-9-23)
Personnel Files
Regulation code 30U · Correct by May 5, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, August 16, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Submit the following to complete staff files: CPR/FA for 2 staff members; medication administration certification for 2 staff members; a professional dev. plan & orientation for one staff member; OCCL H&S training for 7 staff members; job descriptions for 3 staff members; release of employment/service letters for one staff member; references for 3 staff members; adult abuse check for 2 staff members; health appraisals w/ TB for 2 staff members; a full file for one staff member. A current driver's license is needed for one of the vehicle drivers. Not determined staff training hours for 2 staff members- this will become non-compliant if not received by April 30, 2023.
Child Files
Regulation code 40U · Correct by May 5, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, May 23, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Submit the following to complete children's files: days/hours of attendance for 1 child; blood test results for 4 children.
Hazardous Materials
Regulation code 45U · Correct by May 5, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, April 21, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Remove caulk gun and insect traps from under unlocked cabinet or lock the cabinet under the sink in the bumblebee room
Indoor Space
Regulation code 49U · Correct by May 5, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, May 3, 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).
First Aid Kits
Regulation code 65U · Correct by May 5, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, April 6, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Obtain an arm sling for the first aid kit.
Emergency Planning
Regulation code 66U · Correct by May 5, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, April 6, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Obtain additional emergency water.
Lesson Plans
Regulation code 74U · Correct by May 5, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Post the lesson plan in the infant room.
License Renewal
Regulation code 8U · Correct by April 12, 2023 · Correction status: Completed, May 2, 2023 · How the correction was shown (as published): Document
Licensing specialist's notes (as published)
Submit a complete renewal application 60 days prior to license expiration and a 2023 DE business license.
Complaint investigations
All 6 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 September 28, 2026 · 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 26, 2026 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate with Concern
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
OCCL's investigation of regulatory non-compliance began after clearance from other agencies was received. The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received three intakes on December 17, 2025, regarding concerns of having illegal drugs on the premises and failure to provide an injury report for a head injury. An investigation was conducted on January 22, 2026, after clearance from other agencies was received. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for concerns of having illegal drugs on the premises, based on staff statements reviewed and staff interviewed. All staff interviewed stated to their knowledge there were no illegal drugs on the premises. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failure to provide an injury report for a head injury. Owner #1 and Staff #1 denied Child #1 had a head injury while in care at the facility and, therefore, did not need an injury report created. Child #1 has not been enrolled since December so no child file available. Additional concerns noted were the facility did not contact emergency personnel to have Child # 1 immediately evaluated when Parent #1 was initially not responsive to notification, and the facility did not notify OCCL within one business day after Child # 1 sought medical attention.
Completed June 3, 2026 · 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 February 4, 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 December 16, 2024, regarding a three-year-old Child #1's restraint in a high chair, improper staff-to-child ratios, improper diaper changing procedures resulting in Child #1's severe diaper rash, refusal to make accommodations for children with special needs or placing Child #1 in the correct chronological age group, and not following the center's termination policies. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper staff-to-child ratios based on observation of the classrooms during this visit and review of attendance records for all classrooms from the week of December 16, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper restraint in a highchair because staff noted they utilized a chair that pulls up to the table or has a tray for brief periods of time only when Child #1 was struggling to participate in group activities. Staff noted this chair was not utilized as a punishment. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper diapering procedures based on interviews with the administrator and multiple staff members regarding their diapering procedures. Staff indicated diapers are checked hourly and changed at least every two hours. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not making necessary accommodations for Child #1 because staff interviewed noted working with Child #1 to the best of their ability. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following the center's termination policies as the current parent handbook notes care can be terminated for any reason. Administrator #1 stated a conference was held with Parent #1 regarding Child #1's developmental progress, and stated the center did not feel they could meet Child #1's needs any further and also stated Child #1 did not meet the milestones to move into the next classroom. Administrator #1 also noted Parent #1 discontinued Child #1's therapy services they had been receiving within the center.
Completed December 9, 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 November 8, 2024, regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios, exceeding maximum group size, failure to follow illness exclusions, failure to have health appraisals on file, failure to have developmental plans or conferences for children, and not having accident/injury reports for children. An investigation was conducted beginning November 18, 2024, and ending on November 22, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratios and exceeding maximum group size because classrooms were observed out of staff-to-child ratio during the first visit. On November 18, 2024, there were 19 children in a classroom, ages two to four with two staff members and 12 three-to-four-year-old children with one staff member. This complaint is substantiated for failure to have child health appraisals, child developmental plans, proof of conferences, and accident/injury reports based on all child files being inaccessible during two visits. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failure to follow illness exclusions based on interviews with multiple staff members. Staff members stated children are sent home when sick and must have a doctor's note to return. Additional concerns noted at this visit include the inability of OCCL to access any files or records, and the staff member designated in charge of day-to-day operations in the Administrator's absence could not meet all requirements of the position. An additional concern is staff members without DEEDS Early Learning certifications were observed alone with children on both November 18, 2024, and November 22, 2024. An additional concern during this investigation is child and staff attendance records were not accurate; children and staff were moving around the building upon arrival, and records did not accurately reflect the number of children and where they were in the center. An additional concern from this visit is the posted lesson plans in the school-age classroom were from April 2024, there were two potty chairs observed in an open classroom without privacy, and the posted fire drill logs were from March 2024. An additional concern noted was when asked about the name of the bus driver, Staff #1 was unaware of this person's name and could not produce a staff file for this person. An additional concern noted at the visit is being provided untruthful information because Staff #1 stated they did not have access to any files within the office after being observed closing the office door. Staff #1 is the designated staff trained in day-to-day operations according to OCCL's record.
Older than 3 years (not counted in the summary above)
Completed August 31, 2022 · Result: No Evidence to Substantiate
Type (as published): OCCL Standards Complaint
The state's summary (as published)
OCCL received a complaint on August 17, 2022, alleging lack of supervision because a toddler-age child had several injury reports. On August 26, 2022, the investigation concluded. Based on the investigation, there is no evidence to substantiate the claim because a staff interview was conducted and written documentation was reviewed and neither support lack of supervision. All described typical toddler behavior and accidental injuries.
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More programs in Wilmington · 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.