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Home › DE › Dover › Dover Educational & Community Center
License #27407 · Center · Licensed Child Care Center
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Ensure child files are complete. Child #1 needs date of enrollment, hours/days to attend. Child #3 needs needs health appraisal and immunizations, Child #5 needs blood lead screening results. Child #7 needs hours and days to attend.
Ensure bathroom has at least on operable window or working ventilation fan. The fan in the preschool/ school age bathroom is not working.
Ensure monthly evacuation drills are conducted from all exit locations during different times of the day. Conduct a drill for February.
Ensure disposable covers are used during diaper changes. The 1-2 year old room needs disposable paper for the changing table.
Ensure first aid kit is complete. Purchase a finger splint for the kit.
Office of Child Care and Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on October 17, 2022, regarding positive behavior supports and not following the suspension and expulsion policy in the parent handbook. The complaint is substantiated for positive behavior supports because Ms. Bryant stated Staff #1 did call Child #1 ugly and stated she was going to slap her. Staff #1 was terminated from employment. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of not following the suspension and expulsion policy in the parent handbook because Ms. Bryant stated both the Reporter and Child #1 were a serious safety threat and Child #1 was expelled from the center per the center s written policy. Concerns noted were portable space heaters were in use and the temperature throughout the building was under the required minimum of 68 F.
Disposition: Substantiated
OCCL received a complaint on September 14, 2022, regarding lack of supervision and improper release of children. An investigation was conducted on September 15, 2022. The complaint is substantiated because a ten-year-old child was observed by staff leaving the center unattended and walked home without parent permission. Staff #1 stated she observed Child #1 leave the center, she went to the door to call for Child #1 to come back, but Child #1 did not respond and kept walking. The center did not go after Child #1 once she left the center, and they did not call the parent to inform her that Child #1 left the building. An additional concern noted was staff did not notify the parent, OCCL, or the proper authorities once the child went missing from the center.
Disposition: Substantiated
On September 14, 2022, OCCL received a complaint regarding not having required and accessible activity areas, not having sufficient materials, mixing of age groups outside of permitted times, and unqualified staff alone with children. An investigation was conducted on September 15, 2022. The complaint is substantiated for not having activity areas and not having enough materials for the children because LS Smith observed the preschool classroom did not have enough materials and was missing a construction/block area and a manipulative area. There is no evidence to substantiate the mixing of age groups outside of permitted times and unqualified staff alone with the children because all staff interviewed denied this and attendance records did not show unqualified staff alone with the children or children of different ages being mixed outside of the permitted times. Additional concerns noted were staff and child attendance documentation were incomplete, Ms. Williams stated she did not have a new staff person start, but other staff confirmed there was a new staff person, and LS Smith observed Staff #1 alter the attendance records by making changes to attendance records from previous days.
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Data synced from Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing on Jul 10, 2026 · Source records · Report an error
Ensure to provide enough developmentally appropriate toys for the classrooms. The 1-2 year old room needs science related toy/materials. The big room needs musical instruments and science materials.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs annual review of abuse and neglect, employee declaration and a drug and alcohol statement. Staff #2 needs administration of medication training, and annual review of abuse and neglect. Staff #3 needs administration of medication training, PD plan, annual review of safe sleep; annual review of abuse and neglect, orientation, job description, references, employee declaration, drug and alcohol statement, release of employment and service letters with 2 documented attempts.
Ensure First Aid kit is complete. Purchase an eye patch, disposable gloves, plastic bags and safety pins for kit.
Ensure child files are complete. Child #1, #4, #7, #11 need health appraisals. Child #1, #11 need updated immunizations. Child #!, #4, #5, #7, #10, #11 need blood lead screening results.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #2 needs a health appraisal and Health and Safety for Child Care Professionals. Staff #3 needs Annual Review of Abuse and Neglect, and Health and Safety for Child Care Professionals.
Ensure bathroom has a covered trash can.
Repair the metal floor piece in the toddler classroom. Repair or remove the wires in the preschool classroom.
Ensure toddlers are cared for in an area separate from the older children. A two-year-old was eating lunch with the preschool children. This was discussed and corrected at the visit.
Repair the baseboard in the toddler classroom where the baseboard heating was removed.
Ensure staff are eligible before being present in the building. One staff was present and was not yet determined eligible. This was corrected when the staff left the building.
Ensure staff attendance is accurate. One staff was not signed out of the multipurpose room. Another staff was present but was not signed in. This was corrected at the visit.
Ensure there are sufficient staff to operate and carry out at a minimum food service, administrative duties, breaks, etc. There were four staff present, but two were not qualified with 13 children ages one to school age present in the building. Have a staff member get qualified as an intern.
Ensure parents right to know log is complete with all children enrolled.
Ensure child files are complete. Child #1 needs health appraisal with immunizations. Child #2 needs immunizations. Child #3 needs screen time permission. Child #4 needs parents right to know, screen time permission. Child #1-6 need developmental plans.
Ensure child attendance is documented accurately with arrival and departure times. This was corrected when all children were signed into their correct rooms.
Remove all hazards such as branches from the playground area.
Ensure lesson plans have all required components. All classroom lesson plans did not meet OCCL requirements.
Ensure all cleaner are labeled with its contents. Toddler room did not have cleaners labeled.
Ensure all sinks supply both hot and cold water. LS Smith and LS Sommers observed all sinks not producing any hot water. This was discussed with Mrs. Bryant and she agreed to have the issue fixed and notify OCCL when it is fixed.
Ensure children are being directly supervised, Ensure unqualified staff are not supervising children alone. LS Smith observed 3 children get off the school bus, and walk to the center, The children rang the door bell to be let in, and an unqualified staff member, Staff #1, opened the door to escort the children to their classroom. LS Smith observe attendance record showing Staff #1 supervising 3 toddlers alone from 1-1:30pm. This was discussed with the administrator, who agreed to have someone receive the children at the bus stop to ensure children get into the building safely.
Ensure a plan review is submitted before changes are made to the childcare space. LS Smith observed new flooring in the pre-school classroom. This was discussed and corrected when Ms. Williams submitted a written letter discussing the changes.
Ensure children's attendance is documented accurately and in real time. The SA and preschool classroom did not have an attendance report completed. This was discussed and corrected when an attendance report was created for the class.
Ensure staff attendance is documented accurately and in real time. The SA and preschool classroom did not have an attendance report completed. This was discussed and corrected when an attendance report was created for the class.
Ensure the building maintains a temperature between 68-82 degrees F. LS McPhatter took the temperature of the toddler room, and it was at 82.9 degrees F. This was discussed and corrected when the air conditioner was turned up, and the temperature in the room lowered to 80 degrees F.
Ensure structures, fences, equipment, and the grounds are maintained and in good condition. LS Smith observed broken locks both sheds, sharp and protruding pieces on the fence, Poisonous plants by the front of the SA building, and a broken tent used for shade on the SA playground.
Ensure activity schedule is being followed. Upon arrival at 9:00am it was observed that all classroom were combined into SA classroom, with a ratio of 13:3 (youngest child is 2). LS Smith observed the toddler classroom and the SA classroom not following their daily activity schedule.
Ensure equipment used by the children is in good condition. Repair the broken cubbies in the SA classroom.
Ensure supervision is being maintained at all times. Upon arrival LS Smith and LS McPhatter observed two SA children playing by the front gate unsupervised. When asked Staff #1 stated that the two children were supposed to be out back being supervised by Staff #2. Staff #2 was not aware that the children were no longer in her direct supervision. This was discussed with administrator, and corrected when the children came inside the building to join the class.
Ensure children are not exposed to hazards. Ls Smith observed exposed baseboard heating in the SA classroom.
Ensure outdoor area is free from any hazards. LS Smith and LS Vandewater observed possible poisonous plant on the playground and around the building.
Ensure lesson plans have all required components. LS Smith observed preschool lesson plan not meeting OCCL's requirements.
Ensure activity schedule is accurate and followed. LS Smith and LS Vandewater observed the preschool class watching TV at 9:40am, and the scheduled stated between 9am-10am it was Academic Studies/Activities. It was also observed in the toddler room outside time was between 10am-10:30am, but instead the children were reading stories.
Ensue ratios are maintained at al times. LS Smith observed 14 children ages 2-SA napping together in the SA classroom. This was corrected when the toddlers returned to their classroom.
Ensure children who are not napping after 30 minutes of rest, are given a quiet activity to do. LS Smith observed Staff #2 telling children, who were not napping, they needed to be quiet and lay down. Ms. Williams stated that the children had been laying down for over an hour. This was corrected when the children were offered puzzles to play with.
Ensure the centers air quality does not effect the health and safety of the children and staff. Upon entering the building LS Smith observed a strong odor in the building. LS Smith asked Staff #1 if she also could smell the odor in the building and she stated yes. LS Smith then asked Staff #1 if she knew where it was coming from, and she stated "I plead the fifth." LS Smith asked Ms. Juliette if she noticed the odor, and she stated she could not smell due to her nose being stuffy. After investigating, it was found that the smell was coming from the stove. The fire department was called, and the center was evacuated to the play ground . It was determined that the stove was broken and leaking gas. There was a lock put on the propane tank temporarily, by the fire department until the stove can be replaced.
Ensure children are riding in the appropriate child restraint when being transported in an OCCL approved vehicle. LS Smith observed Ms. Williams pull up in her personal car, transporting a 4 year old child in the front seat. When asked about why the child was in the front seat, Ms. Williams stated he climbed from the back seat into the front once it was parked. LS Smith asked Child #1 where did he ride while in the car with Ms. Williams, and he stated in the front seat.
Ensure children two and younger are not exposed to screen time, and anyone over the age of two is limited to one hour of screen time a day. LS Smith observed the pre-school class watching TV during nap time. When asked how long do the children watch TV for, Staff #1 stated they normally keep it on for about an hour and a half during nap. Staff #1 also stated that they watch TV in the morning and in the afternoon. LS Smith also observed a two year old watching a tablet instead of napping. When asked how long the child was allowed to watch the tablet, Staff #2 stated until the tablet dies. This was discussed and corrected when LS Smith reviewed the screen time regulation with the staff, and they agreed to comply.
Ensure toilet rooms are kept clean and sanitary. Boys bathroom smelled like urine, and was unsanitary.
On 3/8/22 LS Smith called the center to speak with Juliette. I was informed by staff #2 that she was out of the building picking up children. LS Smith then asked to speak to Staff #1, and staff #2 informed LS Smith that she left the building for the day, and that Staff #2 and staff #3 was in the building alone. Staff #1 is a qualified as a teacher, staff #2 is qualified as an intern, and staff #3 is qualified as an assistant teacher. After reviewing tracking sheets for 3/8/22, it shows that an intern and an assistant teacher alone in the building from 2:30pm- 4:00pm
Upon arrival LS Smith observed work being done to the playground without an approved plan review. Plan review was submitted on 3/9/22 and was denied on 3/11/22. Administrator agree to stop all work on the playground until a plan review is approved.
Ensure the driver does not transport more children and adults than the vehicles capacity. LS Smith observed 6 children exit the vehicle that is only designed to seat 5 passengers safely in the back. LS Smith also observed the children were not riding in the appropriate child safety restraints. There were no child safety restraints installed in the car for any of the children.
Ensure children are being supervised at all times. Upon arrival Staff #1 was preparing snack in the kitchenette, leaving five preschool aged children in the classroom with an unqualified foster-grandparent. This was discussed and corrected when Juliette, the administrator, entered the classroom as the qualified staff member while Staff #1 prepared the snack. A two-year-old was observed standing in the hallway alone. Once Staff #1 notices the child alone, she then sends the unqualified foster-grandparent to supervise the child in the bathroom. This was discussed with Juliette, and corrected when the child was returned to the classroom.
Ensure children are being supervised at all times. Upon arrival a staff member came to open the door, leaving four pre-school aged children in the classroom alone.
Ensure parents right to know log is complete with all children enrolled and anyone who tours.
Ensure child files are complete. Child #2 needs emergency transportation, and permission to transport to school. Child #3 needs a lead test on the health appraisal, developmental plan, and emergency transportation permission. Child #4 needs permission to transport to school. Child #5 needs hours and days that the attend care, an immunization record, emergency transportation, and permission to transport to school. Child # 7 needs hours and days attending acre, a health appraisal with immunization records, lead test, and a developmental plan. Child #8 needs hours day days attending care, emergency transportation, and permission to transport to school. Child #9 needs a health appraisal, and permission to transport to school. Child # 10 need a a health appraisal with immunization records, lead test. Child #11 needs a developmental plan and emergency transportation. Child #12 needs a health appraisal with immunization records, lead test, and permission to transport to school.
Ensure there in no exposure to hazardous materials. There was exposed wires hanging from the ceiling and walls. An an infestation of spiders and spider eggs in the school age building.
Ensure monthly fire drill and inspection is completed monthly. Ensure there is fire extinguisher in the vehicle used for transporting children.
Disposition: Substantiated
Ensure children not exceed the 1 hour screen time limit. Specialist observed a child watching videos on an electronic device. Staff stated the child had been watching the device for over an hour. This was corrected when the device was taken from the child.
Ensure staff attendance is documented with accurate arrival and departure times. Staff were not signed into the pre-school classroom. This was corrected when the staff signed into the correct rom.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs CPR and First Aid, administration of medication training, orientation, OCCL H and S training, job description, 2 references, adult abuse check, OCCL approved health appraisal with TB results, completed service letter or 2 additional references. Staff #2 needs administration of medication training, PD plan, orientation, OCCL H and S training, job description, 2 references, adult abuse check, release of employment, completed service letter or 2 additional references, and infant toddler specialization. Staff #3 needs PD plan, annual abuse and neglect, teacher trained in day-to-day. Staff#4 needs first aid and CPR, medication of administration training, annual abuse and neglect, orientation, OCCL H and S training, job description, 2 references, adult abuse check, OCCL approved health appraisal with TB results, and a completed service letter or 2 additional references. Staff #5 needs annual abuse and neglect, orientation, job description, 2 references, and a completed service letter or 2 additional references. Staff #6 needs first aid and CPR, medication of administration training, annual abuse and neglect, orientation, OCCL H and S training, job description, 2 references, adult abuse check, employee declaration, drug and alcohol statement, release of employment, and a completed service letter or 2 additional. Staff #7 needs first aid and CPR, PD plan, annual abuse and neglect, OCCL H and S training.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs administration of medication certification. Staff #3 needs administration of medication certification. Staff #6 needs administration of medication certification, a professional development plan, and an adult abuse registry check.
Ensure staff to child ratios and supervised are maintained all times. LS Sommer observed staff #2 leave the school-age classroom to take one child to their cubby. When staff #2 left, this left staff #4, and aide, alone with three pre-school aged children. This was discussed and corrected when staff #2 returned to the classroom. LS Sommer observed staff #3 send one two-year-old child to the bathroom alone. Staff #3 remained in the toddler classroom doorway observing two spaces at one time. This was discussed and corrected when staff #6 assisted the child in the bathroom.
Ensure all electrical outlets are covered and power strips are out of reach from children. Ensure all garbage can have lids. Trash can in the toddler room, does not have a lid. Ensure all sinks provide both hot and cold water. The sinks in the school age building does not provide hot water. ensure all food that is prepared is stored and labeled properly, with the contents and the expiration date.
Ensure first aid kit is complete. Indoor kit was missing bandage tape, an instant cold pack, and tweezers.
Ensure lesson plans are complete and meet OCCL's requirements. Preschool's lesson plan did have all the required components.
Ensure anything where children's feet leave the ground is protected with a fall zone. There were serval large climbing tires that need fall zones. Repair or remove broken basketball hoop on the school age program.