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Home › DE › Wilmington › Bellevue Learning Center
510 DUNCAN ROAD, Wilmington DE 19809 · License #29078 · Center · Licensed Child Care Center
When they operate
Ages served
Ages not published.
72U · Feeding of Infants
Ensure Infant bottles are labeled. -Child #1 bottles were not labeled at the time of the visit. Ensure Infant feeding scheduled are completed and updated monthly. _-Send completed Infant feeding schedules for two children.
Corrected Corrected by Mar 9, 2026
Marked corrected in the state record.
16U · Insurance Coverage
Ensure insurance is current. -Submit updated insurance to OCCL.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 10, 2025
Marked corrected in the state record.
30U · Personnel Files
Ensure staff files are complete. CPR and First Aid for Staff #12, #14, and #15. Review of abuse and neglect for Staff #1, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #13, and #16. Orientation for Staff #2 and #15. Signed job descriptions for Staff #2, #3, #14, and #17. References for Staff #2, #3, #15, and #17. Adult Abuse for Staff #2, #12, #14, #15, and #17. Service letters for Staff #2, #12, #14, #15, and #17. OCCL Health and Safety for Staff #3, #12, #14, #15, and #17. PD Plans for Staff #3, #5, #12, #15, #16, and #17. Health appraisal with TB for Staff #12 and Staff #17.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 29, 2025
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on September 24, 2025, regarding concerns of a staff member not using positive behavior management. An investigation was conducted on September 29, 2025. Three additional complaints regarding the same staff member were received on September 30, 2025. A follow-up visit to complete this investigation was conducted on October 1, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for not using positive behavior management strategies based on pictures and video footage reviewed. While Administrator #1 and six staff members stated they have only observed appropriate positive behavior management within the facility, one staff member stated they have observed questionable positive behavior management but provided no details. The pictures and video footage observed showed Staff #1 grabbing Child #1, initially by both upper arms, then by one arm, and physically removing them from their chair, which is not appropriate redirection. All other video footage observed during a follow-up visit showed Staff #1 using positive behavior management when interacting with children.
Disposition: Substantiated
On January 27, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios, use of improper discipline, not following center illness exclusion policies or termination policies, and not completing injury reports as required. An investigation was conducted on February 3, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios based on attendance records reviewed and video footage reviewed. Attendance records reflected all classrooms always met staff-to-child ratios, classrooms were in ratio when footage was reviewed, and rooms were within ratio during this visit. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for concerns for use of improper discipline based on interviews and video footage. Staff interviewed stated improper discipline is not used within the facility and video footage observed showed staff members using appropriate interactions and no improper discipline was observed. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following center illness exclusion policies or termination policies based on interviews. Staff interviewed stated they followed both policies for illnesses and termination. Children may be sent home due to lack of participating in normal daily activities and lethargy, which were noted as the reasoning to send Child #1 one day. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not completing injury reports based on interviews conducted and documents reviewed. Staff interviewed stated they completed injury reports, and a completed injury report was observed.
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing on Jul 10, 2026 · Source records · Report an error
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.
36U · Staff Attendance
Ensure staff are signed into the classroom upon arrival in the classroom. -Corrected at visit.-
Corrected Corrected by Aug 6, 2025
Marked corrected in the state record.
38U · Parents Right to Know
Ensure parent's right to know log is completed and current.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 10, 2025
Marked corrected in the state record.
40U · Child Files
Ensure children's files are complete. -Child #3 needs a health appraisal, immunizations, blood lead screening results, parent right to know, and screentime permission. -Child #5 needs blood lead screening results. - -Child #6 and Child #11 need a developmental plan. -Child #13 needs parent right to know. -Child #14 needs health appraisal.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 3, 2025
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
43U · Children's Attendance
Ensure children's attendance is accurate and has arrival and departure times for all children.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 6, 2025
Marked corrected in the state record.
45U · Hazardous Materials
Ensure Radon testing is completed every five years. -Send updated Radon results to OCCL.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 10, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
49U · Indoor Space
Ensure ceiling tiles are clean and free of water damage. Replace all water-damaged tiles in the yellow room, pink room, orange room, tigers' room, and the atrium. Ensure vents are clean and dust-free. Clean vents in all classrooms and the air conditioning vent in the lavender classroom.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 27, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
50U · Kitchen and Food Preparation
Ensure the drains in the back of the kitchen are cleaned and odor-free.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 18, 2025
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
53U · Outdoor Area
Ensure fall zones are covered with an appropriate amount of mulch. Remove all weeds and add mulch to both playgrounds.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 2, 2025
Marked corrected in the state record.
57U · Equipment
Ensure equipment is in good condition and enough for the children enrolled in the classroom. Remove/Replace broken bin in Dolphins' classroom. Add additional equipment in Tigers' classroom and the yellow classroom.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 10, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
65U · First Aid Kits
Ensure the first aid kit is complete. -First aid is missing a plastic bag, safety pins, and a triangle bandage.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 18, 2025
Marked corrected in the state record.
66U · Emergency Planning
Ensure there is access to the monthly fire drill logs. Send June and July to OCCL.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 10, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
8U · License Renewal
Ensure renewal application is submitted 60 days prior to expiration.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 12, 2025
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
27U · Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision
A licensee shall ensure supervision and direct observation of children are provided at all times. Child #1 was left in the stairwell for 4 minutes unattended.
Corrected Corrected by Oct 9, 2024
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
20U · Positive Behavior Management
Ensure positive behavior management statement is posted.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 4, 2024
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
30U · Personnel Files
Ensure staff files are complete. OCCL Health and Safety for Staff #2, #4, #7, and #10. Professional Development Plan for Staff #1 to #17.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 4, 2024
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.
40U · Child Files
Ensure children files are complete. Health appraisal for Child #4. Blood Lead screening results for Child #14.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 4, 2024
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
45U · Hazardous Materials
Ensure cleaners are in a locked cabinet or out of reach to children. -CAV
Corrected Corrected by Aug 7, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
49U · Indoor Space
Ensure all ceiling tiles are clean and free of water damage. Ensure walls are clean and cleanable. -Paint walls in the tiger classroom. Ensure trash cans are covered. - Replace the broken trash can in the yellow classroom. Ensure vents are cleaned of dust build-up. Ensure no air fresheners or room sprays are used in the facility. - Remove air fresheners in the orange and blue classroom.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 13, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
57U · Equipment
Ensure equipment is cleaned and in good repair. - Clean of replace the cover of the chair in the blue classroom.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 4, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
63U · Administration of Medication
Ensure children have completed MARs on file for diaper creams and medication is stored securely out of reach of the children (*corrected at visit).
Corrected Corrected by Sep 4, 2024
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
65U · First Aid Kits
Ensure first kit on the bus is complete. First Aid kit needs a plastic bag, pen, notepad, eye patch, and finger-splints.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 4, 2024
Marked corrected in the state record.
30U · Personnel Files
Ensure staff files are completed. Staff #1, #3, #4, and #5 need OCCL's health and safety training. Staff #2 needs CPR and Frist Aid.
Corrected Corrected by May 10, 2024
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.
38U · Parents Right to Know
Ensure the parent right-to-know log is completed for all families touring the facility.
Corrected Corrected by Apr 26, 2024
Marked corrected in the state record.
49U · Indoor Space
Ensure all surfaces are clean. -Replace damaged ceiling tiles. -Cleans vent in yellow room and tiger room. -Attach molding under the sink in Pink room. -Remove sharp edges from where molding was removed in blue room.
Corrected Corrected by May 10, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
56U · Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
Ensure all cots are labeled. -Update cot chart in purple room.
Corrected Corrected by Apr 29, 2024
Marked corrected in the state record.
57U · Equipment
Ensure classroom developmentally appropriate equipment. -Music and sensory are needed in school-age classrooms. -Remove torn blocks in red room.
Corrected Corrected by May 10, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
61U · Diapering and Soiled Clothing
Ensure diaper changing procedures are followed at all changes in the Blue room.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 27, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
49U · Indoor Space
Ensure all ceiling tiles are stain free. -Ceiling tiles in the atrium need to be replaced.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 18, 2023
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
59U · Hand Washing
Ensure all staff are washing their hands after every diaper change.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 16, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
76U · Activity Schedule
Ensure children's screen time is under one hour.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 18, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
30U · Personnel Files
Ensure staff files are complete. Health and safety for all staff. PD Plans for Staff # 1,12,17,19,21, and 23. Orientation for Staff #23. Job Description for Staff # 27. Health appraisal with Tb for staff #3. References for Staff #26.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 8, 2023
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.
38U · Parents Right to Know
Submit parent right to know log.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 7, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
40U · Child Files
Ensure child files are complete: Current Health appraisals with immunizations for Child # 2,5,6,8,10,12,15,18, and 19. Blood Lead screening results for Child # 2,5,6,9,10,14,16,17. MAR for Child # 3. Hours to attend Child #17. Mat permission Child #14.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 13, 2023
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
49U · Indoor Space
Ensure center does not use air fresheners.-Corrected at visit. Ensure floors, walls, and surfaces are clean and in good repair. Clean tables in the Pink room and dolphin room. Repair or replace the peeling tape on the floor in the pink room, blue room, and lavender room. Ensure walls are hazard free. Remove exposed screws in the tiger room. Repair broken outlet in the lavender room.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 8, 2023
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
56U · Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
Ensure nap equipment is labeled with children's names or a number system. Label nap equipment in purple room.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 6, 2023
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
61U · Diapering and Soiled Clothing
Ensure diaper-changing procedures are posted in diaper-changing areas. Post is pink and blue room. Repair or replace diaper changing mat in pink room. Replace foot active diaper trash in blue room.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 6, 2023
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
65U · First Aid Kits
Ensure first aid kit is completed. Add a triangle bandage to the first aid kit.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 8, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
66U · Emergency Planning
Ensure center has adequate emergency water supply. Corrected at visit.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 2, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
74U · Lesson Plans
Ensure lesson plans are posted in each classroom.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 6, 2023
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
75U · Activity Areas
Ensure classroom space for children ages 24 months includes all required activity areas. Add dramatic play to the purple room.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 6, 2023
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
28U · General Qualifications
Ensure all staff are determined eligible or provisional eligible before starting employment.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 30, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
24U · Staff Qualifications
Ensure interns are not alone with children younger than one year old.
Corrected Corrected by May 15, 2023
Marked corrected in the state record.
20U · Positive Behavior Management
Ensure positive behavior management is posted for families.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 7, 2022
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
25U · Substitutes, Volunteers, and Contracted Special Services Persons
Staff #13 needs a health appraisal and TB.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 3, 2022
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
30U · Personnel Files
Ensure all staff files are completed. Staff #1 needs administration of medication certification. Staff # 2 needs administration of medication certification. Staff #3 needs administration of medication certification and a professional development plan (PDP). Staff #4 needs a professional development Plan. Staff # 5 needs a professional development Plan. Staff # 6 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 8 needs administration of medication certification and a professional development plan. Staff # 9 needs an annual review of sleep safe. Staff # 10 needs administration of medication. Staff # 11 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 12 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 14 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 15 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 16 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 17 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 18 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 19 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 20 needs orientation, job description, 2 references, a health appraisal with TB results, a review of sleep safe, and a review of abuse and neglect.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 9, 2022
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.
40U · Child Files
Ensure all children's files are completed. Child #1 needs lead lab screening results. Child # 5 needs lead lab results screening results. Child # 9 needs updated health appraisal with immunizations and lead lab screen results. Child # 10 needs lead lab screening results. Child #12 needs lead lab screening results. Child # 15 needs lead lad screening results. Child # 16 needs lead lab screening results and mat permission signed. Child # 22 needs lead lab screening results.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 7, 2022
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
49U · Indoor Space
Ensure classroom walls are clean and cleanable. The blue room needs the walls repaired and painted. The back wall in the blue room is chipping in multiple spots. The lavender room needs cabinet doors cleaned. Tape residue on front cabinets. The paint needs to be cleaned out of the sink. Ensure all sinks have hot and cold water. The red room had no hot water in the bathroom. Ensure under the sink is cleaned and free of leaks.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 7, 2022
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
53U · Outdoor Area
Ensure the outdoor area is safe and clean. Replace broken glass on a door leading to the smaller playground.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 7, 2022
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
56U · Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
Ensure all cots are in good repair. Replace or repair torn cot in the red room.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 7, 2022
Marked corrected in the state record.
63U · Administration of Medication
Ensure Medication Administration Record form is complete for child # 21.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 9, 2022
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
71U · Meals and Snacks
Ensure the menu is posted for families.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 7, 2022
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
74U · Lesson Plans
Ensure lesson plans have all required components. Submit lesson plans for all classrooms.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 9, 2022
Marked corrected in the state record.
77U · Infant and Toddler Care
Ensure high chairs in the classroom and lunch room are cleaned.
Corrected Corrected by Nov 7, 2022
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
20U · Positive Behavior Management
A staff member held a child down by her torso and her ankles on her mat preventing her to move because she would not lay down during nap time. The video footage was reviewed with the staff member prior to the administrator sending the staff member home. The staff member was immediately terminated. No further corrections are required.
Corrected Corrected by May 16, 2022
Marked corrected in the state record.
Disposition: No Evidence to Substantiate
On August 7, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on August 7, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision based on staff interviews and documents reviewed. Administrator #1 stated Staff #1 accidentally scratched Child #1 when reaching in to turn the bathroom lights back on. Administrator #1 stated Child #1 has been injured other times in care due to either accidents or Child #1 s behaviors within the classroom. All of Child #1 s injury reports were observed at this visit, and they all included the details of how each injury occurred and were signed by Parent #1.
Disposition: No Evidence to Substantiate
On May 20, 2024, a complaint was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line and not accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit. The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received the complaint and accepted it for investigation on May 21, 2024, regarding concerns of improper discipline and inappropriate adult behavior. An investigation was conducted on April 16, 2024, regarding similar allegations from the same Reporter, and there was no evidence found to substantiate allegations of improper discipline, lack of supervision, or not following termination policies. Investigation of this second complaint was conducted on May 23, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline based on interviews with six staff members, interviews with four children, and observations of the classrooms. Staff members interviewed stated they did not ever use improper discipline and have not observed any improper discipline within the center. Children interviewed stated staff members do not use improper discipline. During observation of the classrooms, all children present were observed to be actively engaged in lunch with staff interacting positively with the children.
Disposition: No Evidence to Substantiate
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on April 12, 2024, regarding improper discipline and not following the center s termination policy. An investigation was conducted on April 16, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline based on staff interviews conducted. Staff interviewed stated they have not witnessed or used any improper discipline throughout the facility. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following the center s termination policies based on staff interviews and a review of the facility s termination policy in their handbook, which states, If you or anyone associated with the child becomes disrespectful toward any staff member, pose a threat, make obscene statements toward staff your child will be immediately disenrolled. All staff interviewed stated Parent #1 acted inappropriately in front of other children at the facility, leading to the termination of care for Child #1.
Disposition: No Evidence to Substantiate
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on March 28, 2024, regarding concerns of failure to report abuse/neglect and concerns about respectful communication among staff. An investigation was conducted on April 1, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for failure to report suspected abuse/neglect based on interviews and statements provided. Two staff members kept a running log of concerns about Child #1 coming to the facility dirty, with an odor, and with oversaturated or no diaper. The concern about Child #1 s hygiene was brought to the Administrator s attention. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of respectful communication based on interviews conducted. The Administrator and all staff members stated all staff use respectful communication with staff and families. The Administrator stated there was an allegation of a staff member harassing another staff member, and it was unfounded after an internal investigation. Non-Compliance cited: #18: A licensee shall have and follow written procedures for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. Two staff members were concerned about potential neglect of a child in care and kept a running log of these concerns. One of these staff members brought their concerns to the Administrator. The Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line was not called.
Disposition: Substantiated
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on February 2, 2024, regarding lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on February 5, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision based on staff interviews conducted. Two staff members were present when the children were walking through the hallway and were positioned as required for proper supervision. Parent #1 was notified immediately about Child #1 s injury, and the administrator self-reported this incident to OCCL.
Disposition: No Evidence to Substantiate
On February 9, 2024, a complaint was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line and not accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received the complaint on February 9, 2024, and screened it in regarding concerns of improper discipline, lack of supervision, and not notifying a parent immediately of serious or potentially serious injury. A second complaint was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line on February 12, 2024, and was accepted by the IAU for investigation. An investigation began on February 12, 2024, and concluded on February 15, 2024. IA Investigator Michelle Rogers notified OCCL on February 15, 2024, that she was closing her investigation as no evidence to substantiate for abuse. This complaint is substantiated for not notifying a parent immediately of serious or potentially serious injury based on interviews with staff members and documentation collected. Staff members interviewed stated Parent #1 was not notified of a head injury promptly. Parent #1 was notified three hours after the head injury occurred. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline or lack of supervision based on the video footage observed, and interviews with staff members. In the video footage, Child #1 was seen running to greet Staff #1 when they entered the classroom, and Child #1 tripped over her own feet causing her to hit her head. Staff members interviewed stated Child #1 did receive a head injury when falling and stated first-aid was given immediately.
Disposition: Substantiated
On December 14, 2023, a complaint regarding concerns of improper discipline was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line and not accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit. The Office of Child Care Licensing accepted this complaint for investigation on December 15, 2023. An investigation was conducted on December 18, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline based on the video footage observed, interviews with staff members, and observation of the classroom. In the video footage, Child #1 showed no signs of being injured and was actively engaged with the staff and children throughout the day. Staff members interviewed stated they did not observe any injury to Child #1 on that date and have not observed any improper discipline. During observation of the classroom, all children present were observed to be actively engaged in activities.
Disposition: No Evidence to Substantiate
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on October 5, 2023, and October 6, 2023, regarding lack of supervision, not following the center's policies, and discrimination. An investigation was conducted on October 9, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision based on the video footage observed. A staff member was present and attentive to the children in the classroom and was speaking to a child when another child ran up and pushed a child in the class. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following center policies based on interviews conducted, a review of the facility s handbook, and documentation of previous behavioral incidents involving this child. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint of discrimination based on interviews conducted and documentation received. The facility showed documentation of communication with Parent #1 regarding Child #1 s behaviors and the ways in which they had tried to work with the child. The facility has had a therapist come to the facility to observe the child and has also welcomed Parent #1 to observe Child #1 in the classroom. Administrator Margaret Suarez stated the facility is scheduling an observation to help Child #1 receive services at Bush Early Learning Center.
Disposition: No Evidence to Substantiate
Disposition: Unsubstantiated with Concern
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on August 23, 2023, regarding improper discipline. An investigation was conducted on August 30, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for improper discipline because video footage of the school-age classroom shows Staff #1 charging toward Child #1. The body language displayed shows Staff #1 yelling and intimidating Child #1. Additionally, Staff #3 was observed intentionally withholding an object from Child #1 by holding it above his/her head, leading Child #1 to become visibly upset and aggravated.
Disposition: Substantiated
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on June 7, 2023, regarding positive behavior supports and respectful communication with parents. An investigation was begun on June 9, 2023, and concluded on June 14, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint based on interviews conducted and observations of video footage. Interactions observed during the visits were positive.
Disposition: No Evidence to Substantiate
On May 19, 2023, a complaint was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line and not accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received the complaint on May 22, 2023, and accepted it for investigation regarding lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on May 23, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision based on video footage and staff interviews. The staff interviewed confirmed a staff member did not conduct a face-to-name head count before taking a class of children inside from the playground. The staff member was not aware a child did not come inside with the rest of the class. Video footage showed the child was left outside unsupervised for 21 minutes. Additional concerns noted during the investigation were that OCCL was not notified within one business day of a child missing while in the center s care and unapproved space in
Disposition: Substantiated
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on May 9, 2023, regarding staff not being truthful when providing information to parents or guardians. An investigation began on May 9, 2023, and ended on May 23, 2023. This complaint is substantiated because information in a letter sent to the families of children in care on May 8, 2023, contradicted non-compliances previously cited in a finalized complaint report completed by OCCL. Violations cited in the complaint report endangered the health, safety, and well-being of infants in care at the facility.
Disposition: Substantiated
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received six complaints between February 10, 2023, and February 16, 2023, regarding care being provided in the infant classroom. The concerns included improper discipline and inappropriate care of infants, including the use of physical force. Concerns about safe sleep violations and not meeting the needs of the children were also noted. The New Castle County Police Department (NCCPD) began an investigation into these reports beginning February 15, 2023, and began to review video footage. OCCL remained in contact with Detective Ashley Starratt to determine when the OCCL investigation could begin. OCCL reviewed video footage at the NCCPD with Detective Starratt on March 29, 2023. Detective Starratt notified OCCL on April 10, 2023 that OCCL was permitted to begin their investigation. OCCL conducted an unannounced visit to the facility on April 11, 2023. At the conclusion of this investigation, this complaint is substantiated for improper discipline, inappropriate care of infants, and safe sleep violations. All staff in the infant room were observed utilizing improper discipline, including roughly handling a child, grabbing and carrying infants by the wrists, knocking infants over, slapping an infant, spanking, sweeping infants hands out from under them, frightening infants, and utilizing time-out on an infant. All staff put infants onto the changing table roughly. In addition to inappropriate care of infants, the care witnessed in the footage showed all staff meeting only the very basic needs of the infants. No positive interactions were observed with the children, and no activities were implemented. Children were pushed away when they approached staff. Physical care routines such as feeding, diapering, and sleeping, did not meet DELACARE requirements. Some infants were observed only receiving a diaper change twice in an eight-hour or longer period of time. Staff were seen throwing food out prior to infants being finished with it, and no infant was held while being fed a bottle. Safe sleep violations were observed for all infant naps. Staff in the infant room were requiring a total of three hours of nap time daily for all infants, whether they were sleepy or not. Infants who were not sleeping, were left awake in their crib without any interaction. Infants were left in other confining equipment, such as a high chair or jumper, for up to and over an hour more than once. Additional concerns noted during this investigation include staff-to-child ratios, unqualified staff alone with children, lack of supervision, improper diapering and sanitation, and indoor space hazards. The infant room was out of staff-to-child ratio at least eight times, and Staff #3 was left alone multiple times and does not have a DEEDS qualification permitting her to be alone. Several instances of lack of supervision were observed, and all staff were consistently using their personal cellphones and looking at an iPad while they were responsible for supervising the infants. Staff were observed changing multiple children in a row without washing their hands or the children s hands, and not sanitizing the diaper changing mat between diaper changes. Multiple children were receiving diaper cream from the same container, and that container was within the reach of the children. Staff were also observed moving from diaper changing to preparing food without washing their hands. A staff member was observed putting soiled clothing into a plastic bag, and placing it in a laundry basket on the floor, accessible to children.
Disposition: Substantiated
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on April 10, 2023, regarding lack of supervision, and telephones not working. An investigation was conducted on April 11, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision because of video footage viewed at the visit and interviews conducted. Child #1 was left unsupervised on the playground for a total of 12 minutes. There is no evidence to substantiate telephones not working based on interviews with staff and OCCL staff receiving live answers upon calling the listed phone number for the facility. An additional concern noted during this investigation was staff providing information that was incorrect while being interviewed.
Disposition: Substantiated