Delaware records · New Castle County · Bear
LIL' EINSTEIN'S LEARNING ACADEMY
Licensed Child Care Center · Bear, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 1033382
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 234 RICKEY BOULEVARD, Bear, DE 19701
- Licensed capacity
- 102
- Ages served, as listed
- 6 weeks through 12 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- State programs listed
- Child Care Food Program;Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 5 |
| Complaint investigations | 9 |
| Citations recorded | 28 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 28 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | May 4, 2022 – July 9, 2026 |
How to read this record
A compliance visit is a licensing visit by an OCCL specialist. When the specialist finds a regulation has not been met, the visit record carries a citation: the regulation's code and short description, the specialist's corrective-action note describing what was found, and the correction record — the date correction was due, whether the state has marked it completed, the date it was corrected, and how. A complaint investigation begins with a complaint; its record carries the state's result and the investigator's written conclusion. Delaware does not grade citations by risk or severity, so no grade is shown — the specialist's note is the substance of the record. One visit can produce several citations. A citation the state later records as corrected stays in the history; that is what a licensing record is.
Record by year
| Year | Visits & investigations | Citations recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 | 6 |
| 2024 | 4 | 6 |
| 2023 | 1 | 3 |
| 2022 | 4 | 8 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
5 regulations cited at this visit.
Submit liability insurance to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 10, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 7, 2026
Ensure staff files are complete: Staff #1 needs 4 references and a health appraisal with TB. Staff #2 needs their OCCL Health/Safety training. Staff #3 needs 4 references and a health appraisal with TB. Staff #4 needs their OCCL Health/Safety training and 4 references. Staff #5 needs their OCCL Health/Safety training and 5 references. Staff #6 needs 5 training hours (ND). Staff #7 needs 18 training hours (ND). Staff #8 needs their OCCL Health and Safety training, application/resume/data sheet, 4 references, and a health appraisal with TB.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 7, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 7, 2026
Sand or paint wall in the 3's room and send a picture to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 3, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 7, 2026
Ensure infant crib sheets are tight fitting. Submit pictures of infant only crib sheets with tight fitting to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 21, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 24, 2026
Submit MAR's for sunscreen to OCCL for all children who use it. Correct sunscreen forms with correct permissions and send to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 21, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 7, 2026
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On January 15, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint alleging inappropriate screen time practices with toddlers, staff use of personal cell phones while supervising children, and insufficient materials in the one-year-old classroom. An investigation was conducted on January 21, 2026. Although no cell phone usage was observed at this visit, administration confirmed a staff person s employment was terminated due to repeated personal cell phone use in the classroom. No evidence was observed to substantiate the allegations regarding inappropriate screen time or insufficient materials. Staff interviews indicated one-year-old children do not use iPads, and employees are subject to termination for personal cell phone use in classrooms. LS #1 observed the one-year-old classroom met requirements for developmentally appropriate materials. During the visit, children were engaged with sensory-based learning materials. LS #1 reviewed Staff #2 s timecard documenting attendance concerns and tardiness, written disciplinary records, and copies of the facility s cell phone policy, time-off calendar, code of conduct, and attendance policy. Documentation and staff interviews confirmed Staff #2 violated facility policies related to cell phone use and attendance. Employment was terminated based on those violations.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On November 19, 2025, OCCL received a complaint alleging failure to use appropriate behavior supports. An unannounced visit was conducted on November 26, 2025, to investigate this complaint. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for use of inappropriate behavioral supports by Staff #1 or any staff member. Six staff and Administrator #1 were interviewed separately regarding the allegations. All staff who worked in the classroom with Staff #1 denied witnessing or hearing of the inappropriate behavior supports described in the report. Staff #1 stated she has never participated in popping or snatching children. Review of live camera footage did not show Staff #1 engaging in the inappropriate behavior supports alleged in the complaint. LS #1 informed all staff of their mandated reporter responsibilities and reiterated the requirement to contact the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line if they hear of or witness abuse of children.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On July 23, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint alleging a lack of respectful communication among staff and the Early Childhood Administrator s absence for at least 50% of the program s operating hours. The complaint was substantiated for the administrator not being present for at least 50% of the operating hours. Administrator #1 reported she does not maintain records of her daily attendance because she is a salaried employee and only provided a pay statement as documentation. Multiple staff reported Administrator #1 is present only during the licensing period; however, Administrator #1 began employment on July 26, 2025, while the licensing period covers the entire month of July. OCCL could not verify Administrator #1 s daily attendance without supporting documentation. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint regarding disrespectful communication among staff. Staff #5 stated Staff #1 can be disrespectful depending on the day, and two additional staff noted Staff #1 can be disengaged at times, and sometimes disrespectful. Administrator #1 and Staff #10 indicated Staff #1 does not display disrespectful behavior.
6 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #3 needs 1 reference. Staff #4 needs a DEEDS certificate, 4 references, and an adult health appraisal. Staff #5 needs a DEEDS certificate and 2 more references. Staff #6 needs 4 references, an adult health appraisal. Staff #7 needs 4 references, a returned service letter or 2 documented attempts. Staff #8 needs their health and safety training, administration of medication, 4 references, adult health appraisal, and fingerprinting results. (staff #8's last day is 8/8/2025, therefore these are not determined). Staff #9 must be re-fingerprinted.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 4, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2025
Ensure child files are complete. Submit blood lead screening for Child #18. Submit developmental plans for Children #2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10-12.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 29, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2025
Place additional dramatic play materials in the one year old room. This was corrected at the visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 18, 2025
Replace diaper mat in the two year old classroom. This was corrected at the visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 18, 2025
Submit fire drill for the month of July.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 4, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2025
Submit infant feeding schedules for all infants by 8/18/2025.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 29, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2025
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On July 12, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of serving food to a child when there is a known allergy, not providing medical attention to a child having an allergic reaction to a food, not providing the parent with an accident injury report, and not maintaining child files as required. An investigation was conducted on July 16, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for serving food to a child when there is a known allergy. Child #1 was served a corndog that contained dairy. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not providing medical attention to the child because staff interviewed stated Child #1 was vomiting and defecating and was being cared for by staff in the classroom. Staff denied Child #1 was turning blue or wheezing so the Epi Pen was not administered. There is no evidence to substantiate not providing an incident report because a copy of an incident report was received during this visit, but Child #1 did not return to care, so the report was not given to or signed by a parent. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not maintaining a child file as required because staff denied saying a file would be destroyed after 30 days. Staff noted child files are archived after 30 days, but not destroyed. An additional concern noted during this investigation was a Medication Administration Record (MAR) log was not completed for Child #1 s Epinephrine injection (EPI) pen, and an allergy action plan was not provided with the medication. Child #1 s medication was not stored securely and out of reach of children as it was in the child s bookbag.
6 regulations cited at this visit.
Submit updated liability insurance.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 30, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 16, 2024
Ensure staff files are complete. OCCL health and safety training is needed from Staff #2,3,13,14, and 15. References needed for Staff #2, 3, 11, 14, and 16. Health appraisal and TB needed for Staff #3 and 6. Staff #10 needs to be re-fingerprinted. Staff #13 needs her out of state results. CPR/FA is needed for Staff #10, 11, and 15.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 27, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 16, 2024
Ensure child files are complete. Child #3 needs a blood lead screening result. Child #18 needs a health appraisal. Children #11 and 18 need a developmental plan.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 27, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 16, 2024
Lock cabinet in the Pre-K room under the sink or remove chemicals and send a picture to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 16, 2024
Place an outlet cover in the two year old bathroom. This was corrected at the visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 16, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 16, 2024
Submit infant feeding schedule for Child #1.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 16, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 16, 2024
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On May 2, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns about not notifying a parent of a child injury before the child left for the day and not providing an injury report. An investigation was conducted on May 8, 2024. This complaint is substantiated because Parent #1 was not notified of the injury before the child left for the day and Staff #2 states in the text message that she thought Parent #1 was informed of the injury. Parent #1 refused to sign the incident report the next day.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On April 2, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of not following the food service policy by not forcing children to eat, and concerns about the use of improper discipline by yelling at or frightening children. An investigation was conducted on April 4, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for concerns of not following the food service policy because both Staff #1 and Staff #2 stated they did not force children to eat and did not participate in or witness food being thrown at Child #1. Staff #3 was present during this described incident and stated she did not witness any food being thrown at Child #1. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline based on staff interviews. Staff #1 and Staff #2 stated they do not yell at any children in care. Staff #3 stated she did not witness Staff #2 yell at Child #1 or Staff #1. Staff #1 stated Staff #2 does not yell at her, and they work well together. Lastly, Staff #2 mentioned she has a hearing aid in both ears which could be the reason why her voice is loud, but stated she does not scream at the children.
3 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure all staff files are complete. Staff #3 needs their health and safety training, and a returned service letter or 2 documented attempts. Staff #6 needs their fingerprinting eligibility results. Staff #8 needs their health and safety training. Staff #9 needs their health and safety training, professional development plan, annual review of safe sleep and abuse/neglect signatures. Staff #11 needs their health and safety training, 2 references, release of employment history, and a returned service letter or 4 references and 2 documented attempts. The applicant must be re-fingerprinted and determined eligible.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 15, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2023
Ensure vent fan in the two's room is operating. Fix fan and send a video of fan in use to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 21, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2023
Ensure Child #17 and 18 have updated infant feeding schedules on file. Send feeding schedule for Child #17 and #18 to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 20, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2023
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on October 12, 2022, regarding allegations of improper staff-to-child ratios, not following requirements for infant feeding, not following proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and not following requirements for hand washing. An unannounced visit was conducted on October 19, 2022, to investigate the complaint. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because it was observed during the investigation proper staff-to-child ratios were being maintained and all cleaning, sanitizing, diaper-changing, and hand-washing procedures were being followed by both staff members present in the classroom. The attendance records also documented staff-to-child ratios had been maintained in the classroom. LS Romanelli observed all bottles were labeled, and infant feeding schedules were present for each child. When staff members were interviewed, they demonstrated an understanding of the requirements when feeding infants.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
OCCL received a complaint on September 08, 2022, regarding a staff member not having an understanding of and respect for a child s family and culture; areas, furnishings, and equipment not being in a clean, hazard-free, and safe condition; a staff member not ensuring adult-child interactions, teaching strategies, activities, materials, and equipment are adapted as needed to support all children s learning; a staff member not following diapering procedures; a staff member not following a parent s choice to provide the child s food; improper discipline and staff not teaching by example by not being respectful when speaking to children; a staff member giving out a child s information without written permission from the parent or guardian and the licensee not ensuring children s files are available to staff responsible for particular children on a need-to-know basis; a staff member not following training she received on photographing or videotaping children; improper staff-to-child ratios; and a staff member participating in personal activities that interfere with providing care to children. An investigation was conducted on September 14, 2022. The complaint is substantiated for a staff member not following diapering procedures because the staff member received a written warning for not changing a child s diaper on August 4, 2022. A concern noted was a parent s choice to provide food for their child was not documented in a written statement and kept on file. There was no evidence to substantiate the following allegations: a staff member not having an understanding of and respect for a child s family and culture; areas, furnishings, and equipment not being in a clean, hazard-free, and safe condition; a staff member not ensuring adult-child interactions, teaching strategies, activities, materials, and equipment are adapted as needed to support all children s learning; staff not teaching by example by not being respectful when speaking to children; a staff member givi ng out a child s information without written permission from the parent or guardian and the licensee not ensuring children s files are available to staff responsible for particular children on a need-to-know basis; a staff member not following training she received on photographing or videotaping children; improper staff-to-child ratios; and a staff member participating in personal activities that interfere with providing care to children. Although there was no evidence to substantiate the allegation that Staff #2 specifically used improper discipline, it is concerning that two out of eight staff stated Staff #1 yelled at children when she was employed at the center and the two staff did not report the violation to the center s administration.
8 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure facility has a current liability insurance certificate.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 27, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 12, 2022
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #2 needs their DOE certification and Medication certification. Staff #3 needs their completed PD plan, the signature of the annual review of sleep safe, abuse & neglect, a signature of orientation and drug and alcohol and declaration, and an updated health appraisal. Staff #4 needs an updated health appraisal and a completed service letter. Staff #5 needs an updated health appraisal and a completed service letter. Staff #6 needs a complete service letter. Staff #7 needs an updated health appraisal. Staff # 9 and Staff # 10 need a complete service letter. Staff #11 needs 2 references, an updated health appraisal, and a completed service letter.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 12, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 12, 2022
Ensure each parent signs the annual parent's right to know log.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 19, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 27, 2022
Ensure child files are complete. Child # 1,4,5,6,7,10,12,17 need blood lead screening results.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 27, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 12, 2022
Ensure all outlets and power strips are covered in the bathrooms and classrooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 13, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due July 13, 2022
Ensure each classroom has a working thermometer in the refrigerators and freezers.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 13, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due July 13, 2022
Ensure there are paper towels in the two-year-old class bathroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 13, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due July 13, 2022
Ensure each infant has a completed written feeding schedule with monthly updates.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 15, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 13, 2022
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On April 4, 2022, OCCL accepted a complaint in regards to allegations that a staff member was verbally threatening a child in care. An investigation was conducted on April 18, 2022. This complaint is substantiated for improper discipline because children stated that Staff #1 threatens to hit them on the head with a tissue box when they do not listen. One child was hit on the head with a tissue box by Staff #1, but he believes she was being silly.
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