Delaware records · Kent County · Dover
SHELL'S EARLY LEARNING CENTER - DOVER
Licensed Child Care Center · Dover, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 1094617
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 868 S STATE ST, Dover, DE 19901
- Licensed capacity
- 84
- Ages served, as listed
- 8 weeks through 12 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- State programs listed
- Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 7 |
| Complaint investigations | 15 |
| Citations recorded | 52 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 52 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | December 3, 2021 – May 28, 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 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 | 16 |
| 2024 | 7 | 12 |
| 2023 | 6 | 9 |
| 2022 | 4 | 8 |
| 2021 | 1 | 6 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
1 regulation cited at this visit.
Ensure OCCL is notified within one business day in the event of an equipment breakdown that threatens the health and safety of children in care, including a loss of power. According to Owner #1, the building experienced a partial power outage that was caused by water intrusion affecting the facility s exterior wiring. OCCL was not notified of the loss of power. This was discussed and corrected when staff agreed to comply in the future.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 28, 2026 · how corrected: Telephone · correction was due May 28, 2026
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On September 5, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding diapering procedures, administration of medication, not following the center s health exclusion policy in the parent handbook, and not following their complaint policy in the parent handbook and/or providing owner contact information. An investigation was conducted on September 11, 2025. The complaint is substantiated for improper diapering procedures and administration of medication because according to Administrator #1, Staff #1 was not thoroughly cleaning children during diaper changes, and a Medication Administration Record (MAR) was not available for diaper cream for one child. There is no evidence to substantiate for not following the center s health exclusion policy in the handbook and not following their complaint policy in the handbook and/or providing owner contact information because staff denied the allegations and the policies were followed.
1 regulation cited at this visit.
Ensure the licensee, governing body, and employees follow all applicable federal, State, and local laws and regulations. During a complaint investigation on August 6, 2025, Executive Director #1 confirmed to OCCL that Owner #1 was currently in prison for tax issues related to the child care centers. This was discussed and corrected when Executive Director #1 agreed to comply in the future.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 6, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due September 5, 2025
15 regulations cited at this visit.
Post the positive behavior management statement/policy.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 16, 2025
Ensure staff are fingerprinted and an eligibility determination or provisional eligibility is on file. A staff member was observed working in the one-year-old classroom with a qualified staff member. The staff member does not have eligibility or provisional eligibility on file. This was corrected when the staff member was removed from the facility.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 2, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due September 2, 2025
Ensure staff files are complete. Two staff members need professional development plans. Two staff members need CPR certification. Three staff members need first aid certification. One staff member needs to complete OCCL's Health and Safety Training for Child Care Professionals. Two staff members need two references. One staff member needs three references. One staff member needs an eligibility letter. One staff member needs adult abuse registry check. Three staff members need an adult health appraisal with TB results. One staff member needs a complete release of employment history and corresponding service letters.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 24, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 16, 2025
Ensure child files are complete. One child needs a health appraisal and immunization record. Four children need blood lead screening results. Two children need infant feeding schedules.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 16, 2025
Ensure hazardous materials are stored inaccessible and cleaners are locked up. Multiple cleaners were observed in an unlocked cabinet in the one-year-old classroom. Remove the cleaners or lock the cabinet.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 16, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 9, 2025
Ensure all areas are clean and in safe condition. The non-slip mat on one of the steps leading to the Pre-k classroom is lifted causing a tripping hazard. Clean the sink located in the three-year-old classroom. Ensure walls are cleanable and in good repair. The baseboard in the bathroom located by the kitchen needs repaired/covered.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 9, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 9, 2025
Purchase a thermometer for the freezer in the infant classroom to ensure the temperature is at 0 degrees F or colder.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 16, 2025
Ensure liquid soap is accessible for hand washing. Several bars of soap and a bottle of liquid soap were observed in the bathroom located in the three-year-old classroom. Ensure bathrooms are located in the two-year-old classroom needs to be cleaned. Mold was observed in the toilet bowl and around the base of the toilet was dirty.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 9, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 9, 2025
Ensure all gates in the outdoor play area are self-closing and self-latching. The gate closest to the parking lot is no longer self-latching.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 16, 2025
Ensure nap equipment is non-absorbent. Several nap mats in the Pre-K classroom and two-year-old classroom were ripped causing them to no longer be non-absorbent. Ensure rest equipment is labeled. The nap mats in the two-year-old classroom were not labeled.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 9, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 16, 2025
Ensure equipment is sturdy and hazard free. Remove the broken metal chair and the broken plastic chair from the school-age classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 16, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 9, 2025
Ensure soap/water and sanitizer/disinfectant is available and used on items/equipment as required. The Pre-K classroom did not have soap/water and sanitizer/disinfectant available.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 16, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 9, 2025
Ensure the first aid kit is complete. Purchase a first aid guide, gauze pads, thermometer, and tweezers.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 18, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 16, 2025
Ensure lesson plans contain daily opportunities for physical, social-emotional, language/literacy, and cognitive development and weekly opportunities for each special activity. The lesson plan needs to be posted or available for review. A lesson plan was not available for the one-year-old classroom and two-year-old classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 9, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 16, 2025
Ensure the renewal application is submitted at least 60 days prior to the license expiration.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 9, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 16, 2025
12 regulations cited at this visit.
Submit the general liability insurance to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 10, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2024
Ensure the EC Administrator (ECA) has the infant/toddler specialization training listed on the ECA certificate.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 10, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2024
Ensure staff files are complete. One staff member needs CPR and first aid certification, OCCL's Health & Safety training, an adult abuse registry check, an adult health appraisal with TB results, completed release of employment history, and service letters or two documented attempts. Two staff members need a professional development plan, annual review of abuse and neglect, and annual review of safe sleep. One staff member needs OCCL's Health and Safety training, an eligibility letter, adult abuse registry check, and service letters or two documented attempts. One staff member needs CPR & first aid certification, a professional development plan, adult abuse registry check, an adult health appraisal with TB results, completed release of employment history, and service letters. One staff member needs annual review of safe sleep, an application, resume, or personal data sheet, employee declaration, drug/alcohol statement, an eligibility letter, an adult abuse registry check, and an adult health appraisal with TB results.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 15, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2024
Ensure staff attendance is documented to include exact hours worked in each classroom or area. A staff member did not sign out of the three-year-old classroom when she left. This was corrected when the staff member was signed out.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 26, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 26, 2024
Ensure child files are complete. One child needs a child information card. Two children need health appraisals. Two children need blood lead screening results. One child needs transportation permission. Two children need infant feeding schedules.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 15, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2024
Ensure counter surfaces are cleanable and in good repair. Repair the side strip of the counter in the bathroom located next to the two-year-old classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 10, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2024
Ensure rest equipment is non-absorbent. Several nap mats in each classroom are ripped with exposed foam and need to be replaced.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 20, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2024
Ensure soap and water and disinfectant are available to clean and sanitize items/equipment as required. the Pre-K and two-three-year-old classrooms need soap and water bottles.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 10, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2024
Ensure the surface used for diaper changing is non-porous. The diaper-changing mat in the two/three-year-old classroom is ripped and needs to be replaced.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 15, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2024
Purchase an instant cold pack and roll gauze for the first aid kit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 10, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2024
Purchase an emergency water supply.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 10, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2024
Ensure the renewal application is submitted at least 60 days prior to the license expiration. This was corrected when the application was received on 9/12/2024.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 12, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 12, 2024
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On August 27, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received eight complaints and one self-reported event. In addition to the use of inappropriate language in the classroom as stated in the self-reported event, the Reporter(s) also alleged improper discipline, not using positive developmentally appropriate methods of behavior support for children, an insect infestation, no hand soap, no paper towels, and no toilet paper in the center. An investigation was conducted on August 29, 2024. The complaint is substantiated for improper discipline and not using positive developmentally appropriate methods of behavior support for children because video footage showed Staff #1 grab and pull-on Child #1 s arm and the staff member is heard yelling at the child. A second video showed Staff #1 cussing at a child. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of an insect infestation because Owner #1 stated she has an exterminator visit the center once a month to treat the facility for insects. The licensing specialist also observed glue traps in the kitchen but did not observe any cockroaches or other bugs. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of not having hand soap, paper towels, and toilet paper because the licensing specialist observed hand soap and paper towels at each classroom sink and hand soap, paper towels, and toilet paper in each bathroom. The licensing specialist also observed a supply closet full of paper towels and toilet paper and extra hand soap in a cabinet in the kitchen.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On July 1, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding failure to complete an accident/injury report, lack of supervision, and not following procedures to provide the owner s contact information when requested by parents. An investigation was conducted on July 2, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because Staff #1 s description of the incident and video footage demonstrates Staff #1 facing the classroom while standing at the changing table. Staff #1 immediately went over to Child #1, who was crying, to console her and check for injuries. Staff #1 checked Child#1 s arms, legs, and back for signs of injury and did not see any. Due to the fact there were no known injuries, Staff #1 did not complete an accident/injury report. The owner stated she called and spoke with the parent more than once to discuss the incident. Additionally, the Brightwheel application the center uses allows parents to message the administration directly. A concern noted was a one-year-old child was asleep on the floor in the middle of the classroom. This was discussed with Staff #1 who immediately woke the child and placed him at the table for activities.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On June 18, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding a lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on June 18, 2024. This complaint is substantiated because according to video footage on June 18, 2024, at 9:44 am, Child #1 ran from across playground, stopped by the gate, leaned into the gate, realized it opened, and ran out. The gate closed behind him. Staff #1 immediately got up and ran to the gate. Staff #1 looked out, turned around, got the other children inside of the fence, slammed the gate, and ran after Child #1. Staff #1 reentered the gate holding Child #1 at 9:45 am. A concern noted was the gate did not self-latch when opened about six inches but did close if it was opened more than six inches.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On June 17, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding cockroaches being in the classrooms. An investigation was completed on June 26, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because Owner Lichell Isaac stated she has already contacted an exterminator who has started the treatments necessary to expel the cockroaches. Additionally, staff interviewed stated Ms. Isaac took immediate steps to remedy the cockroach issue in the center.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On May 23, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding improper staff-to-child ratio. An investigation began on May 29, 2024, and concluded on June 14, 2024. This complaint is substantiated because according to attendance records on May 23, 2024, from 8:09 am 8:15 am, a classroom containing one and two-year-olds was over ratio with up to 13 children with only one staff person. A second staff person did not sign in to the classroom until 8:35 am. An additional concern noted, was the diaper-changing mat in the one-year-old classroom was dirty and ripped.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On May 6, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of supervision and accident/injury reports. An investigation was conducted on May 9, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because all staff interviewed stated they were unaware of any injuries occurring to Child #1 on May 1, 2024, and the licensing specialist did not observe anything in the classroom that would cause a burn.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on October 5, 2023, regarding not following accident/injury procedures. An investigation was conducted on October 16, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for not following accident/injury procedures because the facility did not document notifying the parent of the injury to the head that occurred on October 4, 2023. Staff #3 stated she applied ice to the forehead but did not notify the parent that Child #1 got hit on the forehead.
9 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Four staff need training hours. Four staff need 2 hours of health and safety training. Five staff need professional development plans. Five staff need OCCL's health and safety training. Two staff need CPR and First Aid. One staff needs eligibility letter from CHU. Four staff need health appraisals with TB screening results. Two staff need service letters with two documented attempts.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 27, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2023
Ensure child files are complete. Child #1, #4, #5 need blood lead screening results. Child #4 and Child #5 need a development plan. Child #6 needs a health appraisal.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 27, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2023
Ensure all sinks supply hot and cold water. The sink in the 4/5 year old classroom's girls bathroom, the 3 year old classroom's bathroom and the sink in the 2 year old classroom did not supply hot water.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 27, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2023
Repair the gates in the outdoor play area to ensure they self close. Move the climbing equipment when children's feet leave the ground to the fall zone area.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 27, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2023
Ensure nap equipment is non-absorbent. Several nap mats are ripped throughout the building.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 27, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2023
Purchase a non-purpose surface for diaper changes for the infant and one-year-old classrooms. This was corrected when two new mats were purchased. Ensure disposable covers are used for each diaper change. The older/younger twos classroom did not have disposable covers are available. Ensure the area is cleaned with soap and water and disinfected after each diaper change. LS Mack observed the area not cleaned and sanitized after a diaper change in the two-year-old classroom. This was discussed and corrected when staff agreed to comply in the future.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 26, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due October 10, 2023
Ensure lesson plans contain weekly opportunities for each special activity. The three-year-old and four-year-old classrooms need a food or healthy habit added to their lesson plans.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 27, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2023
Post a daily schedule in the two-year-old classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 27, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 10, 2023
Ensure the renewal application is submitted at least 60 days prior to the license expiration. This was corrected when the application was submitted at the visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 26, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 26, 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 July 28, 2023, regarding staff communication, not keeping the center clean, and meals and snacks. An investigation was conducted on August 3, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because interviewed staff denied the allegations, this specialist observed clean classrooms, and two classrooms had cleaned and sanitized toys on the tables.
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 March 21, 2023, regarding positive behavior supports, diapering procedures, and accident/injury procedures. An investigation was conducted on March 28, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because interviewed staff denied the allegations and this specialist observed an infant with a soiled diaper and clothing being changed appropriately.
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 February 22, 2023, regarding improper discipline and lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on February 28, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because interviewed staff denied the allegations and this specialist did not observe an object in the infant classroom that could have caused the mark on Child #1. In addition, the owner stated Parent #1 later informed her she found out Child #1 was burned by a heater at Child #1 s grandmother s house.
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 February 14, 2023, regarding handwashing procedures, parents not being notified when their children are exposed to a contagious disease, staff using cell phones while caring for children, and not following proper meal components. An investigation was conducted on February 21, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because this specialist observed proper handwashing procedures, a notice was posted for impetigo, and interviewed staff denied all of the allegations.
8 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure all staff files are completed. Staff # 1 needs an updated review of abuse and neglect. Staff #2 needs an orientation, job description, 2 references, and an adult abuse registry check. Staff #3 needs 2 references. Staff #4 needs orientation, job description, 2 references, declaration, drug and alcohol statement, adult abuse registry check, review of child abuse and neglect, and review of sleep safe. Staff #5 needs orientation. Staff #6 needs a professional development plan with goals. Staff 7 needs a job description, adult abuse registry check, and health appraisal with TB.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 2, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 7, 2022
Ensure children's files are completed. Child #1 and Child # 10 need lead screening results.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 19, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 7, 2022
Ensure all trash cans are working properly. Replace the trash can in the pre-k room and remove the broken trash can in the two-year-old room.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 30, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 7, 2022
Ensure thermometers are in refrigerators and freeze. Place thermometers in the infant refrigerator and freezer. Replace the thermometer in the kitchen refrigerator.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 30, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 7, 2022
Ensure diaper changing mats are free from tears. Replace diaper changing mat in the back two-year room and one-year-old classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 30, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 7, 2022
Ensure there is water for a shelter in place.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 30, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 7, 2022
Ensure lesson plans are hanging up in each classroom. Send over a week of lesson plans. Classrooms with outdated lesson plans were the one-year-old room, two-year-old room, and pre-k room.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 19, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 7, 2022
Ensure application is submitted 60 days before license expiration.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 19, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 7, 2022
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
OCCL received a complaint on August 3, 2022, regarding the center not following accident and injury procedures. An investigation began on August 5, 2022, and concluded on August 8, 2022. This complaint is substantiated because a copy of the accident/injury report was not available at the time it was requested and once the report was submitted, it shows the report was signed by the parent on August 8, 2022. In addition, the report did not have a description of the injury and it did not reflect first aid was administered to Child #1 like Staff #1 stated.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On June 15, 2022, OCCL received a complaint regarding improper staff-to-child ratio. An investigation was conducted on June 16, 2022. This complaint is no evidence to substantiate because LS Sommer observed proper staff-to-child ratio at the visit and attendance records for the day reflected proper staff-to-child ratio.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On May 16, 2022, OCCL received a complaint regarding not following the facility s termination policy. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because Ms. Isaac followed her termination policies. An additional concern noted is a change in administrator and curriculum coordinator occurred more than five days ago without notification to OCCL.
6 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs administration of medication and six additional hours of annual training. Staff #2 needs four references.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 22, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 17, 2021
Ensure radon testing is conducted within six months of renovations. This was corrected when radon testing was submitted to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 3, 2021 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due December 3, 2021
Repair the cubby with exposed wood to prevent injury in the two-year-old classroom. Replace the rusty mini-refrigerator in the infant classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 26, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 17, 2021
Repair the ventilation in the two-year-old classroom bathroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 26, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 17, 2021
Repair the gate facing the front of the facility to ensure it is self-closing. Repair the chipping paint on the side of the building.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 26, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 17, 2021
Purchase additional water to allow shelter in place for 24 hours.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 26, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 17, 2021
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