Delaware records · New Castle County · New Castle
TWINKLE LITTLE STARS-EARLY EDUCATION CENTER
Licensed Child Care Center · New Castle, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 1328421
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 34 PARKWAY CIR, New Castle, DE 19720
- Licensed capacity
- 38
- Ages served, as listed
- 8 weeks through 12 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- State programs listed
- Child Care Food Program;Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 5 |
| Complaint investigations | 6 |
| Citations recorded | 52 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 52 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | May 19, 2022 – October 20, 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 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 | 15 |
| 2024 | 2 | 14 |
| 2023 | 3 | 17 |
| 2022 | 1 | 2 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On October 5, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns involving improper diapering practices, inappropriate staff interactions, repeated requests for early pick- up, inadequate communication and documentation, not following procedures to handle parent complaints, and possible unequal treatment of Child #1. An investigation was conducted on October 15, 2026. Based on the investigation, the complaint is substantiated for failure to follow required diapering procedures. Administrator #1 acknowledged Child #1 did not receive a scheduled diaper change on July 7, 2026. Administrator #1 reported Staff #1 and Staff #2 were alternating responsibility for diaper changes and overlooked Child #1 during the diapering routine. Administrator #1 confirmed the program subsequently reviewed diapering procedures with the involved staff members, revised staff responsibilities for completing diaper changes, and expanded daily care documentation within Brightwheel. Administrator #1 confirmed Parent #1 reported a severe diaper rash following the missed diaper change; however, no medical documentation was provided to the program, and Administrator #1 reported no visible evidence of a severe diaper rash when Child #1 returned to care. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving inappropriate staff interactions toward Child #1. Administrator #1 denied knowledge of a staff member kissing Child #1 on the mouth or cheeks and reported no observations involving inappropriate physical interactions. Interviewing Staff #1 was not possible as Staff #1 is no longer employed at the facility. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving repeated behavioral exclusions or suspension from care. Administrator #1 reported one request for early pick-up due to behavioral concerns on October 2, 2026. Parent #1 did not pick up Child #1 early following the request. Administrator #1 denied Child #1 had been su spended or expelled from the program. Regarding health-related exclusions, Administrator #1 reported Child #1's family was contacted on two occasions due to vomiting and associated symptoms. Administrator #1 stated the decisions were based upon reported symptoms and the program's illness-exclusion procedures. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving not following procedures to handle parent complaints due to denial to view surveillance footage. Administrator #1 reported the program's current surveillance system provides live viewing only and does not retain recorded footage. Owner #1 was reportedly working to establish recording capabilities. The investigation did not identify evidence of existing recorded footage being intentionally withheld from Parent #1, nor is providing video surveillance an OCCL requirement. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving unequal treatment of Child #1 based upon ethnicity. Administrator #1 denied discriminatory practices and reported the program maintains a nondiscrimination policy. Administrator #1 stated their involvement with Child #1's behavior would remain consistent with any other child as safety is the priority.
4 regulations cited at this visit.
All staff must have a DEEDS certificate on file before being able to be left alone with children. Staff #1 and #2 were observed caring for children by themselves.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 24, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 12, 2026
Ensure all staff members have current Eligibility Letter issued by CHU on file. Staff #3 was working with children without an Eligibility Letter. However, a Provisional Eligibility letter was issued, but it was due to expire in April. The administrator had PA CAN and Criminal on file, and was unaware it needed to be submitted to CHU.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 24, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 12, 2026
Ensure all staff files are complete. The following is needed: - Admin of Medication--Staff #1 - Orientation -- Staff #1 - OCCL H/S Training--Staff #1 - Job Description--Staff #3 - 1 Reference--Staff #1 - Release of Employment--Staff #3 - Service Letters (if applicable)--Staff #3
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 24, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 12, 2026
Ensure all renewal application materials are submitted to OCCL 60 days prior to the license expiration of April 30, 2026. The application was submitted on 5/14/2026 via email, and LS obtained the remaining documentation at the visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 21, 2026 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due May 21, 2026
15 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure all staff files are complete. The following is needed: - Staff #1 needs an updated Annual Review of Safe Sleep and Abuse and Neglect (this was a TA item since Staff #1 is a sub and has not worked this licensing year.) - Staff #2 needs OCCL Health and Safety training and Proof of 2 attempts to receive Service Letters. - Staff #3 needs OCCL Health and Safety training, Application, References, Release of Employment and Service Letters. - Staff #4 needs an updated annual review of Safe Sleep and Abuse and Neglect, OCCL Health and Safety Training, and a Receipt for Updated Fingerprints.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 20, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
Ensure Child Files are complete. The following items are needed: - Date of Enrollment for Child #1 - Updated immunizations for Child #4 - Blood Lead Screener for Child #3 and 8 - Transportation Permission for Child #8 - Mat Permission for Child #9
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 5, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
Updated Developmental Plans are needed for Child #1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 29, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
-Ensure cleaners in the Infant Room are labeled. - Ensure cleaners are inaccesible to children--they were observed within reach in both hallway bathrooms and air fresheners were accessible in the hallways cabinet (next to bathroom)
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 18, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
- Air Fresheners are prohibited -- remove from all spaces used by children. - If a power strip is utilized in classroom, must have plug covers in unused spots. - Ensure all trash is covered (in both bathrooms). - Repair or replace trash can in Two's Room.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 18, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
Kitchen refrigerator and freezer need to be cleaned and organized and thermometer needs to be in the freezer reading below 0 . Send pic to OCCL. - Food that is opened and stored in the kitchen needs to be labeled with expiration date and date opened.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 18, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
Ensure all air register vents are cleaned and free from dust in all rooms and hallways occupied by the children.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 27, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
Both gates on the playground must have working self-latching mechanisms and may not be locked when in use (back gate was closed shut with duct tape). Send pics to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 18, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
Ensure all nap mats are free from tears and rips and are cleanable. There was 1 in the Two's Room and 1 in the Preschool room. Send pics to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 27, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
Ensure a disposable covering is used on the diaper changing mats. Send pics to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 27, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
Ensure all Medication Administration Records are signed by parent/guardian. Child #11's family must sign MAR. Send pic to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 18, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
Ensure there is an emergency supply of water available for all children for 24 hours.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 18, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
Ensure the lesson plan in the Two's classroom has all of the required curriculum areas. Use OCCL template
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 27, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
Ensure that Infants and Twos have clear and identifiable spaces for all developmental areas with developmentally appropriate materials. - Infants need Blocks and Building materials. - Twos need blocks/building materials, dramatic play, art materials, science, and math.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 18, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2025
Ensure annual renewal application and all of the components necessary are submitted to OCCL 60 days prior to license expiration.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 20, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due May 20, 2025
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On April 10, 2025, a complaint was reported to the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regarding allegations of children not being provided appropriate portions of food at mealtimes and classrooms being out of staff-to-child ratio. An investigation was conducted on April 25, 2025. Based on the findings of this investigation, the complaint is substantiated for staff-to-child ratios not being followed. LS #1 observed the two-year-old classroom with ten children present and one staff member. This complaint is substantiated for children not being provided adequate portion sizes at meal times. LS #1 observed all of the classrooms being served half of a sun butter and jelly sandwich, three apple slices, and a half of a string cheese stick, and milk. Additional concerns were identified during the investigation conducted on April 25, 2025. One concern involves the use of an individual, Staff #4, who stated he/she had been employed at the center for about two years, to prepare meals for the children without having fingerprint clearance on file for the program. Staff #4 was observed in the kitchen preparing food despite not being listed on the program s people screen generated on the morning of the visit. Another concern was the observation of children being left unattended in classrooms. Upon arrival, LS #1 was greeted at the door by Staff #1, who left the two-year-old classroom unsupervised to answer the door. Additionally, during the course of the investigation, both Staff #2 and Staff #3 were observed leaving their classrooms. Specifically, Staff #2 exited the infant classroom and closed the door behind them to come to the front of the facility to speak with LS #1, leaving the children unattended. Staff #3 was observed in the hallway handing food to Staff #1. Although Staff #3 maintained visual supervision of the classroom from the hallway, Staff #4, who is not fingerprinted for the program, was present in the classroom during this time.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On December 27, 2024, a complaint was called in to the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regarding allegations of the heat not working properly in the building. An investigation began on December 27, 2024, and concluded on January 31, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for continuing operations when the heat was not functioning at a level that could maintain the required minimum temperature of 68 F within all classrooms. Upon arrival on December 27, 2024, two classrooms were at 66 F after the center had been open for over four hours. Upon arrival on January 8, 2025, one classroom was at 61 F and another was at 64 F. An additional concern noted was OCCL requested submission of a variance request to utilize a non-licensed space on January 13, 2025. Administrator #1 confirmed on January 31, 2025, the heater had been repaired and this space was utilized without submission of this request. A follow-up visit on February 13, 2025, verified all classrooms were operating within the required temperature range.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On October 21, 2024, a complaint was called in the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regarding concerns of improper discipline, lack of supervision, and keeping a child in confining equipment for long periods of time. An investigation was conducted on October 22, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision because although staff denied leaving or witnessing a child left alone in a highchair in the hallway, children were observed unattended in the preschool classroom during this visit. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline. Multiple staff members were asked if they had ever observed use of improper discipline by anyone currently or previously employed by the center; all of which reported no. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for having a child in confining equipment for over 30 minutes. All staff members interviewed denied observing a child in a highchair for a long period of time. An additional concern noted at this visit was the presence of a wooden playground structure that was in poor condition and could potentially result in injury. Another concern noted at this visit was there was not a qualified designated person responsible for day-to-day operations in the absence of Administrators #1 and #2. At the time of the visit, neither named Administrators nor the Applicant were available, and Staff # 4 was assisting LS #1 and Licensing Supervisor #1. Staff #4 currently holds an Early Childhood Intern DEEDS certificate.
14 regulations cited at this visit.
Send current liability insurance document to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 21, 2024
Post a positive behavior management statement and send a copy to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 24, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 21, 2024
Ensure all staff members are fingerprinted before the start of employment and staff are supervised at all times until eligibility is determined. Ensure the adult abuse registry is checked for each staff. Staff #7 is not eligible, needs PA out-of-state clearance.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 24, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 21, 2024
Ensure all staff files are complete. The center/staff are required to send release of employment forms and service letters to previous employers. Send service letters and release forms for Staff #7, #8, #9, #10, and #11. Staff #6 needs health appraisal with TB results Staff #7 needs job description, references, health appraisal with TB results and eligibility letter, has pending OOS clearance Staff #8 needs TB results Staff #9 needs job description, references Staff #10 needs application/resume, job description, references, health appraisal with TB results Staff #11 needs staff orientation needs annual safe sleep, annual abuse and neglect, references, and health appraisal with TB results Staff #7, #8, #9, #10, #11 need to complete OCCL health and safety for child care professionals. Send copies to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 24, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 21, 2024
Ensure all staff complete annual training. Staff #2, #4, #5, #7, #9, #10, and #11 need 18 training hours.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 24, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 21, 2024
Complete and file a professional development plan for admin and staff providing care. Staff #2, #4, #7, #9, #10, and #11 need a PD plan in file. Send copies to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 21, 2024
Staff #9, #10 need First Aid/ CPR certifications. Send copies to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 21, 2024
Send a copy of your Parents Right to Know log to OCCL by June 14, 2024.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 14, 2024
Ensure all child files are complete. Child #1, #2 and #3 need blood lead test results Child #6 needs updated immunization records and health appraisal, Child #7 needs an immunization record and blood lead results. Send documents to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 21, 2024
Annual progress reports are required, and documentation of the annual conference is required. Send progress reports for Child #1 through Child #10. to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 21, 2024
Send a picture of working thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer. Refrigerators must be 41 F or colder and freezer at 0 F.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 14, 2024
Ensure soap and water and sanitizer or disinfectant are available and used on items as required.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 14, 2024
Ensure staff are certified to administer medication. Staff #9 and #10 need certification.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 21, 2024
Renewal application must be submitted at least 60 days before license expiration. Send to OCCL. Submit business license
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 16, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 17, 2024
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On September 11, 2023, the Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint regarding allegations of improper staff-to-child ratios and the administrator not being present for the required amount of time. On September 15, 2023, an unannounced visit was conducted to investigate this complaint. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because the classrooms were maintaining the correct staff-to-child ratios at the time of the visit and the attendance records documented correct ratios had been followed all week. It was also determined through documentation and staff interviews that the administrator was present in the building for the required amount of time per the regulations. The concern that was observed during the complaint investigation was Staff #1 was present in the building and had not yet been fingerprinted for the center. Additionally, the television in the infant/one-year-old classroom was being used. Both concerns were corrected at the visit. Staff #1 was asked to leave the building and instructed they could not return until after being fingerprinted and determined eligible by the Criminal History Unit. The television was turned off in the infant/one-year-old classroom and Regulation #76 was reviewed with the staff members present in the classroom.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On May 17, 2023, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding improper staff-to-child ratio and staffing requirements. An investigation was conducted on May 17, 2023. The complaint is substantiated for insufficient staff and improper staff-to-child ratios because all three staff members who were interviewed stated the center did not employ enough staff members to maintain the correct staff-to-child ratios.
17 regulations cited at this visit.
Post a copy of the center's positive behavior management policy and send a picture of the posted policy to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 26, 2023
Hire an Early Childhood Administrator with Infant/Toddler specialized training to be present in the center 50% of the hours of operation. A licensee shall ensure sufficient qualified staff members are hired and retained to meet the requirements of these regulations. Provide a staffing plan to OCCL documenting staff schedules for each classroom, including how breaks for the staff will be covered prior to re-opening the facility.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 16, 2023
There was a staff member alone with four children in the Lil Starbucks classroom. This staff member has not been fingerprinted for the center and does not have an Early Childhood certificate from DEEDS. This was corrected at the visit when the staff member was removed from the building and the classroom was combined with the Light Bright classroom. Supervision occurs through the assignment of qualified staff members. A staff member was alone with children without a DEEDS qualification. Two of the classrooms were combined to come into compliance at the time of the visit. A licensee shall maintain the staff-to-child ratio at all times. All staff interviewed stated they are regularly over the required staff-to-child ratio. The facility has closed temporarily until this issue is addressed.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 17, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due May 17, 2023
There was a staff member present in the building that has not been fingerprinted for the center. This was corrected at the visit was the staff member was removed from the building. The staff member must be fingerprinted and determined eligible by the Criminal History Unit before returning to the center. Send a copy of the fingerprinting receipt to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 17, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due May 17, 2023
All child files must be complete. Send the current health appraisal with immunizations and blood lead screening for four children. Send documentation of the completed blood lead screening for two children.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 1, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 16, 2023
Send the completed development plan for all children.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 1, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 16, 2023
Clean the floor mats and floor in the Lil Twinkles classroom. Send pictures when completed.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 26, 2023
The center is preparing food without OCCL approval for the center's kitchen. If the center chooses to continue the food service, the center needs to install a separate handwashing sink in the kitchen and receive OCCL approval.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 16, 2023
All staff files must be complete. Send the current CPR/First Aid for three staff members. Send the Administration of Medication certificate for three staff members. Send the completed professional development plan for three staff members. Send the completed staff orientation record for two staff members. Send the completed Health and Safety training certificates for four staff members. Send the application or personal data sheet for four staff members. Send the job description for five staff members. Send the references for four staff members. Send the fingerprinting receipt for one staff member. Send the adult abuse registry for one staff member. Send the adult health appraisal with TB for four staff members. Send the completed release of employment history for two staff members. Send the service letters for six staff members.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 1, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 16, 2023
Mat permission forms must be signed by the parents for all children 12 - 18 months of age that are sleeping on mats or cots. Send the signed permission form to OCCL. Crib and pack-n-plays must have a tight-fitted sheet when being used. Purchase the appropriate sheets for the pack-n-plays used in the center.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 16, 2023
Ensure the classrooms have a sufficient quantity of age-appropriate toys and materials present for the children.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 16, 2023
Ensure there is soap and water bottles and sanitizing solution available for the cleaning and sanitizing of the diaper changing table.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 26, 2023
Purchase a diaper changing pad that is able to be cleaned and sanitized after each use.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 26, 2023
The fire drills were completed but documented on the incorrect form. Moving forward the center will use the fire prevention checklist required by OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 17, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due May 17, 2023
Post a copy of the current Delaware State business license and send a copy to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 16, 2023
Ensure all lesson plans include the required weekly activities. Send a copy of the lesson plan for the Light Bright classroom with all required areas included.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 26, 2023
Ensure all classrooms meet the five required areas. The Lil Starbuck's is missing a science area and the Light Bright's are missing the construction/blocks and science areas. Send pictures to OCCL after this has been added to the classrooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 26, 2023
2 regulations cited at this visit.
Send a copy of the current certificate of liability insurance.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 30, 2022
Send a copy of the current Delaware State business license.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 30, 2022
Something look wrong — a name, an address, a record that should not be public at this level of detail? Report it on the corrections page. Reports about the level of detail are acted on first: the record is paused while the report is reviewed.