THE GODDARD SCHOOL IN WILMINGTON

Ensure staff files are complete. Health appraisal with TB for Staff #1.

Correction status: Completed · corrected May 6, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 5, 2026

Ensure all surfaces are cleanable. _Repair back in the Herons' classroom.

Correction status: Completed · corrected May 12, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 5, 2026

Ensure infant feeding schedules are completed and updated monthly. -Send updated feeding schedules for all infants in the Ducklings classroom.

Correction status: Completed · corrected May 12, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 5, 2026

On March 23, 2026, and March 24, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received two complaints regarding concerns of failing to use positive behavior supports. An investigation was conducted on March 26, 2026. Based on interviews conducted, this complaint is substantiated for failing to use positive behavior supports. Three staff members, who were interviewed separately and were in a position to observe, stated they have observed a staff member grabbing and slamming children into chairs.

The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on September 24, 2025, regarding concerns of not following up on biting incidents properly, use of inappropriate tones from staff, not following meal policies, and nap cots being too close during nap. An investigation was conducted on October 1, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following up on children biting based on staff interviews conducted and observations of completed injury/incident reports. All staff members interviewed stated they follow the facility's biting policy by completing injury/incident reports, and families are notified of all incidents. LS #1 and LS #2 observed completed phone log and completed injury/incident reports. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for use of inappropriate tones from staff members based on staff interviews conducted. All staff members interviewed stated they have not observed any inappropriate tones within the facility and denied using inappropriate tones within the facility. Administrator #1 stated no concerns about this have been brought to their attention by families or staff and no negative tones were heard during this visit. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following meal policies based on staff interviews conducted. All staff members interviewed stated parents provide lunch, and when a child does not have lunch, they will provide snacks until the child's lunch arrives at the facility. The parent handbook states the facility does not provide lunches, and parents must provide. The facility s kitchen is not approved by OCCL to provide meals, only snacks. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for nap cots being too close during naptime based on classroom observations. All classrooms observed while preparing for naptime had the cots at least 18 inches apart.

The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on August 14, 2025, regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios and concerns of improper discipline and overuse of confining equipment with infants. An investigation was conducted on August 15, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper staff-to-child ratios based on interviews with staff members and review of attendance records. Classrooms observed at the time of this visit were within the correct staff-to-child ratio, and attendance records reviewed showed all infant and toddler classrooms within the correct staff-to-child ratio during the week of August 11, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline based on staff interviews. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and three staff members were interviewed and all denied witnessing or participating in any improper discipline within the facility and denied using confining equipment with infants for a period of longer than 30 minutes.

On May 14, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of improper discipline and inappropriate interactions with children. An investigation was conducted on May 20, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline based on staff interviews. Administrator #1 and all staff members interviewed stated they have not witnessed any improper discipline within the facility. All staff members interviewed stated they have not used improper discipline. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for inappropriate interactions with children based on staff interviews. Administrator #1 and seven staff members interviewed stated they have not observed inappropriate interactions between staff members and children. However, one staff member stated they have heard a staff member using inappropriate tones when speaking with children.

Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs two references.

Correction status: Completed · corrected May 16, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 12, 2025

Ensure cots are labeled or an updated cot chart is current and posted. -Corrected at visit.

Correction status: Completed · corrected May 12, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 12, 2025

On April 16, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of improper discipline. An investigation was conducted on April 16, 2025. Administrator #1 and eight staff members interviewed stated they have not witnessed any improper discipline within the facility. One staff member stated they heard about Staff #1 hitting a child on the head, but did not observe it. All staff members interviewed stated they have not used improper discipline.

On April 10, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of staff-to-child ratios and providing care for children of various ages in the office, a space not designated for child care. An investigation was conducted on April 16, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for staff-to-child ratios based on classroom observations and staff interviews. All staff interviewed stated staff-to-child ratios are followed at all times. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for providing care of various ages in the office, a space not designated for child care, based on staff interviews and observations of the facility. All staff interviewed stated children do not receive care in the office, and no children were observed in the office. Attendance records at the time of this visit did not show any classrooms out of staff-to-child ratio; this facility was cited a week prior to this report for staff-to-child ratios, so historical attendance records were not viewed at this visit.

On April 3, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received two complaints regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios and caring for children in spaces not designated for child care. An investigation was conducted on April 7, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratios based on classroom observations and attendance records reviewed for the week of March 31, 2025, through April 4, 2025. Upon arrival on April 7, 2025, the infant classroom had ten children with two staff members before transitioning children to their assigned classrooms, the two-year-old classroom had 12 children with one staff member until another staff member arrived and corrected the staff-to-child ratio, and the combined three-year-old and four-year-old opening classroom had 17 children with one staff member before transitioning the children to their assigned classrooms. Attendance records showed on March 31, 2025, the infant classroom had ten children with two staff members and the combined three-year-old and four-year-old opening classroom had 13 children with one staff member. On April 1, 2025, the infant classroom had ten children with two staff members, the one-year-old classroom had 14 children signed in with two staff members, and the combined three-year-old and four-year-old opening classroom had 15 children signed in with one staff member. On April 2, 2025, the combined three-year-old and four-year-old opening classroom had 16 children with one staff member. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for children receiving care in spaces not designated for child care based on interviews conducted and attendance records reviewed. Owner #1 and four staff members were interviewed and stated children do not receive care in unlicensed spaces and attendance records reviewed did not show any children signed in unlicensed spaces. An additional concern noted was staff attendance not being documented correctly or accurately for meal break s.

On March 10, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of not using respectful communication. An investigation was conducted beginning March 24, 2025, and completed on March 27, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of respectful communication based on interviews conducted. Staff interviewed stated they have no knowledge of any incidents occurring with disrespectful communication and stated no concerns have been brought to their attention from families or other staff.

On January 29, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios. An investigation was conducted on February 3, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratios based on staff interviews and attendance records reviewed. Three of the eight staff members interviewed stated on occasion the classrooms will be over the staff-to-child ratio, normally in the mornings or around lunch breaks. One staff member stated classrooms go over the staff-to-child ratio all the time. One week of attendance records were reviewed and showed the infant classroom with five children with one staff member for up to nine minutes on two different days. An additional concern noted was staff attendance not being documented correctly or accurately for meal breaks. An additional concern noted was attendance records reflected children were being signed out of their classroom and signed into the office for periods of time on January 27, 2025, and January 29, 2025.

On January 29, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of not using respectful communication with staff. An investigation was conducted on February 3, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not using respectful communication with staff based on the preponderance of information received from staff in the separate interviews conducted. While two of the staff interviewed stated they had heard that the administrator had used disrespectful communication, they had not heard it directly themselves. Five of the eight staff members interviewed separately stated Administrator #1 has used respectful communication while only one staff member stated the administrator had been disrespectful.

On November 15, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of improper discipline. An investigation was conducted on November 22, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline based on interviews conducted. All staff members interviewed stated they have not participated in or witnessed improper discipline within the facility.

On October 31, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of lack of respectful communication. An investigation was conducted on November 12, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for concerns of lack of respectful communication based on interviews conducted. All staff members interviewed stated Administrator #1 used respectful communication when speaking with Parent #1. While the Reporter was also concerned about the facility refusing to heat a child s lunch, the facility has a written policy provided to parents that no meals will be heated, and the facility does not have approval from OCCL to prepare meals.

On October 31, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of staff-to-child ratios and concerns of respectful communication amongst staff. An investigation was conducted on November 12, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for concerns of lack of respectful communication amongst staff based on interviews conducted. Seven of the nine staff interviewed stated Administrator #1 has used inappropriate language and tones towards staff members. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for staff-to-child ratios based on interviews conducted and attendance records reviewed. While two of nine staff members interviewed stated rooms do go out of staff-to-child ratios at times, they did not provide specific examples and attendance records did not reflect this. An additional concern noted was staff attendance not being documented correctly or accurately for meal breaks.

On October 22, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of mold on refrigerators doors. An investigation was conducted on October 28, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for mold on the refrigerators doors based on observation of all refrigerators in the facility. LS #1 and LS #2 observed mold on the seals of three of the four refrigerators in the facility.

On September 4, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received two complaints regarding concerns of infants not being cared for in child care space, safe sleep violations, and staff not using respectful communication amongst each other. An investigation was conducted on September 12, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for lack of respectful communication amongst staff based on interviews conducted. Six of the eight staff members interviewed stated Administrator #1 does not always demonstrate respectful communication due to using degrading language towards children, parents, and staff. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for concerns of infants not being cared for in child care space based on interviews conducted. Staff interviewed stated infants are not being cared for in unlicensed care spaces. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for safe sleep violations based on interviews conducted. All staff interviewed stated children do not sleep in bouncy seats and if a child falls asleep in a chair they are moved immediately to their crib.

On August 26, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of incorrect staff-to-child ratio, exceeding maximum group size, lack of supervision, children cared for in unlicensed care space, and lack of respectful communication. An investigation was conducted on August 29, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision based on interviews conducted. Owner #1 stated Staff #1 was sleeping in the classroom with children present and Staff #1 s employment was terminated immediately. This complaint is substantiated for children being cared for in unlicensed care space based on interviews conducted. Administrator #1 stated she would care for a child in the office if needed to maintain the ratio or maximum group size of the classroom. This complaint is substantiated for lack of respectful communication based on interviews conducted. Nine of the 13 staff members interviewed stated Administrator #1 does not always demonstrate respectful communication with all staff members. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for incorrect staff-to-child ratios based on staff interviews and review of attendance records. Staff interviewed stated classrooms do not go over ratio and attendance records reflected classrooms were in ratio. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for exceeding the maximum group size based on staff interviews and attendance records. Staff interviewed stated classroom do not go over maximum group size and attendance records reviewed reflect no classrooms exceeding the maximum group size.

On August 8, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of a staff member using intoxicating substances while working with children. An investigation was conducted on August 14, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for concerns of the use of intoxicating substances while working with children based on interviews conducted with six staff members and Administrator #1. All staff interviewed stated they have never observed any staff member come into the facility under the influence of intoxicating substances and have never done so themselves. No staff members present at the facility appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the on-site visit.

The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on June 10, 2024, regarding concerns of not notifying a parent of exposure to a contagious illness. An investigation was conducted on June 14, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not notifying a parent of exposure to a contagious illness based on interviews conducted and documents observed. The Owner and Administrator were interviewed and stated families are notified of any exposures to illnesses. The email sent to families regarding exposure to hand, foot, and mouth disease was observed.

Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #2 needs two references. Staff #2 needs two additional references and OCCL health and safety training.

Correction status: Completed · corrected May 29, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 11, 2024

Ensure children are signed in at arrival time. One child not signed in-Corrected at visit

Correction status: Completed · corrected May 3, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due May 3, 2024

Ensure surfaces are clean and cleanable. -Clean or replace the rug in the toddler classroom, repair the back wall in the heron classroom, fix ceiling tiles in the eagle room, and clean the vent in the eagle room.

Correction status: Completed · corrected May 28, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 11, 2024

Ensure cots are labeled or the current cot is posted. Post cot charts in three classrooms.

Correction status: Completed · corrected May 28, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 11, 2024

The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on January 22, 2024, regarding concerns of sleep equipment not being labeled and not being used by only one child in the infant room. An investigation was conducted on January 31, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for sleep equipment not being labeled and not being used by only one child based on a walkthrough of the infant classrooms, and interviews with the administrator and three infant staff members.

The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on August 10, 2023, regarding improper staff-to-child ratios. An investigation was conducted on August 16, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for incorrect staff-to-child ratios based on the review of Tadpoles application documentation, paper attendance records, a walkthrough of the facility, and interviews with eight staff members. A picture provided by the Reporter showed several children in a classroom, but Ms. Montgomery stated the classrooms were combined for a special occasion. This is permitted by DELACARE Regulations.

The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on May 26, 2023, regarding improper discipline. An investigation was conducted on May 30, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline based on interviews conducted. All staff interviewed denied Staff #1 used improper discipline with the children or used foul language in front of the children.

On May 25, 2023, a complaint was made to the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line and accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received the complaint on May 26, 2023, regarding improper discipline and improper staff-to-child ratios. An investigation was conducted on May 30, 2023. The IAU later abridged their case after receiving the findings of OCCL s investigation. There is no evidence to substantiate the reported allegations. All staff interviewed denied witnessing any improper discipline by Staff #1. Written statements from staff indicated the staff member is caring and loving towards the children. All classrooms were following proper staff-to-child ratios at the facility visit. Additionally, attendance records dated May 22-26, 2023, verified compliance with ratio requirements.

The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on May 22, 2023, regarding improper staff-to-child ratios. An investigation was conducted on May 30, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for incorrect staff-to-child ratios based on the review of both paper and Tadpoles application attendance records and interviews with staff members. A concern noted was staff and child attendance records were incomplete and did not clearly note children s transitions from one classroom to another and staff members were not signed in or out on numerous days.

Ensure all staff files are completed. References for Staff #1,2,5,6, and 7. Health and Safety for Staff #7. Review of child abuse and neglect for Child # 3.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 1, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 7, 2023

Ensure all children's files are completed. Child #7 needs blood lead screening results. Child #6 is missing the infant feeding schedule.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 1, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 7, 2023

Ensure all ceiling tiles are correctly installed and replace one missing tile. -Corrected at visit. Ensure water temperate is at or below 120 degrees.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 1, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 7, 2023

Ensure playground equipment is safe and hazard free. -Remove or fix broken instrument on playground.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 1, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 7, 2023

Ensure all nap equipment is not ripped or torn. -Replace torn mats in multiple classrooms.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 1, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 7, 2023

Ensure diaper changing mat is cleanable. Replace torn mat in the infant room.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 1, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 7, 2023

The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on March 30, 2023, regarding improper discipline and not following proper diapering procedures. An investigation was conducted on April 4, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the reported allegations. The staff interviewed denied that a staff member slammed a child onto the floor. Additionally, the staff confirmed they follow the center s diapering policy, which requires checking diapers every hour and changing them every two hours unless needed sooner.

On June 9, 2022, a complaint was received regarding an allegation of a staff member being under the influence of drugs while caring for children. An investigation was conducted on June 15, 2022. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because Staff #1 denied this allegation and no staff member disclosed having concerns regarding any staff member appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while working at the center.

On May 19, 2022, a complaint was received regarding staff not attending to the needs of children, not following COVID requirements, and improper staff-to-child ratios. An investigation was conducted on May 25, 2022. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratios because two staff members acknowledged that they have either observed a toddler classroom over ratio in the morning before a second staff member has arrived into the classroom or a toddler classroom teacher has been over ratio after nap time after informing administration, but before a second staff member arrives in the classroom. This complaint is substantiated for not following required illness reporting requirements because the center did not inform classroom parents that their children were exposed to a contagious disease. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not attending to the needs of children because no staff members acknowledged that they have observed these concerns. Staff also stated that children cry during transitional periods at the center but that staff are attending to them. A child was heard crying for a few minutes in a classroom and when this specialist visited the classroom, the child was still crying but was being consoled by a staff member.

Obtain complete staff files. Obtain CPR and first aid certification for Staff #1 and 4, one more reference for Staff #2, two references for Staff #3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12. Obtain declaration and drug prohibition form for Staff #4, service letter with documented attempts for Staff #5 and 2 references if no service letter returned. Obtain first aid and administration of medication for Staff #5, health appraisal; with TB results for Staff #6, service letter from College Nannies for staff #10 and Harbor Chase for Staff #12, and eligibility letters for Staff #10 and 11.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 23, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 10, 2022

Obtain parents right to know notice log. Send to OCCL.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 22, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 10, 2022

Obtain complete children's files. Obtain lead test documentation for Child #5, 9, 14, 18, and 19, and complete MAR forms for Child #1 and 21.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 9, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 10, 2022

Replace/adhere molding to edges in the indoor gym.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 9, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 25, 2022

Replace torn diaper changing mat in Turtles room.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 9, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 25, 2022

Ensure infant feeding statements are updated at least monthly by parents with both sides of requested information. Forward for Child #11.

Correction status: Completed · corrected May 26, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 25, 2022

Ensure lesson plans include all required weekly and daily components in the Beavers room.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 9, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 25, 2022

Ensure art equipment is accessible to children in the Turtles room.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 22, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 20, 2022

Safety traps needed in infant seat in Ducks room.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 9, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 25, 2022

On December 16, 2021, OCCL received a complaint alleging inappropriate discipline. The reporter claims Child #1 was hit in the head by a staff member whose name was not clear. An investigation was completed on December 22, 2021. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because all staff members stated Child #1 often times makes inaccurate statements, plays roughly with others, and states that what he does to others was done to him. All staff stated they did not hit Child #1 nor were they aware of anyone else hitting him.