GATHERING LAMBS

Ensure staff files are complete. Two staff need a professional development plan. Two staff need CPR/FA and annual review of child abuse and neglect. One staff needs CPR/FA, OCCL's Health and Safety Training, application, resume, or personal data sheet, pending out-of-state check, adult abuse registry check, and two service letter attempts. One staff needs OCCL's Health and Safety Training, job description, references, employee declaration, drug/alcohol statement, adult abuse registry check, adult health appraisal with TB screening, and Release of Employment History.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 28, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 31, 2026

Ensure Parents' Right to Know Log is reviewed with and signed by each newly enrolled family since last year's OCCL visit and with anyone touring the center. Obtain signatures.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 28, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 31, 2026

Ensure child files are complete. One child needs a blood lead level test result. One child needs an updated health appraisal and immunizations. Two children need an updated health appraisal and blood lead level test result. Two children need an updated health appraisal, immunizations, and blood lead level test result. One child needs updated immunizations. Two children need development plans.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 25, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 31, 2026

Ensure refrigerators maintain a temperature of 41 degrees F or below. Adjust refrigerator temperature in the two-year-old classroom.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 28, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 31, 2026

Ensure fall zone requirements are met in the outdoor play area. Replenish mulch to nine inches.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 28, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 31, 2026

Ensure nap mats are non-absorbent. Replace ripped mats in the one-year-old classroom.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 28, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 31, 2026

Ensure diaper changing surface is non-porous, free from rips and tears. Replace ripped pads in the one-year-old classroom and bathroom.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 28, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 31, 2026

Ensure fire prevention checklist and fire drills are conducted monthly. Complete one for August and post in visible location.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 6, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 31, 2026

Ensure art materials are available in classrooms for ages two and older. Add accessible materials to the two-year-old classroom and large room.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 6, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 31, 2026

On April 20, 2026, and, April 22, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received complaints regarding a lack of positive behavior supports, lack of supervision, staff being left alone without an eligibility determination, screen time, and lack of security procedures by allowing unapproved individuals access to the children. An investigation was conducted on April 22, 2026. This complaint is substantiated for positive behavior supports, because according to video footage reviewed, Staff #1 was observed roughly handling two different children, including behaviors such as lifting by one arm off the floor, shaking, and jerking the children. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision because staff interviewed stated they will stand in the doorway of the multi-purpose room and allow children to enter the hallway alone to use the bathroom. This complaint is substantiated for screen time usage because staff interviewed stated children will have up to an hour and a half of screen time some days. Staff also stated the one-year-olds are allowed to watch the tablet. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation a staff person with pending out-of-state background checks was alone with children, because according to attendance records reviewed and staff interviews, he/she was never alone with children. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of unapproved individuals having access to children, because according to staff interviews, the same three individuals come into the center with Owner #1. They stay in the multi-purpose room and are never in contact with children.

Ensure infants and toddlers are not cared for in the same room as older children, except in certain circumstances. According to attendance records submitted, on 8/25/2025, the one's and two's were combined with the older children in the morning and afternoon outside of the 90-minute allowance. Ensure maximum group size is not exceeded. According to attendance records submitted, when children were combined in the morning of 8/25/2025, the maximum group size for the one-year-old's, the youngest children present, was exceeded when 17 children were signed into the room. Ensure supervision is provided at all times by a qualified staff person. According to attendance records submitted, on 9/2/2025, children were alone with a staff person who is not qualified. Submit attendance records for 10/6/2025 - 10/10/2025.

Correction status: Completed · corrected October 24, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 13, 2025

Ensure staff document the exact arrival and departure in each classroom or area. According to attendance records submitted, on 9/5/2025, a staff person did not sign out. Submit attendance records for 10/6/2025 - 10/10/2025.

Correction status: Completed · correction was due October 13, 2025

Ensure supervision of children is provided at all times by a qualified staff person. According to attendance records submitted to OCCL and reviewed, an unqualified staff person was alone with children two different times. Ensure maximum group size requirements are met for the age of the youngest child present. According to attendance records submitted to OCCL and reviewed, the maximum group size was exceeded on 12 separate days. Ensure toddlers are not cared for with older children except in the first or last 90 minutes of the hours of operation or when 12 or fewer children are present. According to attendance records submitted to OCCL and reviewed, on four days, toddlers and older children were combined outside of the first and last 90 minutes. Submit attendance records for 8/25/2025 - 9/5/2025.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 30, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 12, 2025

Ensure staff members are truthful when providing information to OCCL. According to the Administrator, the multi-purpose room was only used for special occasions and not every day. According to attendance records submitted to OCCL and reviewed, preschool children were combined in the multi-purpose room 15 days, spending the majority of hours in that room. Discontinue use of the multi-purpose room as a classroom or add the five required activity areas and received approval from OCCL to use it.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 30, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 12, 2025

Ensure the time of arrival and departure of each staff person in the classroom is documented. According to attendance records submitted to OCCL and reviewed, there were 10 times staff did not sign in/out of classrooms. Submit attendance records for 8/25/2025 - 9/5/2025.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 30, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 12, 2025

Ensure Administrator is functioning in that role at least 50% of the time. According to the Administrator, she is in the classrooms daily as the primary teacher. Create schedule to ensure 50% of the time, the Administrator is functioning as the Administrator.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 30, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 22, 2025

Ensure staff files are complete. Five staff need a professional development plan. One staff needs an orientation, application/resume, references, employee declaration/drug and alcohol statement, adult abuse registry check, health appraisal with TB screening, and two documented attempts to obtain service letters. Three staff need annual training hours.

Correction status: Completed · corrected October 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 12, 2025

Ensure Parent's Right to Know log is reviewed with and signed by each newly enrolled family and any family touring the center. Obtain signatures.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 30, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 12, 2025

Ensure child files are complete. One child needs a blood lead level test result. Four children need an updated health appraisal and immunizations. Two children need an updated health appraisal, immunizations, and blood lead level test results.

Correction status: Completed · corrected October 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 12, 2025

Ensure walls are in good repair. Repair baseboard under heater in Room #1.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 29, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 12, 2025

Ensure thermometers are in each refrigerator and freezer. Add a thermometer to the freezer in Room #1. Ensure refrigerator temperature does not exceed 41 degrees. The refrigerator in Room #1 was a temperature of 44 degrees. Adjust temperature.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 29, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 12, 2025

Ensure gate in the playground self-closes and self-latches. Repair smaller gate. Ensure fall zone requirements are met. Replenish mulch to nine inches.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 29, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 12, 2025

Ensure classrooms for ages two years and older include the five required areas. Add construction blocks to Room #2 and accessible art materials to Room #4. This was corrected at the visit when the materials were added. Discontinue use of the Multi-purpose/gym room as a classroom or add the five required activities and receive approval to use by OCCL.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 30, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 13, 2025

On May 16, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint regarding positive behavior support. An investigation was conducted on May 28, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because staff denied the allegation. An additional concern noted was 23 children ages three to five were present in the recreation space with three staff, one was an aide who cannot count in staff-to-child ratio.

During nap times, when children one year and older are sleeping, the maximum group size may not be exceeded. The Supervisor and Ls observed 25 children ages three to school-age napping in the multipurpose room, exceeding the maximum group size of 20 for three-year-olds.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 15, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 15, 2024

A center serving school-age children shall ensure an administrator has successfully completed 15 hours of approved school-age training.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 20, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due September 20, 2024

Have an organized system of business management and have sufficient staff, space, and equipment to fulfill, at a minimum, administrative, clerical, direct child care, and supervisory functions. LS observed there is not enough staff for child care duties.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 30, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 30, 2024

A licensee shall ensure supervision and direct observation of children are provided at all times. This supervision occurs by assigning qualified staff members who are physically present and working with children. The licensee shall maintain the minimum staff-to-child ratio and maximum group size for each age group. LS observed a staff alone in the hallway with children while two other staff members were in the bathroom to change diapers and just with toileting. In the recreation room, one staff member was alone with 14 children ages three to ten years old. The administrator had been and was attempting to sleep more than the maximum group size of 20 three-year-old and older children in the recreation room. Fifteen children were left with the Administrator while one staff assisted with toileting and another went to answer the door.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 19, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 30, 2024

Ensure staff files are complete. Two staff need complete files. Five staff need professional development plans. , nine staff need an annual review of abuse and neglect. Three staff need CPR and First Aid training. One staff needs Administration of Medication Certification.

Correction status: Completed · corrected October 11, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 30, 2024

The exact hours worked in each classroom or area should be documented at the time of the staff member's arrival and departure. The administrator did not sign in the recreation area, and when she left the child care area with LSs, she did not sign out or back on from the child care area.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 19, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 30, 2024

Ensure child files are complete. Ten children need updated health appraisals. Ten children need updated immunization records. Four children need blood lead screening results.

Correction status: Completed · corrected October 11, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 30, 2024

Ensure soap and water bottles are labeled and available in all classrooms and bathrooms.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 13, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 30, 2024

Ensure outlets are connected in the recreation room. The two garbage cans in the recreation area need lids. Classroom one needs the air freshener removed. During the visit, the children were in the recreation area, which is not set up with activity areas with required materials. During the three-hour visit, the children sat at tables, singing and table toys until lunch and nap time. The recreation room is not in the capacity of the license and can not be used as a classroom.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 30, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 30, 2024

Ensure the refrigerators and freezers all have thermometers that read 40 degrees Fahrenheit for the refrigerator ad and zero degrees Fahrenheit for the freezers in classroom three. Classroom three has cups with milk in the m not labeled milk or dated and a bowl of food with a paper towel on it not labeled or properly stored.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 13, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 30, 2024

Ensure the protective surface of the outdoor play area beneath and in the fall zones of slides and swings. Replenish the mulch under the and at the bottom of the swings and slides.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 30, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 30, 2024

Provide developmentally appropriate equipment and materials for various indoor and outdoor activities. There must be enough equipment and materials for all children to use. Materials and equipment must help provide many experiences and choices. For children over 24 months old to school age, developmentally appropriate supplies or equipment are provided in quantities. Ensure equipment and supplies are relevant to all children's cultural backgrounds and communities and raise awareness of other cultures and communities. Provide music and science for classroom one. Provide art, music, and science to classroom three. Provide music materials in classroom five. All classrooms need more than just dramatic play equipment, and supplies that are relevant to the cultural background and community of all children and raise awareness of other cultures and communities.

Correction status: Completed · corrected October 11, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 30, 2024

Written permission from the child's parent or guardian is required for each medication to be administered. One Child's medication administration record(MAR) is not completed. One child did not have a MAR for Aquaphor. Staff is using the diaper creams and is not administration of medication certified.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 13, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 30, 2024

Ensure children are in the classrooms designated for their activity schedule. During the visit, the children were in the recreation room until nap time.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 14, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 14, 2024

The Office of Child Care and Licensing received a complaint on March 9, 2024, regarding not allowing a therapist entrance to provide services and not making reasonable accommodations for a child to receive services. The complaint is substantiated for not allowing the therapist entrance because Ms. Armstrong confirmed she did not let the therapist in due to insufficient identification. Ms. Armstrong stated she believed the business card and federally-issued driver s license provided by the therapist was insufficient. The complaint is substantiated for not making reasonable accommodations because the therapist made three unsuccessful attempts to provide services before being allowed entry and Ms. Armstrong did not consult with the child s parent or guardian during this time regarding the denial of services. Non-compliances Cited: Reg #20: A licensee shall ensure staff members consult with a child s parent or guardian and professionals, if necessary, to design effective positive behavioral supports or to make reasonable accommodations to comply with provisions in an IFSP or IEP and to adapt behavior supports or other practices for a child who has a special need or disability. #74: A licensee shall allow services to be provided at the center for a child with disabilities, including services through an IEP or IFSP. On March 19, 2024, March 26, 2024, and April 9, 2024, Ms. Armstrong stated services were denied due to the therapist not providing what Ms. Armstrong deemed appropriate identification and she did not know the therapist was coming or the company she worked for as a third party. Parent #1 stated she was told no outside services were allowed in the facility. Review the regulation with all staff and provide documentation of the regulation review to OCCL.

A complaint was received by the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line on September 29, 2023, and accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). On October 11, 2023, IAU stated the case would be closed as unsubstantiated with concern because the cause of the marks on Child #1 s arm was undetermined. OCCL then became aware of the complaint and accepted the complaint for investigation on October 12, 2023, for improper discipline. An investigation was conducted on October 27, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because Administrator Lois Armstrong and both interviewed staff denied any improper discipline occurred at the facility and it cannot be determined when the marks occurred or who caused them.

Ensure insurance documentation is updated with OCCL.

Correction status: Completed · corrected November 29, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 2, 2023

Ensure children are supervised by qualified staff. Staff #14 was in the hallway alone with children. Ensure that staff to child ratios are compliance at 8:34 AM staff #14 was alone in the hallway with 14 four and five year old children. This one. corrected when staff #10 joined staff #14.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 2, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 9, 2023

Ensure A comprehensive background check is completed every five years. Five staff needs to complete a comprehensive background check.

Correction status: Completed · corrected December 28, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2023

Ensure staff files are complete. Seven staff need annual training hours, 2 in health and safety, an annual professional development plan. Nine staff need annual review of abuse and neglect. 11 staff need Health and Safety Training for Child Care Professionals certification.

Correction status: Completed · corrected December 13, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2023

Ensure exact arrival and departure of each child is documented.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 2, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 2, 2023

Ensure child files are complete. Seven children need an updated health appraisal, an immunization records, and documented blood lead test results. Two children need an updated health appraisal and immunization record.

Correction status: Completed · corrected November 29, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2023

Ensure staff documents exact arrival and departure.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 2, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 2, 2023

Ensure the freezer maintains a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 2, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 2, 2023

Ensure gates are able to self close. The gate to enter the playground from the side entrance will not self close. Ensure all zones of climbing equipment, swings, and similar equipment is at least 9 inches in depth.

Correction status: Completed · corrected November 29, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2023

Ensure medication administration records are properly filled out and used for anything other than soap and water. Two children need routine use medication administration records. One child needs an occasional use medication administration record. One child has several medication administration records incorrectly filled out.

Correction status: Completed · corrected November 29, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2023

Ensure an evacuation drill and fire prevention inspection is conducted and documented monthly. It was observed that the current inspection and drill was for July 26, 2023. The prior documented inspection and drill was on October 31, 2022.

Correction status: Completed · corrected November 29, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2023

Ensure posted lesson plans have required components of a daily activity for each goal that is developmentally appropriate.

Correction status: Completed · corrected November 29, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2023

Ensure children 24 months and older have a space that is organized with identifiable areas and that equipment is accessible to the children present. The specialist observes three year olds using the great room without activity areas. Areas missing includes dramatic play, creative arts, such as drawing materials and manipulative. Ensure that these materials are accessible to the children at all times.

Correction status: Completed · corrected November 29, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 18, 2023

The Office of Child Care and Licensing received a complaint on December 14, 2022, regarding complaint procedures in the parent handbook, the release of children, child files, accident/injury procedures, and respectful communication. An investigation was conducted on December 15, 2022. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because all staff interviewed stated staff use respectful communication, and stated the center follows regulations on the release of children, and accident/injury procedures. All child files that were reviewed were complete. The administrator stated a court order for custody was never received, and it was not in the child s file. The administrator stated the child was removed from care before their complaint procedures could be followed.

Ensure sufficient qualified eligible staff are available to supervise the children and take care of the daily needs of the facility who are not assigned to any other duties other than caring for children. Staff #1 left two children in the great room to allow LS McPhatter access to the facility. LS McPhatter inquired where the other staff member was and she was performing morning cleaning. This was corrected when Staff #2 who was signed in rejoined the great room.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 10, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 10, 2022

Ensure an annual City of Dover Fire Marshal inspection is completed.

Correction status: Completed · corrected November 22, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 17, 2022

Ensure the centers positive behavior policy is posted.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 1, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 1, 2022

Ensure qualified and eligible staff are supervision the children at all times. Staff members who are supervising children are to not assume other duties while supervising children. LS McPhatter entered the facility and observed Staff #7 brining children from the vestibule to the multipurpose room. The multipurpose room had 17 children ages one-year-old to five-years-old. This left staff #8 and Staff #10 out of ratio. Staff #10 was also responsible for preparing morning snack. Upon LS McPhatter entering the multipurpose room two children were coming from the hallway bathroom with no supervision. This was corrected at the visit when LS McPhatter propped open the siphon locking door so that staff member #7 could keep ratio and another staff member arrived. LS McPhatter spoke with Staff #7 and Ms. Lois about ratios and supervision.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 1, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 1, 2022

Staff #1 needs a professional development plan and annual abuse and neglect training. Staff #2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,and 13 need a professional development plan and annual abuse and neglect training. Staff #7 a rehire in February 2022 needs an orientation, job description, employee declaration, drug and alcohol statement, release of employment history, and documented attempts for a service letter from each prior employer if after two attempts one cannot be received two more reference letters are needed. Staff #10 a new hire in October 2021 needs an orientation, job description, employee declaration, drug and alcohol statement, adult abuse registry check, health appraisal on OCCL s form with TB results, employment history with documented attempts to obtain a service letter if after two attempts one cannot be obtained ensure there are four reference letters on file. Staff number 11 and staff #13 need their work permit on file. Staff #11 staff #10 and staff #13 need an orientation, job description, declaration, drug and alcohol statement, adult abuse registry check, a health appraisal on OCCL s form with TB results, and a release of employment history with two documented attempts to gain a service letter. If a service letter cannot be obtained two more references are needed. Staff #12 needs two references, adult abuse registry check, and two attempts to gain a service letter from Food Lion, and Dover downs. If one cannot be obtained two additional references are needed, two reference letters are on file currently.

Correction status: Completed · corrected December 14, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 17, 2022

Ensure the changing area pads are placed. Classroom ! and classroom 3 changing pads have holes in the,.

Correction status: Completed · corrected November 22, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 17, 2022

Ensure monthly fire drills and fire inspections are completed. The last fire drill and fire inspection was completed in February.

Correction status: Completed · corrected November 22, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 17, 2022

Ensure lesson plans for the week are posted.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 1, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 17, 2022

On March 21, 2022 OCCL received a complaint regarding not allowing the parents into the facility, not sharing developmental plans with the parents, and not conducting parent conferences. An investigation began on March 23, 2022, and ended April 5, 2022. The complaint is substantiated because several staff stated parents are not allowed in the building, a developmental assessment was not completed within 45 days of a child s enrollment, there was no documentation that information was shared with parents or guardians when the developmental plans were updated or reviewed, and annual conferences were not conducted. Concerns noted were the staff trained in day-to-day operations was not aware she was in charge during the administrator s absence.