Delaware records · Kent County · Dover
THE PUMPKIN PATCH EARLY LEARNING CENTER LLC
Licensed Child Care Center · Dover, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 1453946
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 1160 WALKER RD, Dover, DE 19904
- Licensed capacity
- 56
- Ages served, as listed
- 1 year through 12 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- State programs listed
- Child Care Food Program;Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 8 |
| Complaint investigations | 3 |
| Citations recorded | 42 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 42 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | November 10, 2021 – April 10, 2024 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 3 | 13 |
| 2022 | 5 | 20 |
| 2021 | 1 | 9 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On March 26, 2023, the Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint regarding improper staff-to-child ratio, on-site telephone requirements, and not keeping the facility clean. The complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratio because on March 19, 2024, Staff #4, who is not qualified, was left alone during nap time from 2:04 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., and during the visit an assistant teacher was alone in the building with up to eight children. The complaint is substantiated for not having an onsite telephone because on March 26, 2024, the licensing supervisor called the publicly listed facility phone. No one answered and the phone went to voicemail. The voicemail stated the phone number that was called was a different phone number. The licensing supervisor also received a text message from the other phone number which stated, Please text me. This phone number belongs to the future owner. In addition, during the visit the licensing specialist called the facility telephone, and it was answered by the current owner who was not present at the facility. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of the facility not being clean because the classrooms observed were clean and organized Several additional concerns were noted. The exact arrival time of Child #1 was not documented. There was not a child file was on site for Child #1. No security procedures were in use that limit the access to the children to authorized people because the licensing specialist observed the administrator open the unlocked front door then lock the front door after she and a child entered the facility while the other staff member was in another part of the facility with the children. A teacher trained in day-to-day operations was not present because an assistant teacher was alone in the building with up to eight children from 6:00 a.m. until the administrator arrived at 7:13 a.m. Attendance records were not available at the visit. According to attendance recor ds, the Pre-K classroom exceeded the measured capacity on March 18, 2024, March 19, 2024, and March 21, 2024. All classrooms had stained ceiling tiles, holes in the walls, and peeling paint. Non-compliance Cited: Reg #17: A licensee must have an on-site publicly listed phone number. On March 26, 2024, the licensing supervisor called the publicly listed facility phone. No one answered and the phone went to voicemail. The voicemail stated the phone number that was called was a different phone number. The licensing supervisor also received a text message from the other phone number which stated, Please text me. This phone number belongs to the future owner. In addition, during the visit the licensing specialist called the facility telephone, and it was answered by the current owner who was not present at the facility Non-compliance Cited: Reg #26: When the early childhood administrator is not present, a licensee shall ensure a staff member who is qualified as at least an early childhood teacher is present and designated as responsible for the center. This staff member must receive documented training in the emergency procedures, opening and closing procedures, location of and access to child and staff files, and supervision of children and staff. According to attendance records from 6:00 a.m. until 7:13 a.m. Staff #1, an assistant teacher, was alone with eight children until the administrator signed in at 7:13 a.m. Non-compliance Cited: Reg #27: Ensure staff-to-child ratio is maintained through the assignment of qualified staff present with the children. On March 19, 2024, Staff #4, who is not qualified, was left alone with 20 children during nap time from 2:04 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Ensure there are at least two staff present when there are seven or more children in the facility. An assistant teacher was alone in the building with up to eight children. Non-compliance Cited: Reg #40: Have an on-site confidential paper or accessi ble electronic file for each child. Child #1 did not have a file onsite. Non-compliance Cited: Reg #43: Have and use a system for documenting children s attendance that includes the exact arrival and departure times in the child s classroom and be entered at the time of the arrival and departure of the child. During the visit, one child was not signed in. Non-compliance Cited: Reg #49: The facility must have at least 35 square feet of usable floor space for each child in each area or room used by children. According to attendance records, the Pre-K classroom exceeded the measured capacity on March 18, 2024, March 19, 2024, and March 21, 2024. Ensure all areas, furnishings, and equipment of the center are in a clean, hazard-free, and safe condition. Floors, walls, counter surfaces, toilets, and surfaces or finishes must be cleanable and in good repair. All classrooms need stained ceiling tiles replaced, peeling paint needs to be repaired, and the holes in the walls need to be repaired. Ensure there are security procedures in place to limit access. No security procedures were in use that limit the access to the children to authorized people because the licensing specialist observed the administrator open the unlocked front door then lock the front door after she and a child entered the facility while the other staff member was in another part of the facility with the children.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On January 29, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding staff-to-child ratio, staff using a cell phone when caring for children, failing to complete comprehensive background check requirements, and changing ownership of the center without OCCL approval. An investigation was conducted on January 31, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratio and failing to complete comprehensive background check requirements because attendance records show the administrator was present with seven children, the youngest was an infant, from 8:38 am until 8:47 am on January 29, 2024, and according to the administrator, Person #2 is onsite during the hours of operation and Person #2 does not have a comprehensive background check. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of staff using a cell phone for personal use while caring for children because the administrator stated she only uses her cell phone to document Brightwheel entries. There is no evidence to substantiate a change in ownership because OCCL leadership determined Ms. Giddens is still the current owner. Additional concerns noted were the infant and toddler classrooms diaper-only foot-activated trash cans were inoperable. The infant classroom bottles needed labeled, and the wall needed repair and paint. The preschool classroom child attendance was documented incorrectly, activity areas defined for art, dramatic play, blocks, and manipulatives were needed, and materials for all children enrolled in the classroom for science, manipulatives, sensory, art, and additional music materials were also needed. The pre-k classroom needed a lid on the trash can. Attendance records from January 25, 2024, and January 26, 2024, show a staff member did not sign in when they provided a lunch break in a classroom.
2 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff fiels are complete. Staff #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 need the OCCL Health & Safety training. Please send documentation of completed courses to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 19, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 15, 2023
Ensure children's files are complete. Child #4, #5, #6, and #8 need current health appraisals. Child #4 needs blood lead screening results.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 19, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 15, 2023
11 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure there are enough qualified staff present to fulfill administrative, and food service, and other duties. There were three qualified and one unqualified present with 3 classrooms open. There were not enough people to provide breaks. Submit a staffing plan by November 22nd.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 30, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 22, 2023
Ensure supervision of children is maintained at all times. A staff member stated she was responsible for cooking lunch and taking care of a classroom. This was corrected at the visit when OCCL assisted with staffing and another staff member began cooking lunch.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 20, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due November 20, 2023
Staff files must be accessible at all times. The administrator said she did not have access to the locked office where staff files are kept. An unannounced visit will be conducted to view staff files. Submit a plan of action of procedure that allows admin to have access to files.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 30, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 8, 2023
Submit current Parent's Right to Know Log.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 30, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 8, 2023
Children's files must be accessible at all times. The administrator said she did not have access to the locked office where the children's files are kept. An unannounced visit will be conducted to view children's files. Submit a plan of action with procedure used to allow admin to have access to files.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 30, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 8, 2023
Ensure prepared and stored food is labeled with contents and date of preparation or expiration. It was observed that the food being stored did not contain expiration dates. Submit picture of food correctly labeled.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 30, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 8, 2023
Ensure the fence has a self-closing mechanism. It was observed that the latch on the outdoor fence is not closing properly. Submit a picture of self-closing fence. Ensure climbing equipment is following fall zone regulations. It was observed that the little slide was not in a fall zone area. Submit picture of slide in a fall zone area.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 6, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 8, 2023
Ensure safe sleep practices are being used. It was observed that an infant's mattress sheet was loose. OCCL spoke with the staff member, and it was corrected at visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 20, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due November 20, 2023
Ensure menu changes are documented. It was observed that the posted menu did not match what was being served. Submit an updated menu for the week of 11/20 - 11/23.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 30, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 8, 2023
Ensure written feeding schedules are current. It was observed that the posted infant feeding schedule was not current. Submit a picture of the current infant feeding schedule. Ensure infants are held for bottle feeding when too young to use a feeding chair. It was observed that an infant was propped up with their bottle instead of being held. OCCL spoke with the staff member, and it was corrected immediately. CAV
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 20, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due December 8, 2023
Ensure renewal application is submitted at least 60 days before license expiration. Send completed renewal application.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 29, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 8, 2023
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On September 14, 2023, the Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint regarding positive behavior supports and not following the termination policy in the handbook. An investigation was conducted on September 20, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for positive behavior supports because staff denied not addressing inappropriate or aggressive behaviors in the classroom and the staff stated the center follows positive behavior practices which are within the requirements of DELACARE regulations. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for not following the center s termination policy because the handbook allows for immediate termination, but Ms. Giddens stated a five-day notice was given.
8 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #2 needs eligibility letter. Staff #3 needs eligibility letter. Staff #5 needs CPR/ First Aid, two references, administration of medication, adult abuse registry check, and a health appraisal with TB. Staff #6 needs two references, criminal history determination, a health appraisal with TB, and a second attempt for service letters. Staff #7 needs two references, employee declaration, criminal history determination, release of employment history, and corresponding service letters. Staff #8 needs a professional development plan, annual review of safe sleep, and review of abuse and neglect.
Correction status: Completed · corrected March 15, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 9, 2022
Complete and submit the Parents Right to Know log for any newly enrolled children.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 13, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 9, 2022
Ensure child files are complete. Child #2 needs hours and days of attendance. Child #3 needs date of enrollment and developmental plan. Child #4 needs updated health appraisal with immunizations and lead test results. Child #5 needs a developmental plan. Child #6 needs a health appraisal with immunizations and lead test results. Child #7 needs a health appraisal with immunization, and lead test results. Child #8 needs a date of birth, hours and days of attendance, date of enrollment, emergency card, transportation permission, screen time permission, parents right to know, infant feeding schedule, mat permission, health appraisal with immunizations, and lead test results, and a developmental plan. Child #9 needs a health appraisal with immunizations and lead test results. Child #10 needs hours and days of attendance, an emergency card, a health appraisal with immunizations and lead test results, and a developmental plan.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 13, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 9, 2022
Air fresheners and air plugs are prohibited. This was discussed and corrected when they were removed from the classrooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 17, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due November 17, 2022
Purchase fall zone material to ensure mulch is nine inches deep.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 15, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 9, 2022
Ensure all activity areas are available. This was discussed and corrected when music activities were added to four classrooms and science was added to two classrooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 17, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due November 17, 2022
Ensure foot activated diaper trash cans are used only for diaper trash. LS Sommer observed diapers and trash in the diaper pail. This was discussed and staff agreed to comply.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 17, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due November 17, 2022
Ensure the application is submitted at least 60 days prior to license expiration.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 13, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 25, 2022
1 regulation cited at this visit.
Repair the half door for the one and two-year-old classroom. LS Sommer observed the wood was cracked on both sides of the door by the doorknob.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 11, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 14, 2022
3 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure all staff are qualified through DEEDs prior to being alone with children. During the visit, an aide was observed alone with four one-year-olds. A second aide, without criminal history determination, was alone with five one-year-old children. This was discussed and corrected.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 29, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due September 29, 2022
Ensure staff are fingerprinted and determined eligible by the criminal history unit prior to working alone with children. One staff was observed alone with five one-year-old children without fingerprinting and criminal history results.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 30, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 30, 2022
Ensure children sleep in appropriate nap equipment. A one-year-old child was observed asleep in a bounce seat. A three-year-old was observed sleeping on cots stacked three high. This was discussed and corrected.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 29, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due September 29, 2022
7 regulations cited at this visit.
Have Staff #1 add infant/toddler specialized training to her administrator certificate.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 4, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due April 15, 2022
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs a job description, two references, and a service letter.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 20, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 15, 2022
Ensure child files are complete. Child #1, Child #2, Child #3, Child #4, Child #5, Child #6, Child #7, Child #8, Child #9, and Child #10 need updated developmental plans. Child #1, Child #4, Child #6, and Child #7 need updated health appraisals with lead testing and immunizations. Child #5 needs an updated health appraisal with lead testing. Child #10 needs lead testing.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 28, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 15, 2022
Purchase three thermometers for the fridge and freezers.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 9, 2022 · how corrected: Telephone · correction was due April 15, 2022
Ensure a sufficient amount of toys are available. This was corrected when language/literacy, science, music, and manipulatives were added to the classrooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected March 30, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due March 30, 2022
Ensure soap and water is used prior to disinfectant.
Correction status: Completed · corrected March 30, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due March 30, 2022
Purchase three non-porous diaper mats to replace the torn mats.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 9, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 15, 2022
1 regulation cited at this visit.
Install self-closing mechanisms to the two playground gates.
Correction status: Completed · corrected March 21, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due March 16, 2022
9 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure sufficient staffing is available to provide lunch, bathroom breaks and additional duties at the facility.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 4, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 12, 2021
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs CPR/ First Aid, a professional development plan, annual review of abuse and neglect, and safe sleep. Staff #2 needs CPR/ First Aid, administration of medication, a professional development plan, an adult abuse registry check, a health appraisal with Tb, and release of employment history. Staff #3 needs a professional development plan, annual review of abuse and neglect and safe sleep. Staff #4, Staff #5, Staff #6, Staff #7, Staff #8, and Staff #9 need CPR/ First Aid, administration of medication, a professional development plan, annual review of abuse and neglect and safe sleep, an orientation, a job description, two references, an adult abuse registry check, employee declaration, drug/alcohol statement, CHU determination, and a release of employment history with corresponding service letters.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 18, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 17, 2021
Ensure licensed capacity is maintained in each classroom. The preschool classroom was measured for 17 children. During the visit, LS Sommer observed 18 children present in the classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 3, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due November 12, 2021
Ensure child files are complete. Child #1 needs screen time permission and a developmental plan. Child #2, Child #3, Child #4, Child #5, Child #9, Child #10, Child #12, and Child #13 need health appraisals with immunizations.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 28, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 17, 2021
Install self-closing and self-latching mechanisms to the gates. Replenish the fall zones.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 10, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 17, 2021
Replace the torn diaper mat for the one-year-old room.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 10, 2021 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 10, 2021
Purchase emergency water and food to allow shelter in place for 24 hours.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 24, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 24, 2021
Ensure lesson plans are current, posted and include all requirements.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 3, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 17, 2021
Complete and submit an application 60 days prior to license expiration.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 15, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 19, 2021
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