Delaware records · New Castle County · Odessa
CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL-ODESSA
Licensed Child Care Center · Odessa, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 1456254
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 411 N 6TH ST, Odessa, DE 19730
- Licensed capacity
- 205
- Ages served, as listed
- 6 weeks through 12 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- State programs listed
- Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 4 |
| Complaint investigations | 20 |
| Citations recorded | 13 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 13 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
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 | 4 | 0 |
| 2025 | 13 | 8 |
| 2024 | 1 | 2 |
| 2023 | 4 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
OCCL s investigation of regulatory non-compliance began after clearance from other agencies was received. On August 11, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding not using positive behavior supports. An investigation began on August 11, 2026, when Administrator #1 contacted their licensing specialist regarding this complaint, and concluded on August 31, 2026. Based on video footage reviewed, this complaint is substantiated for not using positive behavior supports as the staff members did not intervene quickly to redirect multiple concerning child behaviors in the classroom to attempt to prevent a child from having to be removed from the classroom. Based on video footage reviewed and staff interviews, the staff member did not intend to harm the child by holding onto their arm but did so only as a means of containment while waiting for help from other staff members.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On April 20, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of supervision. This incident was also self-reported to OCCL on April 14, 2026. An investigation began on April 14, 2026, and concluded on April 23, 2026. Based on staff interviews and documentation, this complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision. It was self-reported by the center that a child was left alone in a classroom for less than one minute. Three other staff members also confirmed this incident happened. Staff #2 s employment was terminated on April 17, 2026.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On April 6, 2026, and April 10, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received two complaints regarding incorrect staff-to-child ratio, incorrect child attendance documentation, improper combining of ages, failing to follow positive behavior support policies, not following meal requirements, expired food, indoor space cleanliness, and insect infestation. An investigation began on April 10, 2026, and concluded on April 14, 2026. Based on documentation provided and staff interviews, this complaint is substantiated for incorrect staff-to-child ratio and not following meal requirements. Attendance records show ten instances where classrooms were not following correct staff-to-child ratio and seven out of nine staff stated they are often out of ratio. The menu provided did not show the correct meal requirements and six out of seven staff stated they only serve one item for snacks on a regular basis. Based on observations and documentation, this complaint is substantiated for expired food. There was expired cream cheese in the refrigerator and, according to the menu, children were supposed to be served bagels and cream cheese the morning of the visit. Based on staff interviews, observations at the visit, and a review of documentation, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for incorrect child attendance documentation, improper combining of ages, failing to follow positive behavior support policies, indoor space cleanliness, or insect infestation. The majority of staff members denied these allegations and documentation did not show incorrect child attendance documentation or improper combining of ages. Observations at the visit showed the indoor space was clean and there was no evidence of insect infestation. Additional concerns noted included attendance records reviewed documented five instances where staff did not sign out accurately, two instances where classrooms were over maximum group size, and two instances where no staff were signed into a classroom where children were signed into the classroom.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On February 13, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding incorrect staff-to-child ratios and lack of respectful communication with parents. An investigation began on February 18, 2026, and concluded on March 6, 2026. Based on documentation reviewed and staff interviews, this complaint is substantiated for incorrect staff-to-child ratios and lack of respectful communication with parents. The administrator and two staff interviewed stated there were two staff members who were unprofessional and disrespectful to parents, though they are no longer employed at the center. Attendance documentation showed at least nine instances where classrooms were above proper staff-to-child ratio as well as one instance of exceeding maximum group size. An additional concern noted was attendance records documented numerous occasions where staff were not properly signed out of classrooms.
7 regulations cited at this visit.
Liability insurance is needed. Send to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 31, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
Ensure staff files are complete. First aid/CPR needed for Staff #3. Administration of medication training needed for Staff #2. Professional development plan for Staff #3, 4, 5, 6. Safe sleep and abuse and neglect for Staff #3, 4, 7, and 9. 2 reference letters needed for Staff #2, 3, 8, and 9. 4 reference letters needed for Staff #4 and 7. Release of employment for Staff #4. Service letters for Staff #3 or 2 additional reference letters. Drug/alcohol statement needed for Staff #8. Health appraisal w/TB test for Staff #2, 3, 4, and 8. Health appraisal needed for Staff #9.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 19, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
Blood lead screening results for Child #7, 9, and 13. Child #11 needs a health appraisal and immunizations.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 13, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
School age classroom needs to repair or replace moldy ceiling tiles. Send a picture.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 20, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
Freezer needs to read 0 degrees or colder.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 20, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
Child #4, 18, 19, 20, and 21 need monthly infant feeding statements updated.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 16, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
Ensure renewal application is sent to OCCL at least 60 days before license expiration.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 31, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 31, 2025
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On October 3, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on October 9, 2025. Based on staff interviews, observations, and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision. All staff interviewed stated while parents sometimes allow their own children to be unsupervised before or after being signed in or out, children are never unsupervised while in the care of the center.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On September 23, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding staff not being respectful in speaking to a parent. An investigation was conducted on September 25, 2025. According to staff interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for staff not being respectful in speaking to a parent. All staff interviewed stated staff are not rude to parents and are respectful to them.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On September 22, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding incorrect staff-to-child ratio, not using appropriate behavior support techniques, and not providing an injury report to a parent. An investigation was conducted on September 25, 2025. Based on staff interviews and documentation, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for incorrect staff-to-child ratio, not using appropriate behavior support techniques, or not providing an injury report to a parent. Attendance records show classrooms were following correct staff to child ratios. All staff interviewed stated they use appropriate behavior support techniques, and this was observed by licensing specialists in the classrooms. Based on staff interviews and lack of injury reports on file, there is no evidence to substantiate not providing an injury report to a parent.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On August 28, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding an allegation of staff using cell phones while caring for children. An investigation was conducted on September 3, 2025. This complaint is substantiated based on video footage and staff interviews. While at the visit, a staff member was observed on the camera footage sitting in a chair on their phone while working in the classroom. Additionally, several staff interviewed stated that staff being on their cell phones has been a problem at the center.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On August 1, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding an allegation of improper discipline. An investigation was started on August 5, 2025, and concluded on August 13, 2025. Based on staff interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline. All staff members interviewed stated they did not witness improper discipline at any time.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
Between July 1, 2025, and July 7, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received two complaints regarding an allegation of indoor sanitation concerns. An investigation was conducted on July 11, 2025. Based on staff interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint. According to staff interviews, there is a child in care who has an IEP and has been exhibiting behaviors consistent with the allegations, but the feces were always cleaned to the best of the staff s ability right after the incident, and the carpet was professionally cleaned each night.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On June 12, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of improper discipline and disrespectful communication by staff. An investigation was conducted on June 12, 2025. Based on staff interviews and video footage, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline or disrespectful communication. All staff interviewed stated they had used improper discipline themselves nor witnessed any staff member using improper discipline or disrespectful communication at any time. Additionally, body language observed on video footage did not indicate staff members yelling, angry, or being disrespectful at any point.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On June 10, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of improper discipline. An investigation was conducted on June 12, 2025. Based on staff interviews and video footage, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline. All staff interviewed stated they had not used improper discipline themselves nor witnessed any staff member using improper discipline at any time.
1 regulation cited at this visit.
A licensee shall ensure supervision and direct observation of children is provided at all times. On June 11, 2025, Administrator self-reported an incident where a three year old was left alone in a classroom for 7 minutes when other staff members found them. Staff members involved received written warnings. Have both staff members involved be retrained in supervision and name-to-face counting and send documentation to OCCL by July 11, 2025.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 11, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 11, 2025
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On May 20, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding failing to provide an accident/injury report to a parent or guardian. An investigation was started on May 21, 2025, and concluded on June 5, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to provide an accident/injury report to a parent or guardian based on staff interviews. All staff interviewed stated they were unaware of Child #1 getting injured on May 15, 2025, and all staff denied seeing an accident or injury happen to Child #1 while at the center. Administrator #1 reviewed video footage of the day in concern and did not observe Child #1 being injured in any way.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On May 12, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding staff using cell phones while supervising children and staff speaking inappropriately to children. An investigation was conducted on May 21, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for staff using cell phones while supervising children. According to staff interviews, staff are sometimes on cell phones while supervising children. Additionally, administration is aware of this and is putting a plan in place to correct this. There is no evidence to substantiate staff speaking inappropriately to children. According to staff interviews, while some staff will talk with older children using slang , they are doing it to connect and relate with the children and are never speaking unprofessionally or inappropriately with them.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On March 14, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received two complaints: one regarding disrespectful communication by staff to parents and a second regarding both disrespectful communication and cleanliness issues. The investigation started on March 21, 2025, and concluded on March 25, 2025. Based on interviews conducted and documents collected, this complaint is substantiated for disrespectful communications. Based on the center s internal investigation, a staff member received an employee disciplinary action stating the staff member approached the parent in an unprofessional manner. Administrator #1 stated that the staff member thought they were acting in the best interest of the student's safety. Based on observations during the facility visit, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for a lack of cleanliness. The children's areas were observed to be clean, organized, and equipped with cleaning supplies in each room.
2 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs health appraisal w/ TB test and a service letter with 2 reference letters or 4 reference letters. Staff #2 needs a corrected health appraisal.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 27, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 6, 2025
Ensure child files are complete. Child #2 needs a result for blood lead screening. Child #9 needs screen time permission.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 27, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 6, 2025
3 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #2 needs a PD plan. Staff #6 needs a health appraisal and TB within one month of hire.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 4, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 8, 2024
Ensure child files are complete. Child #10 needs an updated monthly infant feeding schedule.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 6, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 8, 2024
Ensure classrooms have a sufficient amount of equipment and toys for children to play with. Room two did not have enough toys available upon arrival.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 6, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due January 8, 2024
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on October 31, 2023, regarding not notifying a parent immediately of a serious or potentially serious injury and not providing the parent with a copy of the injury report. Based on interviews conducted and documentation received, this complaint is substantiated for not notifying a parent immediately of a serious or potentially serious injury and not providing the parent with a copy of the injury report. All staff interviewed stated the parents were not contacted immediately after the injury and were not provided a copy of the injury report. An additional concern noted at the visit was the classroom staff stated they did not have access to a child s emergency contact information when the incident occurred.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on October 4, 2023, regarding lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on October 10, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision because according to documentation reviewed and staff interviews, children are supervised at all times, the center has put multiple positive behavior supports in place, and is continuing to support the needs of Child #1.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received multiple complaints between August 28, 2023, and August 31, 2023, regarding not using positive behavior support techniques. An investigation began on September 1, 2023, and concluded on September 19, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not using positive behavior support techniques because according to documentation provided and staff interviews, the center has put multiple positive behavior supports in place and is continuing to support the needs of Child #1.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On October 11, 2022, The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a self-reported event regarding an allegation of improper discipline. On October 12 and 17, 2022, two complaints were received by OCCL regarding this allegation. An investigation was conducted on October 18, 2022. While Staff #1 was re-directing Child #1, she picked Child #1 up under the armpits and place her on her bottom abruptly. According to medical documentation, there was bruising on Child #1 s bottom two days following the incident. While the actions of Staff #1 do not reflect best practice in interacting with children, they do not appear to rise to level of improper discipline. OCCL cannot definitively determine the bruising on Child #1 was a direct result of the actions of Staff #1. Therefore, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint. This incident involving Staff #1 occurred at 11:44 AM, but Staff #1 had signed out of the classroom at 11:40 AM. In the future, ensure clocks in the classroom used for record keeping are accurate.
A complaint investigation. The state recorded no result word for this investigation, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
The state recorded no written conclusion for this investigation.
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