EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

On August 24, 2026, OCCL received a complaint regarding failing to work with a child s parent to design effective positive behavior supports, make reasonable accommodations in accordance with the provisions of an IFSP or IEP, and adapt behavior supports or other practices for a child with a special need or disability, denying a child food for failing to sleep, not following the termination policy, and staff not interacting or engaging with children both indoors and outdoors. An investigation began on August 31, 2026, and concluded on September 17, 2026. Based on the interviews conducted and documents reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failure to work with parents to design effective positive behavior supports, make reasonable accommodations in accordance with the provisions of an IFSP or IEP, or adapt behavior supports or other practices for Child #1. Administrator #1 reported the center requested a copy of Child #1 s IEP but never received it. Administrator #1 arranged for a third-party observer to assist Child #1 and the classroom staff members. ECMHC #1 provided a written summary of their observations and their meeting with the parents. The summary indicated staff members were using best practices and had implemented reasonable strategies to address Child #1 s needs to the best of their ability. Administrator #1 worked with Parent #1 to agree on toys the center would provide for nap time. Based on the interviews conducted and documents reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for denying food to Child #1 for failing to sleep. Administrator #1 provided a screenshot of a message in the Bright Wheel app indicating food was not withheld. Child #1 ate the snack provided by Parent #1. A special treat was given to most children in the classroom for listening and following directions. Three children did not receive a donut, but snack was not withheld from any child. Based on the interviews conducted and docu ments reviewed there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to follow its termination policy. LS #1 reviewed a screenshot of a message from Parent #1 expressing an intention to kill two staff members in the classroom. Parent #1 picked up Child #1, returned to the center while angry, and disrupted two classrooms. Child #1 s care was not terminated due to Child #1 s behavior; the termination resulted from Parent #1 s behavior. The termination policy permits the center to terminate care when a family member becomes hostile, poses a safety threat, and the situation cannot be resolved. Based on the interviews conducted and observations made during the investigation, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for staff members failing to interact with preschool-age children as required. The staff members demonstrated a good understanding of children s behavior. At the visit, staff members were observed bending down or sitting on the floor to communicate at the children s level, using encouraging language, an appropriate tone, and providing children with a choice of activities. Administrator #1and Staff #1 stated staff members are engaged in activities with the children. Staff #3 stated they and Staff #2 interact with the preschool children by listening to them, getting on their level to discuss both positive and unwanted behaviors.

On August 14, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding failing to follow child health appraisal requirements. An investigation was conducted on August 18, 2026. Based on an interview conducted, review of child files, and documents collected during the investigation, there is no evidence to substantiate the allegation failing to follow child health appraisal requirements. Administrator #1 reported that health documentation is collected for all enrolled children. The enrollment materials communicate health appraisal, immunization, and lead-testing requirements. All random child files reviewed contained a current health appraisal and immunization documentation, and applicable files contained blood lead test results.

On October 3, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint alleging a staff member was working at a center without being at least provisionally eligible through a criminal background check. Based on interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate this allegation. Eleven staff members stated they do not believe Relative #1 provided care to children in place of Staff #1. One staff member, who does not know Relative #1, believes it was Relative # 1 in the classroom. All staff present at the visit have been determined eligible through a criminal background check.

On September 24, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of supervision, indoor temperature being too high, and staff using their cell phones while caring for children. An investigation was conducted on September 29, 2025. Based on interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate the lack of supervision because all staff stated they did not see a child leave a classroom. Based on interviews and observation of the classrooms, there is no evidence to substantiate the indoor temperature being too high, as all staff reported that the room temperature was warm but did not exceed 81 degrees. All staff members stated that the attached elementary school was undergoing work, and the temperatures lowered once the work was completed. Based on interviews and observations during the visit, there is no evidence to substantiate that staff use their cell phones while caring for children. All staff stated they do not use their cell phones and stated they have not seen other staff members using their cell phones. LS #1 did not observe any cell phone use during the visit.

On June 12, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding the air conditioning unit not operating when the forecast was calling for 90-degree weather. Based on interviews and observations, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint. Seven staff members stated the temperature of their room was good or okay. Fans were observed in the classrooms, and the measured air temperature ranged between 68 and 70 degrees.

On April 30, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding temperatures because the heating and air conditioning unit was not operating. Based on interviews of staff and documents reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint, as all staff members interviewed stated the temperature of their rooms was monitored and remained between 70 and 75 degrees.

On April 1, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding school-age children not in a separate space from younger children and file documentation for enrollment. Based on interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate that school-age children are not in a separate space because all staff stated that no school-age children are in the classrooms or on the playground other than, at times, siblings in families picking up child care children. Based on interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate the absence of files for school-age children, because all staff stated that there are no school-age children enrolled at the center.

Ensure the new EC Administrator has the infant-toddler specialized training. This included 15 clock hours of training in infant and toddler development and curriculum. Staff #1 needs to complete trainings and send documentation to Deeds to receive Infant /Toddler Specialized training. Send updated status to OCCL by May 2, 2025.

Correction status: Completed · corrected April 30, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 2, 2025

Ensure the wall paint is free of scuff marks. The center director informed the Specialist that the entire building will be painted over spring break.. Send a picture of painted walls to OCCl by May 2, 2025.

Correction status: Completed · corrected April 30, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 2, 2025

On May 31, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding staff communications, improper discipline, and failing to notify parents of an injury. Based on observations, interviews, daily reports, and attendance records obtained, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for staff communications, improper discipline, or failure to notify parents of an injury. The staff members both stated they were not aware of any bruise or injury so there was no need to notify parents or other staff members. Staff members denied any knowledge of improper discipline and no concerns were received from parents regarding any injuries.

On May 8, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of supervision, incorrect staff-to-child ratios, cell phone use by staff while caring for children, and lack of respect for children and their needs. Based on observations, interviews, and attendance records obtained, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision, incorrect staff-to-child ratios, cell phone use by staff, or lack of respect for children and their needs.

On April 25, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding a staff member using their cell phone while caring for children and staff not having an understanding of children and their needs. Based on staff interviews, this complaint is substantiated for staff using a cell phone while caring for children. There is insufficient evidence to substantiate a staff member s lack of understanding of children's needs or rudeness to children based on multiple staff interviews at the time of the visit. Staff members providing care for children may not be given other duties or participate in personal activities, such as using a cell phone. Please review DELACARE Regulations regarding cell phone usage while providing direct child care. Send a staff roster for all staff with individual signatures to the Office of Child Care Licensing to confirm that all staff members have completed a review of DELACARE center regulation 26 regarding personal activities by May 17, 2024.

Ensure all staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid. Staff #1 needs an updated certification. Send documentation to OCCL by 5/12/2024.

Correction status: Completed · corrected April 16, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 12, 2024

The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on November 13, 2023, regarding incorrect staff-to-child ratios and interns alone with children other than permitted by regulations. Based on interviews conducted, observations at the visit, and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for incorrect staff-to-child ratios or interns alone with children other than permitted by regulations. All staff interviewed stated they are not in classrooms alone unless they are in ratio. All classrooms were in ratio during the visit. An additional concern noted at the visit was a staff member was observed working without having an eligibility or provisional eligibility letter on file. The staff member will not return to work until eligibility is determined.

On April 20, 2023, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding not following center termination policies, procedures for handling complaints from parents, and not conveying important information to a parent in a timely manner. An investigation was conducted on April 28, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for not following termination policies, because the written policy confirms the center s right to terminate a child when an issue with a parent cannot be resolved. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for mishandling complaints from a parent, because all staff interviewed denied being anything but professional when talking with Parent #1. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for not informing a parent of important information in a timely manner because, according to the timetable provided by Ms. Sturgill and Staff #1, the parent was informed of the important incident in less than 24 hours.

All staff files must be complete. -Health and Safety Training for Early Childhood Professionals must be completed by Staff #1, #2, #4, #6, #7,#8, #10, #11, #12, #14. -Full adult health appraisals must be in the file for Staff #1, #8, #9. The adult health appraisal must include the statement that there is nothing physical or emotional that would prevent the person from caring for children. -CPR with skills demonstration is needed for Staff #5.

Correction status: Completed · corrected May 24, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 5, 2023

All staff files must be complete. Staff #1 needs Administration of Medication training or certification.

Correction status: Completed · corrected April 20, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 16, 2022

All child files must be complete. -Child #4 needs blood lead test results.

Correction status: Completed · corrected May 5, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 16, 2022