Delaware records · Kent County · Dover
KIND KIDS EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Licensed Child Care Center · Dover, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 1493740
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 725 WALKER RD, Dover, DE 19904
- Licensed capacity
- 70
- Ages served, as listed
- 6 weeks through 12 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- State programs listed
- Child Care Food Program;Nonprofit;Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 11 |
| Complaint investigations | 20 |
| Citations recorded | 44 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 44 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | September 28, 2022 – May 7, 2026 |
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 | 3 | 6 |
| 2025 | 4 | 6 |
| 2024 | 4 | 5 |
| 2023 | 15 | 10 |
| 2022 | 5 | 17 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
6 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure child files are complete. One child needs a health appraisal and immunization record. One child needs screen time permission.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 11, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 21, 2026
Ensure walls are cleanable and in good repair. Repair the wall in the two's bathroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 8, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 21, 2026
Ensure the gate to the outdoor play area is self-closing and self-latching. The gate was observed not self-closing and not self-latching. Ensure the outdoor play area is hazard free. Repair the broken vent cover located on the building wall. Cover the concrete blocks under the slide and steps to the large play structure. Re-secure the anchoring spikes of the plastic barrier. Multiple anchoring spikes have backed out of the plastic barrier and are sticking up, creating a tripping hazard. Replenish the fall zone material under all climbing equipment in the older child outdoor play area.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 11, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 21, 2026
Ensure sufficient quantity of developmentally-appropriate equipment is available. The three-year-old classroom needs language/literacy materials and construction/blocks materials. The two-year-old classroom needs additional dramatic play materials.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 11, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 21, 2026
Ensure written parent permission is obtained on Medication Administration Records (MAR) are obtained for all medication given. One child needs a MAR for Desitin, Aquaphor, Parent's Choice diaper cream, and EOS hand cream. Ensure medication is in its original container. A hand-written note, "hydrocortisone 2.5 mg" was on the EOS hand cream.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 11, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 14, 2026
Ensure lesson plans contain varied, developmentally-appropriate activities. The lesson plans for the two-year-old and four-year-old classrooms need varied activities for social/emotional development. The lesson plan for the four-year-old classroom also needs a weekly opportunity for food/healthy habits.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 8, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 21, 2026
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On March 25, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of positive behavior supports and not following the schedule. An investigation was conducted on March 31, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate for lack of positive behavior supports and not following the schedule because staff denied the allegations. Additionally, LS #1 noted the three-year-old classroom maintained all required activity areas and a clearly posted daily schedule. Staff #1 was observed conducting a circle time session that aligned with the documented schedule.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On February 24, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding improper staff-to-child ratio, lack of adequate supervision, not having a teacher trained in day-to-day operations present in the absence of the administrator, and not meeting the needs of the children. An investigation was conducted February 26, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate for improper staff-to-child ratio, lack of adequate supervision, not having a teacher trained in day-to-day operations present in the absence of the administrator, and not meeting the needs of the children because staff denied the allegations, proper staff-to-child ratio and supervision were observed, two staff members who are trained in the day-to-day operations were present in the administrator s absence and orientation records were on file. A concern noted during the visit was Staff #1 was signed in the two-year-old classroom but was not present in the classroom. A second concern noted was the one- and two-year-olds were combined in the two-year-old classroom. The one-year-olds were signed in on the one-year-old classroom s attendance record and the two-year-olds were signed in on the two-year-old classroom s attendance record. The three- and four-year-olds were combined in the four-year-old classroom. The three-year-olds were signed in on the three-year-olds attendance record and the four-year-olds were signed in on the four-year-old classroom s attendance record. The attendance records for the one-year-olds and the attendance for the three-year-olds did not identify the children s location.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On November 17, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding the center s suspension/expulsion policy and staff communication. An investigation was conducted on November 25, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of not following the center s suspension/expulsion policy and staff communication because staff denied the allegations. Additionally, video footage of the conversation between Parent #1, Administrator #1, and Owner #1 on November 14, 2025, showed staff used respectful communication. The center s Parent Handbook was reviewed, and the termination policy was followed.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On May 2, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding cleanliness, personal storage space, and not meeting the needs of the children. An investigation was conducted on May 6, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of cleanliness, personal storage space, and not meeting the needs of the children because staff denied the allegations, LS #1 observed the required cleaning materials in each classroom, the equipment and surfaces appeared to be clean, personal storage areas were labeled, and the faces of the children in care looked clean.
6 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure the EC Administrator has 15 hours of training in infant/toddler and the specialized training is listed on the ECA certificate.
Correction status: Completed · correction was due May 20, 2025
Ensure staff files are complete. Four staff members need service letters. One staff member needs two references. One staff member needs TB results.
Correction status: Completed · correction was due May 20, 2025
Ensure the gates in the outdoor play area are self-closing and self-latching.
Correction status: Completed · correction was due May 20, 2025
Ensure rest equipment is labeled. The two pack-and-plays in the one-year-old classroom were not labeled. Ensure safe sleep practices are used and fitted sheets are tightly fitted to the crib mattress. This was corrected when the sheet was changed out.
Correction status: Completed · correction was due May 20, 2025
Ensure the surface on the diaper-changing area is non-porous. The diaper-changing pad in the infant classroom is ripped. This was corrected when a new pad was ordered. Ensure the diapering area is cleaned with soap and water and then disinfected after each diaper change. The two's bathroom did not have a soap/water solution available to clean the changing station. This was corrected when a soap/water solution was made and placed in the bathroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 6, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due May 6, 2025
Ensure Medication Administration Records (MAR) are on file prior to administering medication. Three children need a MAR for diaper cream. A MAR was obtained for one child during the visit.
Correction status: Completed · correction was due May 9, 2025
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On January 10, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding the center s suspension/expulsion policy. An investigation was conducted on January 21, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate for the allegation of not following the center s suspension/expulsion policy because the center followed the policy stated in the parent handbook.
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 May 24, 2024, regarding lack of supervision, improper staff-to-child ratio, lack of confidentiality, staff using their cell phones while caring for children, and positive behavior supports. An investigation was conducted on June 7, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratio because according to attendance records the infant classroom was not following proper staff-to-child ratio on May 8, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate the other allegations based on staff interviews. Additional concerns noted were one staff and one child were not signed into the infant classroom at the time of arrival. Also, Staff #2 was not signed in on the infant classroom attendance record in the afternoon on May 14, 2024, but according to the Brightwheel timecard and still shots from the video recording system, Staff #2 was present in the infant classroom.
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 April 22, 2024, regarding staff not having an understanding of and respect for the children and their needs, including an understanding of and respect for a child s family and culture. An investigation began on May 6, 2024, and ended on June 26, 2024. Due to various differing accounts of the allegations, there is not enough evidence to substantiate this complaint.
1 regulation cited at this visit.
During the visit a few children did not have bottom covers. This was corrected at the visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 6, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due June 6, 2024
4 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete Staff # 1, 2and 3 need references Staff #3 needs a health appraisal w/ TB and a service letter Staff #4 needs references and a service letter Staff #5 needs FA/CPR certification Staff #6 needs references Staff #6 needs references Staff #7 needs references Staff #8 needs references Staff #9 needs references and a service letter Staff #10 needs references Staff #11 needs a service letter
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 17, 2024
Ensure staff sign in/out w/exact hours of arrival and departure. Provide OCCKL with one weeks attendance for the one and two year old classrooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 13, 2024
Ensure cleaners are available and labeled, This was corrected at the visit when soap and water solution was placed in the classroom
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 3, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 3, 2024
Have the area rugs in the one year old classroom cleaned.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 13, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 13, 2024
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 November 13, 2023, regarding lack of supervision and not reporting incidents to the parent. An investigation was conducted on November 14, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegations of not reporting incidents to the parent because Parent #1 said she is aware of all incidents surrounding Child #1. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of lack of supervision because the administrator and staff denied that Child #1 ate his own feces and the Reporter stated she did not personally observe Child #1 eating feces. However, the Reporter stated the administrator informed her Child #1 did eat his own feces and the Reporter overheard staff state Child #1 ate his diaper empty. Based on the results of the investigation this complaint was: No evidence to substantiate
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 November 13, 2023, regarding improper discipline. An investigation was conducted on November 14, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegations of improper discipline because Ms. Eckeard denied restraining Child #1. Ms. Eckeard stated Child #1 was removed from the group setting to allow her to calm down. Child #1 s parent was contacted and informed of the incident.
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 30, 2023, regarding lack of supervision, improper staff-to-child ratio, and allowing children to hit each other. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision because Staff #2, Staff #4, and Parent #1 stated Child #1 was able to climb over the fence and get out of the playground. With proper supervision, Child #1 should not have had an opportunity to get out of the playground as staff would have intervened before it reached that level rather than returning him to the playground. Staff #2 and Staff #4 both stated staff immediately returned Child #1 to the playground. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegations of improper staff-to-child ratio or staff allowing children to hit each other because interviewed staff denied this, and attendance records showed proper staff-to-child ratio being followed.
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 November 6, 2023, regarding staff working alone with children without a comprehensive background check. An investigation was conducted on November 8, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because Staff #1 was fingerprinted for the center and received provisional eligibility to be present. According to attendance records, Staff #1 was not present before becoming provisionally eligible and was not alone with children
1 regulation cited at this visit.
A licensee shall ensure the gates in the play area are self closing and self latching. Repair the sell latching mechanism in the small play area.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 10, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 7, 2023
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 August 30, 2023, regarding a staff member yelling, cursing, and pushing a child multiple times after he hit his head on the ground. An investigation was conducted on September 6, 2023. This complaint is substantiated because Staff #1 was terminated for the way she spoke to Child #1. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of Staff #1 pushing Child #1 down because Owner Stacy Flanagan stated she reviewed the video recording and found Staff #1 did not do anything malicious. The video recording was unavailable to be reviewed by the licensing specialist.
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 August 28, 2023, regarding positive behavior supports. An investigation was conducted on August 30, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because each staff member interviewed denied seeing or hearing anyone scream, yell, or snatch anything from the children. No inappropriate staff interactions were observed at the time of the visit.
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 August 28, 2023, regarding lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on August 28, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision because the administrator admitted being outside on her phone while the children were in front of the building. She stated one child was her own child and the other was the owner s child.
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 August 21, 2023, regarding a staff member using his leg to hold a child down on their nap mat. An investigation was conducted on August 22, 2023. This complaint is substantiated because Staff #1 admitted to holding Child #1 down with his leg at nap time.
1 regulation cited at this visit.
A licensee shall ensure gates have self-closing and positive self-latching closing mechanisms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 1, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 1, 2023
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 May 9, 2023, regarding lack of supervision, cellphone use, not ensuring a child s information is confidential, and inappropriate screen time. An investigation was conducted on May 12, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for improper cellphone use based on interviews conducted. A staff member stated they have provided a child with their personal cellphone to view videos during nap time. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision. Staff members interviewed stated they have not witnessed any inappropriate behavior from Child #1 in the classroom. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not ensuring a child s information is confidential. Ms. Eckeard denied providing any confidential information about Child #1 to Parent #1. There is no evidence to substantiate inappropriate use of screen time based on interviews conducted. While devices are being used, all staff members interviewed stated they monitor what children are watching and deny seeing any inappropriate content.
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 May 12, 2023, regarding air quality and not keeping the center in a clean, hazard-free, and safe condition due to active construction in the facility and by having mold in the carpets. An investigation was conducted on May 12, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for air quality based on interviews conducted and observations of the facility and classrooms. The owner stated there is construction occurring within the center as approved by OCCL, and children have no access to the active construction zone. Open spaces, such as doorways, are sealed during active construction. No accumulated dust was observed within the classrooms. There was no evidence of mold observed in the facility.
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 May 9, 2023, regarding concerns about sanitation procedures and the facility not notifying parents of a contagious illness. An investigation was conducted on May 12, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper sanitation procedures. Multiple staff members were interviewed and stated soap and water solution and disinfectant are utilized to clean toys. Staff members also stated when a contagious illness is present in the center, classrooms are deep-cleaned. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not notifying parents of a contagious illness. The Administrator provided documentation verifying families had previously been notified of contagious illnesses and verified there was recently a child that was suspected to have hand, foot, and mouth, but was cleared of the illness by their pediatrician.
8 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure all staff members have been determined eligible or provisional eligible before starting.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 12, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due May 12, 2023
Ensure personnel files are completed. Health and Safety needed for Staff # 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13, and 14. References are needed for Staff # 10, 12, and 13.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 13, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2023
Ensure child files are completed. Child # 4 and 15 need lead blood screening results.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 8, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2023
Ensure all hazards are removed from classrooms. Repair, remove, or Replace vents in the two and three-year-old rooms. Ensure all surfaces are cleanable. Patch and paint exposed drywall in the two, three, and four-year-old rooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 8, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2023
Ensure refrigerator is below 40 degrees. - Fridge in Infant room needs to be below 40 degrees.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 8, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2023
Ensure all nap equipment is labeled. Label pack and plays.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 12, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due May 12, 2023
Ensure first aid kit is complete. Missing a triangle bandage and safety pins.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 8, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 13, 2023
Ensure all infant bottles are labeled.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 13, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due May 12, 2023
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 January 19, 2023, regarding staff-to-child ratios. An investigation was conducted on January 23, 2023. This complaint is substantiated because the monitor from the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) observed the classroom out of ratio when a staff member stepped out of the classroom. The staff interviewed confirmed this had occurred.
7 regulations cited at this visit.
Staff files must be complete Staff #8 is not on site at this time: A health appraisal is required prior to staff member returning to work. Provide OCCL with a health appraisal when obtained from employee Staff #12 needs an entire staff file Staff #14 needs an entire staff file Staff #17 needs a health appraisal to include TB results Staff #18 needs an entire staff file Staff #20 needs an entire staff file Staff #22 needs references with a service letter or four if no service letter
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 21, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 16, 2022
Ensure child files are complete Child #10 needs blood lead test results Child # 5,6,7,8,10 and 11 need develoopmental plans
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 12, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 16, 2022
Ensure sanitizing solution is in each classroom.. This was corrected at the visit
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 21, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due November 21, 2022
Ensure safe sleep practices for infants are followed. Licensing Specialist Smith observed two infants in their cribs with pacifier clips. This was discussed and corrected when the clips were removed
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 21, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due December 16, 2022
Ensure diaper changing procedures are being followed and an non absorbent diaper mat with a cover is provided. One bathroom needs a new diaper changing mat. Another bathroom needs a diaper changing procedure posted. Send phot to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 6, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 16, 2022
Ensure lesson plans are completed and posted. The four year old classroom is missing a current lessonplan. Send lesson plans for the week of 11/28/2022-12/2/20252 to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 12, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 16, 2022
Ensure children are secured in their high chairs. This was discussed and corrected at the visit when the child was strapped in.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 21, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due December 16, 2022
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 10, 2022, regarding sanitation, not following staff handbook policies regarding termination, and the staff member designated to be the administrator not functioning in that role. An investigation began on October 17, 2022, and concluded on October 18, 2022. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation for not following staff handbook policies regarding termination because staff interviewed denied this has occurred. Additionally, there is no evidence to substantiate the allegation the designated administrator is not functioning in her role because Licensing Specialist Rasin-Benn was informed by Ms. Flanagan, Ms. Tallhamer and Staff #1 this role is shared when the current administrator has to cover in a classroom due to staffing. Also, Staff #1 is in training to become an administrator. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of sanitation requirements not being followed because staff stated mouthed toys are removed from the classroom and cleaned.
1 regulation cited at this visit.
A licensee shall ensure a center has a refrigerator to keep perishable food including lunches prepared at home at 41degrees Fahrenheit
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 18, 2022 · how corrected: Telephone · correction was due October 18, 2022
1 regulation cited at this visit.
Staff #14 needs medication certification and fingerprinting
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 14, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 14, 2022
8 regulations cited at this visit.
Infants and toddlers must be care for in separate areas. One, three and four year old's were mixed on the playground. This was corrected when staff were informed this could not be.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 28, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due September 28, 2022
Staff #1 needs and entire file Staff #6 needs a health appraisal Staff #7 needs CPR/1st aid Staff #8 needs additional references Staff #9 needs a health appraisal with TB Staff #10 needs references Staff #11 needs medication certification and references
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 23, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 13, 2022
Ensure child files are complete Child #6 needs a health appraisal and immunization shot records to include blood lead test results
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 28, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 13, 2022
Ensure children's belongings are not touching Cover the electrical outlets in the 2 year old classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 28, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due September 28, 2022
Ensure children are laid to rest without additional clothing. An infant was asleep in the crib with a hooded jacket . This was discussed at the visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 29, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due September 29, 2022
Ensure disposable covers are used when diapering and the table is cleaned and disinfected after each use.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 29, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due September 29, 2022
Purchase food and water for sheltering in place.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 29, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 3, 2022
Ensure lesson plans are updated and posted
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 29, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due September 29, 2022
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