Delaware records · Kent County · Hartly
HARTLY LEARNING ACADEMY INC
Licensed Child Care Center · Hartly, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 1499152
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 21 NORTH ST, Hartly, DE 19953
- Licensed capacity
- 107
- Ages served, as listed
- 6 weeks through 12 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- State programs listed
- Child Care Food Program;Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 9 |
| Complaint investigations | 16 |
| Citations recorded | 44 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 44 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | April 11, 2022 – January 22, 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 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 3 | 6 |
| 2024 | 8 | 11 |
| 2023 | 4 | 1 |
| 2022 | 9 | 26 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On January 5, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding not maintaining required temperatures, not notifying OCCL of an equipment failure, and air quality. An investigation was conducted on January 6, 2026. The complaint is substantiated for not maintaining required temperatures, not notifying OCCL of an equipment failure, and unacceptable air quality because staff admitted the building s propane was out and the building was not maintaining required temperatures, classroom temperatures ranged between 61 degrees F and 62 degrees F, OCCL was not notified of the equipment failure, and a strong gas-like odor was present. A concern noted was OCCL was not notified of the hiring of Administrator #2, after the resignation of Administrator #1.
6 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure walls are cleanable and in good repair. Repair the chipped paint spots in the infant classroom and two-year-old classroom. Repair the wall behind the sink in the women's bathroom. Ensure all garbage is covered. The trash can in the pre-k classroom needs to be cleaned out and covered. Discontinue the use of the wax warmer. A wax warmer was observed on in the infant classroom. This was corrected when the wax warmer was turned off and discussed with staff.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 23, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 16, 2025
Repair the gate in the outdoor play area to ensure it is self-closing and self-latching.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 23, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 16, 2025
Purchase additional manipulatives/math/problem solving materials and science materials for the pre-k classroom and the three-year-old classroom. Purchase additional construction/block materials for the three-year-old classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 8, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 16, 2025
Replace the ripped diaper changing mat in the one-year-old classroom. Ensure a foot-activated diaper pail is used for diapers. The trash can in the infant classroom was not foot-activated.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 9, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 16, 2025
Ensure lesson plans contain weekly opportunities for special activities for children 24 months and older. The lesson plan in the two-year-old classroom was missing the weekly opportunities.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 4, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 16, 2025
Ensure the renewal application is submitted at least 60 days prior to the license expiration.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 9, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 16, 2025
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On November 1, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding enrollment, child attendance, not providing truthful information, using an unapproved outdoor area, using wading pools, not following meal pattern requirements, ratios, group sizes, mixing age groups, and not having extra clothes in case of an accident. An investigation was conducted on November 12, 2025. The complaint is substantiated for using wading pools because Administrator #1 admitted the school-age children used portable wading pools for a variety of water play activities. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for enrollment, child attendance, not providing truthful information, using an unapproved outdoor area, not following meal pattern requirements, ratios, group sizes, mixing of age groups, and not having extra clothes in case of an accident because staff denied the allegations. Additionally, child file documentation was provided for Child #1; reviewed attendance records showed appropriate staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, and mixing of age groups, menus with appropriate serving sizes were observed; and a stock of extra clothes and shoes was observed.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On February 4, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding unsafe air quality. An investigation was conducted on February 5, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate for unsafe air quality because Administrator #1 stated she contacted the fire department, and the fire department evaluated the building and found no gas leak. Administrator #1 informed families of the status via Brightwheel.
1 regulation cited at this visit.
Ensure infants and toddlers are cared for in rooms separate from older children. A three-year-old child was placed in the two-year-old classroom with six two-year-old children, when the three and four-year-old classroom went outside. The three-year-old child has asthma and his mother requested he not go outside in the cold. This was discussed and corrected when the administrator agreed to use one of the appropriate methods discussed in the future.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 19, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due December 19, 2024
1 regulation cited at this visit.
Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times. The two-year-old classroom was observed with 9 one and two year olds with one staff member. This was corrected when a second staff member entered the classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 17, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due December 17, 2024
8 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff use developmentally-appropriate methods of behavior management. A staff member was observed picking a child up by his hands/wrists and his feet left the ground. The staff member was trying to move the child away from another child. This was discussed with the staff member. The staff member must complete the training titled, "Guiding Children's Behavior" on the Individualized Professional Development (iPD) website.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 27, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 27, 2024
Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained through the assignment of qualified staff members. An aide was observed alone with six, one and two year olds. This was corrected when a qualified staff member entered the classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 12, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due December 12, 2024
Ensure staff files are complete. One staff member needs a DEEDS qualifications certificate, four references from adults who are not related to her, and an eligibility letter from the Criminal History Unit. One staff member needs a professional development plan.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 18, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 27, 2024
Ensure all sinks provide hot and cold water. The sink in the boys bathroom is not supplying hot water. Repair the sink. Ensure garbage is covered. A trash can with dirty pull-ups and trash was observed without a lid in the bathroom between the two-year-old classroom and three-year-old classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 19, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 27, 2024
Ensure the gates in the outdoor play area are self-closing and self-latching. The gate will not self-close and the self-closing mechanism is not working properly.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 27, 2024
Repair the wobbly book shelf in the infant classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 19, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 27, 2024
Ensure the foot-activated diaper pail is used to dispose of diapers. The covered trash in the two-year-old classroom was being used for soiled diapers. This was discussed and corrected when a trash bag was placed in the diaper pail and the staff member agreed to use the diaper pail for diapers. Ensure disposable covers are used for diaper changes. The infant classroom did not have disposable covers. This was corrected when the coveres were supplied.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 12, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due December 27, 2024
Enusre lesson plans provide weekly opportunities for each special activity for 24 months and older. The lesson plan in the two-year-old classroom did not provide opportunities for science, music, and sensory.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 19, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 27, 2024
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On June 26, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding children being improperly restrained in vehicles while being transported by center staff to field trips for their summer camp. An investigation was conducted on July 2, 2024, and July 16, 2024. This complaint is substantiated because Administrator #1 stated children ages four through seven use a booster seat, without checking their height or weight, and eight-year-old children were not using any type of restraint aside from the vehicle s seatbelts.
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 December 7, 2023, regarding improper staff-to-child ratio, not having someone trained in the day-to-day operations, and transportation requirements. An investigation was conducted on February 15, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratio because, according to attendance records, on November 29, 2023, Staff #2, an aide who was not yet determined eligible, and Staff #3, an aide under 18 years old, were alone in the two-year-old classroom with up to nine children from 8:04 am until 8:30 am. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for transportation procedures or not having a staff member trained in the day-to-day operations because the administrator stated children are transported in the center van, not personal vehicles, and the center has multiple staff trained in the day-to-day operations. A concern noted was Staff #2 was present in the center before her eligibility results were received.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
A self-reported complaint was received by the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line on December 7, 2023, and accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). The complaint was sent to the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) and accepted for investigation regarding improper discipline. On February 8, 2024, IAU stated OCCL could begin their investigation. The IAU case was substantiated for physical abuse. OCCL conducted an investigation on February 15, 2024. This complaint is substantiated because Staff #1 was observed on video improperly disciplining several children. When the administrator was made aware of the allegations, she reported the incidents to the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line, law enforcement, and OCCL. Staff #1 s employment was immediately terminated. Non-compliance Cited: Reg #20: Ensure positive behavior supports are followed at all times. Staff #1 was observed on video improperly disciplining and interacting inappropriately with several infants. This was corrected when Staff #1 s employment was immediately terminated and the administrator reported the incidents to the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line, law enforcement, and OCCL.
1 regulation cited at this visit.
Ensure positive behavior supports are followed at all times. A staff member was terminated due to improper discipline against infants. This was corrected because the staff member was immediately terminated. Ensure positive behavior supports are followed at all times. Staff #1 was observed on video carrying an infant and then dropping them on the floor from the height of her waist; picking up an infant by one of their arms, carrying them across the room, and dropping them on the floor; and picking an infant up by their arm, and throwing them down causing the infant to hit their head on a crib. This was corrected because Staff #1 was immediately terminated and the administrator reported the incidents to the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line, law enforcement, and OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 15, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due February 15, 2024
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
The state recorded no written conclusion for this investigation.
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 December 1, 2023, regarding a child being present who is not enrolled. An investigation was conducted on December 5, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because all infants had complete child files and were enrolled.
1 regulation cited at this visit.
Ensure there are musical toys available for children. Classroom had no musical toys are available for children. Admin located musical instruments and they were added to the center. Ensure toys are sturdy and hazard free. Classroom "Ones" had broken blocks. Admin removed the broken blocks.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 5, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due December 5, 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 July 19, 2023, regarding infant feeding procedures, not notifying parents of a contagious disease, and unqualified staff alone with children. An investigation was conducted on July 27, 2023. The complaint is substantiated for unqualified staff alone with children because an intern was observed alone with an infant. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for improper infant feeding procedures and not notifying parents of a contagious disease because staff denied the allegations, infant feedings were documented in the Brightwheel app, and a Brightwheel message was observed notifying parents of a case of Hand, Foot, Mouth disease in the center.
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, 2022, regarding improper discipline and accident/injury procedures. An investigation was conducted on February 9, 2023, after receiving clearance from law enforcement. This complaint is substantiated for accident/injury procedures because several staff interviewed stated Child #1 s parent or guardian was not called immediately when he received an injury to his head. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of improper discipline because interviewed staff denied the allegation.
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 December 5, 2022, regarding hand-washing procedures and kitchen and food preparation. An investigation was conducted on December 6, 2022. This complaint is substantiated because Staff #1 stated she washes her hands in the three-compartment sink; Staff #1 stated she does not sanitize the dishes after cleaning them; prepared food was observed without proper labels and expiration dates; and expired food was observed in the pantry.
11 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. One staff member needs first aid certification. Four staff member need CPR and first aid certification. Two staff members need a second attempt to obtain their service letters.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 22, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 22, 2022
Ensure staff attendance is documented with the exact hours in each classroom. The staff in the two-year-old classroom was not signed into the classroom. This was corrected when the staff signed herself into the classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 6, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due December 6, 2022
Ensure child files are complete. One child needs a health appraisal and immunization record. One infant needs an updated infant feeding schedule. One child needs blood lead screening results. One child needs Parents Right to Know acknowledgement. Seven children need a completed Medication Administration Record (MAR).
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 22, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 22, 2022
Ensure walls are cleanable and in good repair. The paint in the two-year-old classroom needs to be repaired where it is chipped. Purchase a covered trash can for the front lobby.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 21, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 22, 2022
Ensure dishes are washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use. When asked, the kitchen staff stated she washes and rinses the dishes and allows the dishes to air dry. This was discussed and the staff agreed to comply. Ensure food provided is free from spoilage. This specialist observed several expired food items in the pantry. Ensure prepared and stored food is labeled with the contents and date of preparation or expiration. This specialist observed items without a label or proper date. Ensure hand-washing is done in the separate hand-washing sink in the kitchen. When asked, Staff #1 stated she washes her hands in the three-compartment sink with dish soap. This was discussed and the staff agreed to comply. Ensure dishes are washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use. When asked, the kitchen staff stated she washes and rinses the dishes and allows the dishes to air-dry. This was discussed and the staff agreed to comply. Ensure food provided is free from spoilage. This specialist observed several expired food items in the pantry. Ensure prepared and stored food is labeled with the contents and date of preparation or expiration. This specialist observed items without a label or proper date.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 13, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 22, 2022
Replenish the mulch with nine inches in all fall zone areas in the outdoor play area.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 22, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 22, 2022
Replace the ripped nap mats in the one and two-year-old classrooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 22, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 22, 2022
Ensure the diaper changing table is within five feet of a sink. The diaper changing table in the two-year-old classroom was observed more than five feet from the sink.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 22, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 22, 2022
Store medication securely. Diaper cream was observed in an open bag in a child's cubby in the infant classroom. This was corrected when the diaper cream was moved.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 6, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due December 6, 2022
Purchase tweezers for the first aid kit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 9, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 22, 2022
Ensure evacuation drills and fire prevention checks are completed monthly. Purchase shelter in place supplies.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 21, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 22, 2022
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
OCCL received a complaint on August 1, 2022, regarding possible lack of supervision and possible improper discipline because Pediatrician #1 stated the injury appeared too severe to be caused by another child. An investigation was conducted on August 3, 2022. This complaint is unsubstantiated for lack of supervision and possible improper discipline because reviewed video footage showed Child #2 push and fall on top of Child #1 causing the injuries to Child #1 and staff denied the allegations.
10 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained through an eligible staff member at all times. One staff member was observed alone with two infants. The staff member did not have eligibility determination. This was corrected when a qualified staff member entered the infant classroom
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 21, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due June 21, 2022
Ensure staff are fingerprinted before the start of employment and are supervised at all times until eligibility is determined. A staff member who does not have a receipt of verification or eligibility determination on file was observed alone with two infants. This was corrected when an eligible staff member entered the infant classroom
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 21, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due June 21, 2022
Ensure staff files are complete. Seven staff members need an eligibility determination letter on file. One staff member needs administration of medication training and/or certification. Two staff members need annual review of safe sleep, annual review of abuse and neglect, orientation, job description, two references, employee declaration, drug/alcohol statement, adult abuse registry check, adult health appraisal with TB results, release of employment history, and corresponding service letters.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 11, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 8, 2022
Ensure child files are complete. One child needs blood lead screening results.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 7, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 8, 2022
Ensure children's attendance records the exact arrival and departure times. Four children were signed into the infant classroom; however, only two were present. This was corrected when two children were signed out.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 21, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due June 21, 2022
Discontinue the use of air fresheners. An air wick plug-in was observed plugged-in the outlet in the girls bathroom. This was corrected when the plug-in was removed.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 21, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due June 21, 2022
Ensure prepared and stored food is labeled with contents and date of preparation or expiration. This was discussed and staff agreed to comply.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 21, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due June 21, 2022
Purchase non-absorbent rest equipment. There were several ripped nap mats in the one and two-year-old classrooms. Ensure rest equipment is stored not touching. The nap mats in the two-year-old classroom were observed stacked. This was discussed and staff agreed to clean and sanitize the mats daily. Ensure crib mattresses are placed on the lowest setting.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 7, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 8, 2022
Purchase a non-porous surface for the diaper-changing area in the one-year-old classroom. The diaper changing mat was observed ripped.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 7, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 8, 2022
Discontinue the use of the pressure gate in the infant classroom doorway. This was corrected when the gate was removed.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 21, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due June 21, 2022
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
OCCL received a complaint on May 18, 2022, regarding improper staff-to-child ratios, lack of supervision, providing other duties such as cooking while providing care to the children, not following the meal pattern requirements, and possibly not having security procedures in place. There is no evidence to substantiate for staff-to-child ratios, lack of supervision, providing other duties while providing care to the children, not following the meal pattern requirements, and not having a security procedure in place because staff denied the allegations and reviewed attendance records showed staff-to-child ratios were being followed.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
OCCL received a complaint on April 28, 2022, regarding possibly not providing a handbook at the time of enrollment, not following the open-door policy as stated in the handbook, possibly not following their outside referral procedure as stated in the handbook, and improper staff-to-child ratios. An investigation was conducted on May 3, 2022. The complaint is unsubstantiated because documentation was provided to show a new handbook was sent to parents, the centers outside referral procedure was followed, and attendance records showed staff-to-child ratios were being followed. Staff denied not following the open-door policy and improper staff-to-child ratios. Additionally, the open-door policy and staff-to-child ratios were observed being followed at the visit.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
OCCL received a complaint on April 11, 2022, regarding improper staff-to-child ratios and failure to have security procedures. An investigation begun on April 11, 2022. The complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratios and security procedures because attendance records showed the two-year-old classroom was over ratio and the front door and door to the classrooms were observed unlocked without anyone monitoring the doors.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
OCCL received a complaint on April 11, 2022, regarding improper staff-to-child ratios, failing to follow security procedures, and not providing soap and paper towels. An investigation was conducted on April 18, 2022. The complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratios because attendance records showed the two-year-old classroom was over ratio on two separate days. There is no evidence to substantiate for failure to follow security procedures and not providing soap and paper towels because a security procedure, soap, and paper towels were observed. An additional concern noted was staff and child attendance not being documented at the point of service.
5 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff schedules a fingerprinting appointment with Delaware State Police and is fingerprinted for a Delaware SBI and FBI check before start of employment of within five days of the staff member's 18th birthday. One staff member needs to obtain a receipt of verification from fingerprinting.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 3, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 22, 2022
Ensure staff files are complete. Four staff members need CPR and first aid certifications. Three staff members need administration of medication certification. Two staff members need annual review of abuse and neglect. Two staff members need a job description. Two staff members need two references. One staff member needs employee declaration, drug/alcohol statement, adult abuse registry check, adult health appraisal with TB results, and release of employment history. Two staff members needs a service letter.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 7, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 22, 2022
Ensure staff attendance is documented at the point of service. No staff were signed into the one-year-old classroom. Two staff were signed into the the two-year-old classroom, but only one staff was present. This was discussed with staff and corrected during the visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 11, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due April 11, 2022
Ensure child files are complete. One child needs the date of enrollment, hours, and days she attends care.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 2, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 22, 2022
Ensure child attendance is documented at the point of service. Eight children were signed in the one-year-old classroom; however, 12 children were present. This was discussed with the staff and corrected during the visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 11, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due April 11, 2022
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