Delaware records · New Castle County · Bear

BRIGHTPATH PORTER

Licensed Child Care Center · Bear, Delaware

Records presented as of November 5, 2026

The operation, as the state lists it

License number
1512149
Operation type
Licensed Child Care Center
Address
1703 PORTER ROAD, Bear, DE 19701
Licensed capacity
160
Ages served, as listed
6 weeks through 12 years.
Hours, as listed
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
State programs listed
Child Care Food Program;Purchase of Care

The record in numbers

Compliance visits8
Complaint investigations16
Citations recorded17
Citations with correction completed, per the state17
Citations with correction still pending, per the state0
Record spanSeptember 21, 2022 – October 12, 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

YearVisits & investigationsCitations recorded
202666
202584
202421
202363
202223

Visits and investigations, newest first

OCCL Standards ComplaintOctober 12, 2026Result: Substantiated

A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.

On September 14, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on September 18, 2026. Based on interviews conducted, video footage reviewed, and documents collected during the investigation this complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision. At the time of the biting incident one staff was moving about the room monitoring the children while the other staff who was sitting in a chair next to Child #1, was not moving about the room and was looking in the opposite direction at the time Child #1 was bitten. A concern noted in the video footage is Staff #1 and Staff #2 both had their backs to the entire room for approximately one to two minutes after the biting incident occurred while completing the incident report.
OCCL Standards ComplaintJune 8, 2026Result: No Evidence to Substantiate with Concern

A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.

On May 28, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding failing to follow diapering requirements. An investigation began on June 1, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following diapering procedures, as documentation reviewed showed the center followed required procedures for diapering. A concern noted at the visit is Staff #1 used a cream provided by Parent #1 without completing the required Medication Authorization Record (MAR) to apply the cream.
Unannounced Full Compliance ReviewMay 4, 2026

5 regulations cited at this visit.

30U — Personnel Files
Ensure staff files are complete. PD plan needed for staff #1. Annual safe sleep for Staff # 11, 12. Orientations is needed for Staff #1, 3, 11, 12. OCCL health and Safety Training for Staff #1, 3, 8, 11, 12. Job Description needed for Staff #11. References needed for Staff #4 (2), Staff #8 (2). Adult Abuse is needed for Staff #1, 11, 12. Release for employment is needed for Staff #1. Please send documentation to OCCL by June 5, 2026.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 5, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 5, 2026

35U — First Aid and CPR Training
Ensure staff are certified in CPR and First Aid within two months of hire. Staff #10 needs an updated certification. Send documentation to OCCL by June 5, 2026.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 5, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 5, 2026

40U — Child Files
Ensure child files are complete. Date of enrollment and days attending needed for CHIld #1, 2, 8, 16. Emergency card information needed for Childs #1, 2, 3, 8. Updated health appraisal needed for Child #1, 3, 6, 11, 14, 15, 16. Immunizations needed for Child #3, 14, 16. Blood lead results needed for Child #14, 15 Transportation and medication permission needed for Child #1, 3, 8. Send documentation to OCCL by June 5, 2026.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 5, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 5, 2026

49U — Indoor Space
Ensure garbage cans are covered. Preschool 1 and Preschool 2 classrooms need trash cans with lids. Send picture/documentation to OCCL by June 5, 2026.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 5, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 5, 2026

67U — Transportation
Ensure vans drivers have poison control number. Add poison control number to van. Send picture/documentation to OCCL by June 5, 2026.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 5, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 5, 2026

Complaint VisitMarch 18, 2026

1 regulation cited at this visit.

20U — Positive Behavior Management
Ensure positive Behavior Management policy is followed. A licensee shall ensure the following actions are prohibited. Roughly handling a child or physical punishment inflicted on a child s body, including, but not limited to the following: shaking, grabbing, striking, hairpulling, biting, pinching, plucking, slapping, hitting, kicking, or spanking. Self-report from administrator: Staff #1 hit/smacked Child #1 on the hand. Staff #2 did not report this incident to administration. Staff #1 was placed on administrative leave and terminated. Staff #2 received a final written warning for failure to report.

Correction status: Completed · corrected March 18, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due March 18, 2026

OCCL Standards ComplaintFebruary 18, 2026Result: Substantiated

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 October 3, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding failing to use appropriate positive behavior support. This incident was also self-reported to OCCL on September 29, 2025, by the administrator. An investigation began on September 29, 2025, and concluded on February 16, 2026. After carefully reviewing information available to OCCL from outside agencies, this complaint is substantiated for failing to use appropriate positive behavior support. Staff #1 was terminated from employment by the facility effective September 30, 2025.
IA InvestigationFebruary 10, 2026Result: Substantiated

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.

Complaint VisitAugust 15, 2025

1 regulation cited at this visit.

20U — Positive Behavior Management
A licensee shall ensure that all staff use prevention strategies, appropriate redirection rather than restraint, and positive developmentally-appropriate methods of behavior supports for children, which encourage self-control, selfdirection, positive self-esteem, social responsibility, and cooperation.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 7, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 15, 2025

OCCL Standards ComplaintJuly 23, 2025Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.

On July 14, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of not allowing a parent to observe the classroom/not following the open-door policy, not using respectful communication (non-responsive), and a lack of supervision due to multiple injuries received in the school. Based on interviews conducted and documentation collected, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not allowing a parent to observe the classroom/not following the open-door policy. Parents can enter the rooms or watch through the classroom window. Based on interviews conducted and documentation collected, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not using respectful communication (non-responsive). Incident reports on file were consistent with the Reporter's timeline. The administrator and staff member in the classroom met with the parent on multiple dates, in person and via Teams with Area Director #1, Administrator #1, and a staff member from Human Resources. Based on interviews conducted and documentation collected, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision due to multiple injuries received in the classroom. The incident reports are completed with details of the incidents, and LS #1 observed Staff #1 in their classroom while the children were waking up from their nap.
OCCL Standards ComplaintJuly 21, 2025Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.

On July 14, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding the allegation of a staff member smelling of alcohol while working with children. Based on staff interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because two staff members who worked closely with Staff #1 did not notice anything unusual about their behavior or smell. LS #1 spoke with Staff #1 and did not smell alcohol or observe any unusual behavior. Staff #1 stated they do not drink while working.
OCCL Standards ComplaintJuly 14, 2025Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.

On July 9, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding the allegation of a staff member smelling like alcohol in the workplace. Based on staff interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate Staff #1 was under the influence of alcohol in the workplace. Three staff members who worked closely with Staff #1 did not notice anything unusual about their behavior or smell.
OCCL Standards ComplaintJuly 8, 2025Result: Substantiated

A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.

On June 4, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding failing to notify families of a contagious disease, failing to have an understanding of and respect for children and their needs, and improper discipline. Based on staff interviews and documentation, this complaint is substantiated for failing to have an understanding and respect for children and their needs. Staff #1 received a written warning for speaking where they could be heard by parents and others in the building expressing their concerns about an enrollment of a new student and not being prepared to meet the student s needs. Three staff members stated they heard Staff #1's tone and their raised voice as they expressed their concerns in an area where the student and their classmates could hear them. Based on staff interviews and documentation, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not notifying the families of a contagious disease. The first confirmed case was documented on June 2, 2025, messages went out to families on June 2, 2025, and continued until the last case was confirmed on June 4, 2025. Based on staff interviews and documentation, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline because Staff #2 denied slamming children on their cots. Administrator #1 stated Staff #2 has a loud voice but has not used a negative tone with children. Staff members stated they have not seen Staff #2 slam a child on the cot or yell at children. Additional concerns noted at the visit are a lack of required interactions with toddlers, failing to have required lesson plans, and a lack of communication between staff. Administrator #1 stated they would like Staff #2 to do more with the children. Staff #2 stated the lesson plans are not always completed for them to follow so there is nothing for the children to do. Staff members in different age groups brought up a lack of communication from the administration to staff around enrollment and regarding meeting children's needs.
Unannounced Full Compliance ReviewMay 16, 2025

3 regulations cited at this visit.

30U — Personnel Files
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #2 and #3 need 7-hour health and safety training Staff #4 needs an Application or a Personal data sheet and a Job description. Staff #5 needs service letters and two or four references Send corrections to OCCL by June 16, 2025.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 11, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 16, 2025

40U — Child Files
Ensure child files are complete. Child #11 and #16 need Blood lead screening results. Child #15 needs screen time permission Send documentation to OCCL by June 16, 2025.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 11, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 16, 2025

45U — Hazardous Materials
Ensure radon testing is completed every five years. Send the updated report to OCCL by June 16, 2025.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 9, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 16, 2025

OCCL Standards ComplaintApril 14, 2025Result: Substantiated

A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.

On March 25, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding improper discipline, lack of supervision, and cleanliness. An investigation began on March 28, 2025, and concluded on March 31, 2025. Based on interviews, this complaint is substantiated for improper discipline because five staff members stated they have heard Staff #1 yelling in the classroom and/or grabbing a child. Staff #1 also stated they do get loud in the classroom. Based on interviews and observations, there is no evidence to substantiate a lack of supervision. The room is set up to have a clear line of sight for all angles. Based on observations, there is no evidence to substantiate for cleanliness. The children's areas were observed to be clean, organized, and equipped with cleaning supplies in each room. A concern noted through interviews at the visit is the lack of appropriate interactions between the toddler staff member and the children.
OCCL Standards ComplaintJanuary 13, 2025Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

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. The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on November 22, 2024, regarding an allegation of disrespectful communication and failure to provide an injury report. An investigation was begun on November 22, 2024, and concluded on December 30, 2024. Based on interviews conducted and documentation received, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failure to provide an injury report because the scratch on Child #1's forehead was documented at arrival on November 16, 2024. Based on interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for disrespectful communication because three staff members interviewed all stated Staff #3 was not disrespectful.
Unannounced Full Compliance ReviewMay 13, 2024

1 regulation cited at this visit.

40U — Child Files
Ensure child files are complete. Child #7 & # 8, need blood lead results Child #12, who is new to the program needs blood lead results too. . Please send documentation to OCCL by June 12, 2024.

Correction status: Completed · corrected June 13, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 14, 2024

OCCL Standards ComplaintJanuary 29, 2024Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.

On January 9, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding incorrect staff-to-child ratios, insufficient staff, and not maintaining proper indoor temperature. Based on staff interviews, observations, and documentation received, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for incorrect ratios, insufficient staff, or not maintaining proper indoor temperature. At the time of the visit, all classrooms were in ratio and a review of attendance records showed all classrooms to be in correct ratio. At the time of the visit, all classrooms were at a proper indoor temperature and the heating system was checked by a maintenance person when a room felt cold. According to attendance records and in-person observation at the time of the visit, there is adequate staff coverage to supervise children in care and conduct all other needed functions of operation for the facility.
OCCL Standards ComplaintDecember 11, 2023Result: 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 (OCCL) received a complaint on November 20, 2023, regarding improper discipline and staffing concerns. Based on interviews conducted, observations at the visit, and documentation received, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline. The Administrative staff and other staff interviewed all stated they have never observed Staff #1 use improper discipline and have no concerns about her interactions with children. An internal investigation was also conducted by the corporate management which concluded the allegations were unfounded. This specialist observed Staff #1 interacting appropriately with children at the time of the visit. Based on interviews conducted, observations at the visit, and documentation received, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for staffing concerns. Staff interviewed stated they have never seen Staff #1 sleeping in the classroom. At the visit, all classrooms were in ratio.
OCCL Standards ComplaintNovember 15, 2023Result: 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 (OCCL) received a complaint on November 2, 2023, regarding an allegation of lack of supervision and not providing a parent with accurate information regarding a child s accident or injury. Based on interviews conducted and documentation received, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint. The center self-reported the injury and emailed their licensing specialist the injury report prior to OCCL receiving the complaint. All staff interviewed confirmed what had happened, acknowledged their misuse of words to describe where Child #1 hit his head. The classroom was in correct staff-to-child ratio and staff immediately attended to Child #1 s injury, then contacted Parent #1, and followed up the next day by emailing an incident report to Parent #1.
OCCL Standards ComplaintOctober 4, 2023Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.

On September 27, 2023, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding sanitation concerns, incorrect ratios, and mixing of age groups at times other than permitted by regulations. An investigation was conducted on September 29, 2023. Based on observations and documentation that was reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for sanitation concerns, incorrect ratios, or mixing of age groups at times other than permitted by regulations. The center was clean and has a process to clean and sanitize toys. Classrooms were observed to be in ratio and attendance records documented correct ratios are being maintained. Centers are permitted to mix age groups during the first and last 90 minutes of operation.
IA InvestigationAugust 17, 2023Result: Unsubstantiated with Concern

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.

OCCL Standards ComplaintAugust 10, 2023Result: No Evidence to Substantiate

A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.

On March 7, 2023, a complaint was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line and accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received the complaint on March 7, 2023, and accepted it for investigation regarding improper discipline. On March 7, 2023, the center self-reported the incident to OCCL after OCCL had received the complaint from the Report Line. After receiving clearance from the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU) on July 11, 2023, an OCCL investigation was conducted on July 14, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for improper discipline. Staff #1, in a written report, did not note anything that would indicate improper discipline occurred regarding Child #1. Detective #1 stated in an email that he did not find sufficient evidence to proceed with further investigation. The two staff who removed Child #1 from the classroom no longer work at the center and could not be interviewed.
Unannounced Full Compliance ReviewMay 4, 2023

3 regulations cited at this visit.

30U — Personnel Files
All staff files must be complete. -Updated first and CPR are needed for Staff #5, #7. - Updated CPR only is needed for Staff #2, #4. -Administration of Medication certification is needed for Staff #4, #7. -Annual review of abuse and neglect and safe sleep are needed for Staff #1 (A and N only); and for #6. -A professional development plan is needed for Staff #9, #14. -The seven-hour Health and Safety Training for Early Childhood Professionals is needed for Staff #1, #2, #3, #5, #7, #9, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18. -Additional reference letters are needed for: -Staff #6 (4), #8 (2 or 4), #14 (2), #15 (2), #18 (2 or 4). -A job description is needed for Staff #6, #14. -Eligibility letters are needed in the file for: Staff #6, #8. -A release of employment history form is needed for Staff #7. -An adult health appraisal and TB results are needed for Staff #8, #18. -An adult health appraisal only is needed for Staff #14. -Proof service letters have been sent twice, or a service etter, is needed for Staff #7, #8. -Staff #18 needs service letter requests sent to a second employer. Send proof.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 25, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 6, 2023

33U — Annual Training
Annual Training hours were due June 30.2023 now non-compliant. Please submit hour for the following staff Staff #1 needs 6 hours of training. Staff #3 needs 4 hours of training. Staff #4 needs 2.5 hours of training. Staff #5 needs 4.4 hours of training. Staff #10 needs 2.5 hours of training. Staff #11 needs 2.5 hours of training. Staff #17 needs 7 hours of training.

Correction status: Completed · corrected August 21, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 21, 2023

40U — Child Files
All child files must be complete. -Child #1 needs a school-age health appraisal, immunization records, and blood lead screening results. -Child #12 needs a signed parent right-to-know form. -Child #15 needs a child health appraisal.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 14, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 6, 2023

Unannounced Full Compliance ReviewNovember 3, 2022

2 regulations cited at this visit.

30U — Personnel Files
All child files must be complete. -Child #5 needs lead blood screening results. -Child #6 needs a health appraisal, immunization records, and lead blood screening results. -Child #12 needs a health appraisal, immunization records, and lead blood screening results. -Child #13 needs one more emergency contact in file. -Child #14 needs blood lead screening results. -Child #15 needs mat permission form.

Correction status: Completed · corrected December 2, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 5, 2022

40U — Child Files
All staff files must be complete. -Staff #1 needs 2 reference letters and a health appraisal with TB results. -Staff #2 needs a signed orientation form in the file. -Staff #3 needs Administration of Medication certification and an eligibility letter. -Staff #4 needs Administration of medication certification and a signed orientation form.

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

Unannounced Full Compliance ReviewSeptember 21, 2022

1 regulation cited at this visit.

40U — Child Files
All child files must be complete. -A child health appraisal with immunization records is needed for Child #1. -Child #3 needs a signed parent right-to-know form.

Correction status: Completed · corrected September 29, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 21, 2022

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