Delaware records · New Castle County · Bear
BRIGHTPATH SCHOOL BELL BEAR
Licensed Child Care Center · Bear, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 1512154
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 345 SCHOOL BELL ROAD, Bear, DE 19701
- Licensed capacity
- 110
- 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 visits | 7 |
| Complaint investigations | 8 |
| Citations recorded | 24 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 24 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | October 6, 2022 – September 11, 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 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 | 6 |
| 2024 | 3 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 | 7 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
1 regulation cited at this visit.
A licensee shall ensure supervision and direct observation of children is provided at all times. A Staff member allowed a school-age child to wait outside for parent. The school-age child told the staff member their parent told them to wait outside for them to pick up. Center director noticed the child outside and brought them into the building to wait for parent. Child was on porch and did not enter the parking lot. The child was unsupervised for approximal 45 seconds.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 11, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 11, 2026
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On July 6, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding administrator qualifications. The investigation began on July 8, 2026, and concluded on July 29, 2026. Based on interviews, emails, documentation reviewed, and Staff #1's ongoing efforts to comply with the pending variance request, there is insufficient evidence to substantiate this complaint. The investigation determined the facility made continuous efforts to comply with OCCL requirements by submitting a timely variance request, maintaining communication with OCCL regarding Staff #1's progress, and actively attempting to recruit a qualified Early Childhood Administrator. Although Staff #1 initially attended a college that was not recognized by DEEDS Early Learning for administrator qualifications and later received incorrect guidance from Delaware Technical Community College regarding qualifying coursework, the facility responded appropriately by taking corrective action and hiring a qualified Early Childhood Administrator. Administrator #2 was fingerprinted on July 27, 2026, and is scheduled to begin employment on August 3, 2026, pending receipt of the required eligibility letter. Administrator #2 was determined eligible by CHU on July 30, 2026.
3 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are compete. Training Hours needed Staff #1 (7 hours), Staff #6 (7 hours), Staff #8, ( 7 hours), Staff #9 (1 hour), Staff #10 (7 hours), And Staff #11 (7 hours). Orientation is needed for Staff #2, #9, and #11 7-hour OCCL health and Safety Training is need for Staff # 2, 4, 9, and 11. Application/Resume or data sheet is needed for Staff #1, 2, and 9. Reference and service letters are needed for Staff #1, 2, 3, 9, and 11. 4 references and service letter or proof of two attempts to obtain service letter. Service letter is needed for staff #4. Health appraisal w/TB is needed for Staff #2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11. Release of employment is needed for Staff #2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11. Send documentation to OCCL by June 8, 2026.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 29, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 8, 2026
Ensure Child files are complete. Health appraisals are needed for Child #1 and 11. Immunizations record is needed for Child #11. Mat permission is needed for Child #3, 17, and 18. Send documentation to OCCL by June 8, 2026.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 21, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 8, 2026
Ensure outdoor area has no hazards and fall zones have proper mulch in fall zone areas. Cover or remove black fabric because it is a tripping hazard at bottom of the swirly slide and rake or add mulch to fall zone areas; slides and climbing equipment. Send picture to OCCL by June 8, 2026.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 21, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 8, 2026
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On June 20, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding a lack of supervision and failure to follow policies for accepting and handling complaints from parents or guardians. Based on staff interviews and documentation, this complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision. On June 17, 2025, the center placed Staff #2 on administrative leave after being made aware of the concern and terminated their employment on June 24, 2025. Based on staff interviews and documentation, there is no evidence to substantiate for failure to follow policies for accepting and handling complaints from parents or guardians. The center documented concerns, informed the regional director, created a performance plan, shared incident reports upon parents' request, and terminated the staff member s employment after an internal investigation.
5 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #9 two service letters. Staff #6 need First Aid and CPR. Send documentation to OCCL by June 9, 2025.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 29, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 9, 2025
Ensure all staff, substitutes, and volunteers complete the 7-hour health and safety training before working with children. Staff #1 needs to complete the 7-hour health and safety training. Send documentation to OCCL by June 9, 20205.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 30, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 9, 2025
Ensure child files are complete. Child #6 needs Transportation and medication permission. Send documentation to OCCL by June 9, 2025.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 8, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 9, 2025
Ensure radon is tested every 5 years. Send the updated radon report by June 9, 2025.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 19, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 9, 2025
Ensure sheets are not touching. Sheets were on cots while cots were stacked, and the sheets were touching. Discuss with staff to stop this practice and send the date of the discussion to OCCL by June 9, 2025. Ensure water temperature is set at 120 degrees. The hall bathroom sink was reading at 130 degrees. Send a picture of the water heater set to 120 degrees. Send a picture by June 9, 2025.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 9, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 9, 2025
1 regulation cited at this visit.
Ensure all staff uses prevention strategies and appropriate redirection. The administrator reported that Staff #1 pushed two children. Staff #1 was removed from the building on 12/16, under investigation until 1/2/25, where she was then formally terminated
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 2, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 27, 2025
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On December 16, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding improper discipline and failure to report suspicion of abuse or neglect to the Child Abuse and Neglect report line. An investigation was conducted on December 19, 2024. Based on staff interviews and documents reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. The staff reviewed video footage and observed there were no physical interactions involving Child #1 and a staff member or another child. Based on interviews there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline because Staff #1 and Administrator #1 stated they viewed video footage and did not see improper discipline occurring in the classroom. Video footage was no longer available for review by OCCL.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On July 24, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of supervision. The center had self-reported this incident to OCCL on July 19, 2024. An investigation was conducted on July 26, 2024. Based on staff interviews and documents reviewed, this complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision because the staff stated Child #1 left the classroom unseen and went out the front door with Adult #1.
5 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure child files are complete. Child #4 needs a complete MAR Medication Administration Record Child #5 needs a signed Parent right to know information statement
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 6, 2024
Ensure floors, walls, counter surfaces, and toilets are clean and in good repair. By June 6, 2024, send a picture of the ABC carpet in the Explorer II classroom after it has been cleaned.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 6, 2024
Ensure classrooms have evacuation routes posted. By June 6, 2024, send a picture of the parent board from each room.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 6, 2024
Ensure Bus fire extinguisher needs inspected (*date on tag 9/2022)
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 6, 2024
Ensure schedules are posted in every classroom. By June 6, send a picture of the parent board with the activity schedule.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 17, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 6, 2024
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On April 16, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding the improper release of children. An investigation was conducted on April 23, 2024. Based on staff interviews and files reviewed, this complaint is substantiated for the improper release of children because staff stated they had released a child without verifying the identification of the person who was picking up the child. Non-Compliance cited Reg#23 Center Parent or Guardian Handbook. Ensure staff members are only releasing children to people who are approved by their parent or guardian. This includes checking identification and following a procedure when an unapproved person attempts to pick up a child. All staff are required to be re-trained on DELACARE Regulations regarding release of children.
2 regulations cited at this visit.
All staff files must be complete. -Staff #1 needs an adult health appraisal and TB results. -Staff #2 needs to complete the seven-hour Health and Safety Training for Early Childhood Professionals.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 15, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 9, 2023
Blood lead screening results are needed for Child #10.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 9, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 9, 2023
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On October 31, 2022, The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations a staff member engaged in an argument including a physical altercation with a parent at the facility. An investigation was conducted on November 3, 2022. This complaint is substantiated for disrespectful communication and being physically aggressive while children were in care.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On October 27, 2022, The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding incorrect staff-to-child ratios, mold present at the center, and staff not modeling respectful communication. An investigation began on October 31, 2022, and concluded on November 3, 2022. This complaint is substantiated for not maintaining the staff-to-child ratio because staff stated they were over ratio by four children for 50 minutes on a previous day. This complaint is substantiated for lack of sanitation because of the mold observed by this specialist in several locations in the center. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for disrespectful communication because the staff interviewed stated they have not observed any staff being disrespectful.
7 regulations cited at this visit.
All staff files must be complete. -Staff #1 needs the orientation record. -Staff #2 need a current professional development plan.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 7, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 7, 2022
All child files must be complete. -Child #4 needs documentation of blood lead screening -Child #9 needs a current health appraisal, with immunization records.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 17, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 7, 2022
A soap and water bottle is needed in room 106.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 7, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 7, 2022
Cover the trash can in room 115.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 17, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 7, 2022
-The farthest bus needs an instant cold pack in the first aid kit. -The nearest bus needs an eye pad or patch, an instant cold pack, and roll gauze.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 17, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 7, 2022
All bottles must be labeled. -Three bottles in the infant refrigerator need labels.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 7, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 7, 2022
All lesson plans need the required items. -Room 113 needs an identifiable food/healthy habits activity. -Room 108 needs current lesson plans with all required activities listed.
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 7, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due December 7, 2022
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
A complaint was received on August 24, 2022, regarding lack of supervision, not following documentation requirements regarding a child accident or injury, and children having access to the kitchen. An investigation began on August 30, 2022, and concluded on October 4, 2022. There is no evidence to substantiate lack of supervision because Staff #1 reported being present and intervening at both incidents. There is no evidence to substantiate not following documentation of child incidents/injuries because a report was given to the Reporter regarding the first incident and the Reporter observed the earlier incident taking place. There is no evidence of Child #1 being hurt, so no report was necessary. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for children having access to the kitchen. The only time Child #1 was in the kitchen was when she was pushed against the door and fell into the kitchen. Child #1 was immediately assisted and removed from the kitchen.
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