Delaware records · New Castle County · Newark
DREAM HAVEN LEARNING CENTER
Licensed Child Care Center · Newark, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 158000
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 701 OLD HARMONY RD, Newark, DE 19711
- Licensed capacity
- 86
- Ages served, as listed
- 6 weeks through 5 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- State programs listed
- Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 3 |
| Complaint investigations | 6 |
| Citations recorded | 11 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 11 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | October 22, 2024 – October 27, 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 | 6 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 | 5 |
| 2024 | 1 | 2 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On October 12, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns involving insufficient classroom materials and equipment, inadequate heating and cooling, unsanitary conditions, insufficient food portions, inadequate access to drinking water, and restrictions on communication between classroom staff and families. An investigation was conducted on October 21, 2026. Based on the investigation, there is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving insufficient classroom materials or equipment. Licensing Specialist (LS) #1 conducted a facility tour and observed classrooms contained developmentally appropriate books, manipulatives, sensory materials, gross motor equipment, and other instructional resources. Additional materials were available in designated storage areas. Classroom equipment and furnishings were observed to be in good repair. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving inadequate heating or air conditioning. Owner #1 reported supplemental heating and cooling units had been installed to address previous concerns involving temperatures in the rear portion of the building. LS #1 observed the units installed and operating in fan mode. Classroom temperatures were within the required range during the investigation, and no concerns involving inadequate temperature control were identified. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving unsanitary conditions. Administrator #1 provided LS #1 with a written cleaning schedule identifying assigned staff responsibilities. Owner #2 reported the administrative team and owners also assist with cleaning responsibilities. During the facility tour, LS #1 observed classrooms, bathrooms, common areas, and food preparation areas were clean and sanitary, and required soap & water and sanitation solutions were available in all classrooms. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving insufficient food portions. Owner #1 and Owner #2 reported meal portions are determined according to USDA and CACFP guidelines. LS #1 observed the applicable portion guidance posted within the kitchen and observed lunch portions being served. Additional food was available for children requesting second servings. No concerns involving inadequate meal portions were identified. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving inadequate access to drinking water. Administrator #1 reported children have access to drinking water throughout the day and may request additional water whenever needed. LS #1 observed drinking cups and water pitchers available within classrooms. There is also no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving restrictions on communication between classroom staff and families. Owner #1 and Administrator #1 reported staff are permitted to communicate directly with families regarding routine classroom activities and children's daily care. The program utilizes ProCare for communication and documentation. Owner #1 and Administrator #1 stated staff are expected to involve administration when concerns require additional support or collaborative follow-up. Information obtained during the investigation did not establish inappropriate restrictions on communication with families.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On July 28, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns that Child #1 was being cared for in a stroller or high chair for extended periods of time and was not being provided sufficient opportunities for developmentally appropriate movement and floor play. An investigation was conducted on August 11, 2026. Based on the investigation, there is no evidence to substantiate the complaint. Administrator #1, Staff #1, Staff #2, and Staff #3 consistently reported Child #1 does not remain in a stroller for extended periods of time. Staff reported the stroller is used primarily for walks and transportation to outdoor areas. Administrator #1 reported stroller use during walks generally lasts approximately 15 minutes. Administrator #1 and Staff #1 reported Child #1 is provided opportunities for floor play, gross motor development, singing, coloring activities, outdoor play, and interaction with other children. Staff #2 and Staff #3 confirmed Child #1 participates in free play with children in the toddler classroom. Staff interviewed also reported Child #1 is not fed or routinely permitted to sleep in a stroller. During the unannounced investigation, Licensing Specialist (LS) #1 observed Child #1 being carried into the facility following outdoor play and subsequently placed on the classroom floor. LS #1 observed toys throughout the classroom floor and observed staff actively interacting with Child #1. An approved pack-and-play was also available for Child #1. LS #1 did not observe Child #1 being cared for in a stroller or high chair for an extended period or being restricted from developmentally appropriate movement and play.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On June 11, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns a dead mouse remained on the playground for an extended period of time and children had access to the hazard. An investigation was conducted on June 16, 2026. Based on the investigation, there is no evidence to substantiate the allegation the administrative team knowingly allowed children access to a dead mouse on the playground without taking protective measures. Owner #1, Owner #2, Administrator #1, and Staff #1 all confirmed a dead mouse was discovered on the playground. Administrator #1 reported responding immediately after being notified of the concern. Administrator #1 stated a bucket was placed over the mouse to prevent children from accessing the area while efforts were made to obtain equipment to remove the animal from the playground. Administrator #1 reported the mouse was located in a far corner of the playground and staff monitored the area while the bucket remained in place. Administrator #1 further stated children did not return to the playground later in the day after the mouse was discovered. Owner #1, Owner #2, Administrator #1, and Staff #1 consistently reported the mouse was removed from the playground the following day. Although the mouse was not removed immediately upon discovery, information obtained during the investigation indicates measures were taken to restrict children's access to the hazard until removal could occur.
4 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure Staff Files are complete. The following is needed: - Signed Professional Development Plan--Staff #3 - Orientation--Staff #2 - Annual Review of Safe Sleep--Staff #4 - OCCL Health & Safety Training--Staff #6 - Job Description--Staff #2, 4 - References -- Staff #2 (2) - Release of Employment--Staff #4 - Service Letters--Staff #1, #4
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 8, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 17, 2026
Ensure Child Files are complete. The following is needed: Child #8 needs Blood Lead Screener Results
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 8, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 17, 2026
Ensure the twos and the preschool classrooms have accessible science materials.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 7, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 17, 2026
Replace the diaper changing mat in the Two's/Preschool Bathroom. There is a big rip down the middle
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 7, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 17, 2026
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On April 27, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of improper staff-to-child ratio requirements, exceeding maximum group size requirements, and inadequate supervision during naptime due to a staff member sleeping while assigned caregiving responsibilities. Based on the investigation, including staff interviews and review of documentation, this complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratio requirements. Licensing Specialist (LS) #1 reviewed two weeks of attendance records and identified two instances of a classroom operating out of staff-to-child ratio and three instances of children being signed into a classroom with no staff signed in. This complaint is also substantiated for inadequate supervision during naptime. LS #1 interviewed four staff members separately, and three staff members reported observing a specific staff member sleeping during naptime while assigned caregiving responsibilities. An additional concern identified during the investigation involved inaccuracies in child and staff attendance documentation. LS #1 reviewed two weeks of attendance records and identified approximately fifteen documentation discrepancies related to child attendance records and staff attendance records. These discrepancies include staff or children not being signed in or out of classrooms as required.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On April 8, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding an allegation of not documenting accidents/injuries. Based on documentation reviewed and interviews this complaint is substantiated for not documenting an accident/injury for Child #1 from the October 2025 incident. The owners at the center stated they did not complete an accident/ injury report for November 14, 2025, because they did not see the object in the nose and this incident began at home.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On August 22, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of staff members being unqualified to work with children, not meeting the staff file requirements outlined in DELACARE, and may possess mental or emotional impairments. An investigation was conducted on August 26, 2025. Based on the findings of the investigation, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint. Licensing Specialist (LS) #1 reviewed the files of all new staff hired after the program s annual compliance visit on June 17, 2025. Each file contained the documentation required as outlined in DELACARE Regulation 28. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for concerns related to staff possessing mental or emotional impairments. LS #1 reviewed health appraisals for all new staff members, and no information was documented in those appraisals which would prevent them from effectively performing their job responsibilities.
5 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs CPR/First Aid and DEEDS Early Learning Certificate
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 21, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 11, 2025
Ensure Child Attendance Records are accurate. Preschool did not have two children signed in upon inspection.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 17, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due July 11, 2025
Ensure all plugs have plug covers. One outlet in the Toddler Room did not have a cover. Was corrected at visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 17, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due July 11, 2025
Ensure Diaper Changing Procedure is posted in the preschool bathroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 15, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 11, 2025
Ensure Lesson Plans are posted in the classrooms. The Toddler and the Preschool classroom did not have a current plan posted at time of inspection.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 17, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due July 11, 2025
2 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs an updated Health Appraisal/TB Screener
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 22, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 22, 2024
Ensure child files are complete. Child #2 needs a Blood Lead Screener.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 22, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 22, 2024
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