Delaware records · New Castle County · Wilmington
DUCKLINGS EARLY LEARNING CENTER - CHESTNUT RUN
Licensed Child Care Center · Wilmington, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 1627178
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 230 INNOVATION BLVD, Wilmington, DE 19805
- Licensed capacity
- 160
- Ages served, as listed
- 6 weeks through 5 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- State programs listed
- Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 3 |
| Complaint investigations | 4 |
| Citations recorded | 23 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 23 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | April 15, 2025 – March 24, 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 | 6 | 23 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On March 18, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint regarding failing to have a designated person in charge, incorrect staff-to-child ratios, and lack of supervision. Based on interviews and review of documentation, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to have a designated person in charge on site. LS #1 reviewed documents provided showing record of two staff present who are trained in day-to-day operations. Based on interviews, observations, and review of attendance documentation, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for incorrect staff-to-child ratio or lack of supervision.
7 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs updated med cert, PD plan. Staff #2 needs OCCL 7 hour training. Staff #3 needs CPR/FA. Staff #4 needs safe sleep review. Staff #5 needs safe sleep review, OCCL 7 hour training, references, health appraisal/TB, service letter. Staff #6 needs health appraisal/TB. Staff #7 needs references, service letter. Staff #8 needs references, health appraisal/TB, Staff #9 needs 2 references or service letter. Staff #10 needs OCCL 7 hour training. Staff #11 needs CPR/FA (skills), orientation. Staff #12 needs CPR/FA, 1 reference. Staff #13 needs PD plan, 2 references or service letter. Staff #14 needs PD plan.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 20, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
Ensure children's files are complete. Child #2, #3, #4, #9, #15 needs blood lead screening. Child #10, #5 need developmental plan.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 9, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
Ensure indoor space is safe. Front door is not closing properly. No security upon LS entering. -Toilet in Doodlebugs is inoperable. - Counters and fridges need clean in Crickets, Caterpillars and infant rooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 9, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
Ensure classrooms are supplied with toilet paper/paper towels.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 9, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
Rest equipment needs to be labeled in Doodlebugs. Ensure safe sleep practice is followed - Infant rooms have loose sheets.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 9, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
Ensure MAR forms are complete.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 9, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
Ensure shelter-in-place supplies. Water and food supply.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 8, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due January 9, 2026
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On August 20, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of not following the food service policy, not following positive behavior supports, and staff not having understanding and respect for children and their needs. An investigation was conducted on August 27, 2025. Based on interviews and documentation there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to follow written food service policies. LS #1 observed a schedule in the classroom and reviewed the policy handbook which states the center serves snack at 9:00 am. Staff #1 and Staff #2 both stated no morning snack is served in their classroom; however, Staff #1 stated breakfast is served upon arrival or by 9:00 am and Staff #2 stated children eat breakfast upon arrival. The BrightWheel application further states children were served breakfast between 8:45 am 9:34 am in their classroom. This seems to be an inconsistency in terminology used for the morning food service rather than failing to follow a policy. Based on interviews and documentation there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to use positive behavior supports. LS #1 reviewed emails between Administrator #1 and Parent #1 and handbook policies, describing positive behavior supports for children struggling with unwanted behaviors. Based on interviews and documentation, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to respect children and their needs. Administrator #1 and both staff interviewed all stated they assist children and families with toilet training. LS #1 observed documentation on the BrightWheel application documenting children being taken to the bathroom at appropriate times.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On June 6, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations including not providing truthful information to parents, not following food policy, failing to provide injury report and first aid, not meeting the needs of a child, not following policy for parent access, failing to follow expulsion policy, failing to handle parent concerns and complaints, lack of supervision, failing to sanitize bottles, and lack of sanitation in the refrigerator. An investigation was conducted on June 12, 2025. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed this complaint is substantiated for not providing truthful information to parents. LS #1 reviewed two written incident reports and viewed video footage from May 14, 2025, which all showed different explanations of what happened to Child #1 on May 14, 2025. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, this complaint is substantiated for failing to follow their policy regarding parents or guardian s visits and monitoring of the program. Staff #3 stated Administrator #1 directed Parent #1 and Parent #2 to stop visiting. Owner #1 stated there was an open-door policy for both parents, but then asked if they could send a message before coming in so they could coordinate a time to come in. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, this complaint is substantiated for failing to follow expulsion policy. LS #1 reviewed documentation from one meeting held on June 4, 2025, with both parents. The handbook states, child care will be terminated if you or your family becomes a safety threat by becoming hostile and we cannot resolve the situation. Based on information provided through interviews it does not appear the family was a safety threat or hostile. Based on staff interviews and video footage reviewed from May 14, 2025, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision. Adequate staff were present in the classroom, which was in correct staff-to-child ratio. Staff st ated they sit with children at mealtimes to supervise them and encourage them to eat. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following food policy. Parents provide food and the schedule posted follows the classroom practices. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to provide an injury report and first aid. The incident report dated May 14, 2025, was signed and dated by the parent or guardian. The incident report also states there was no visible injury. The incident reported dated May 15, 2025, stated parent or guardian refused to sign. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not meeting the needs of a child. Staff #1 and Staff #3 both stated they sit with the children, give hugs, and pick them up when in distress. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to handle parental concerns and complaints. Owner #1 stated there is an administrator only application on Brightwheel, which allows private communication and appointment scheduling with administrators. The administrator held a meeting with both parents to discuss their concerns. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to sanitize bottles. The facility does not provide food or milk. Staff #1 and Owner #1 stated milk bottles sent from home are rinsed and sent home daily. Based on interviews and observations at the visit, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of sanitation in the refrigerator. The refrigerator is cleaned every Friday, unless needed beforehand. The refrigerator appeared clean upon inspection by LS #1 and LS #2. An additional concern noted was a review of video footage showed two staff members using cell phones while caring for children.
7 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure at least an ECT is trained in day-to-day operations.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 8, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 11, 2025
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs OCCL training, safe sleep signed. Staff #2 needs 9 training hours. Staff #3 needs OCCL training, 2 references. Staff #4 needs CPR/FA, PD plan. Staff #5 needs PD plan. Staff #6 needs OCCL training, job description, 2 references, declaration/drug statements signed, and adult abuse check.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 8, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 11, 2025
Ensure children's files are complete. Child #3, 5, 8 need developmental plans upon 45 days of enrollment. Child #8, 9 need blood lead screening. Child #9, 10 need parents right to know signed.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 10, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 11, 2025
Ensure rest equipment is labeled. Butterflies needs chart completed.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 8, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 11, 2025
Ensure MAR forms are complete for all medications, including OTC meds. _ Access to box.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 10, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 11, 2025
Ensure infant feeding statements are updated & classroom teachers have access. Ensure bottles are labeled.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 8, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 11, 2025
Ensure infant daily logs include 30-minute sleep checks.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 8, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due July 11, 2025
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On April 22, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of failing to allow services for a child with disabilities. An investigation was conducted on April 23, 2025. Based on interviews with staff and reporting parties, this complaint is substantiated for failing to allow services for a child with disabilities. Interviews with staff and reporting parties indicate the administrator stated on April 18, 2025, Therapist #1 would need a criminal background check for the center prior to providing services for Child #1 s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Administrator #1 had called Licensing Specialist (LS) #1 on April 23, 2025, to ask if Therapist #1 needed fingerprinting completed for the center and was told this was not required. As of this writing, the administration had not responded to Therapist #1 s April 22, 2025, call to confirm if fingerprinting for the center was required so services had not begun. Child #1 started attending the center on April 22, 2025, and services were to have begun that day. An additional concern noted was Child #1 s file did not contain IFSP documentation as required.
9 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs OCCL training. Staff #2 needs orientation, DEEDS certificate. Staff #3 needs orientation.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 13, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2025
Ensure children's files are complete. Child #1, #6, #9 need monthly infant feeding schedules.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 24, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2025
Ensure developmental plans are completed within 45 days of enrollment.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 25, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2025
Ensure classroom/building is free of insect infestation. Ants in infant room.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 24, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2025
Ensure refrigerator is 41' or cooler; Waddlers @50'.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 5, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2025
Ensure infant cribs are free of blankets. Ensure crib sheets are tight-fitting.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 24, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2025
Ensure MAR forms are completed w/specific medication.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 25, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2025
Ensure evacuation drill/log and inspection monthly.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 25, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2025
Ensure current lesson plans are posted; Crickets.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 5, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2025
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