Delaware records · Sussex County · Milton
SHELL'S EARLY LEARNING CENTER - MILTON, INC.
Licensed Child Care Center · Milton, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 499737
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 225 MILTON ELLENDALE HIGHWAY, Milton, DE 19968
- Licensed capacity
- 110
- Ages served, as listed
- 6 weeks through 12 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- State programs listed
- Child Care Food Program;Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 5 |
| Complaint investigations | 7 |
| Citations recorded | 33 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 33 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | June 22, 2022 – December 9, 2025 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 9 |
| 2024 | 1 | 10 |
| 2023 | 3 | 5 |
| 2022 | 3 | 9 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On November 3, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding not having an organized system of business management and not having sufficient staff, space, and equipment to fulfill, at a minimum, administrative, fiscal, clerical, cleaning, maintenance, food services, direct child care, and supervisory functions; not following the parent handbook; not having a posted menu, not following the menu, and not making changes; not following the accident/injury procedure; not documenting children s progress; child attendance; indoor hazards; personal individual storage space; not keeping exits clear; not having hot water; not using the area for ill children; sleeping accommodations/safe sleep; not providing water; not providing truthful information; not accurately documenting diaper changes; lack of supervision; and staff communication. An investigation was conducted on November 12, 2025. The complaint is substantiated for the sinks not providing both hot and cold water, and nap equipment not being in good repair. The sink in the infant classroom and the sink located near the door to the infant classroom do not supply hot water. A severely ripped nap mat was observed in the three-year-old classroom. A one-year-old child was observed in a pack-and-play that the sides were not properly locked into place, and the sides of the pack-and-play had rips in the mesh. There is no evidence to substantiate for not having an organized system of business management and not having sufficient staff, space, and equipment to fulfill, at a minimum, administrative, fiscal, clerical, cleaning, maintenance, food services, direct child care, and supervisory functions; not following the parent handbook; not having a posted menu, not following the menu, and not making changes; not following the accident/injury procedure; not documenting children s progress; child attendance; indoor hazards; personal individual storage space; not keeping exits clear; not using the area for ill children; safe sleep; not providing truthful information; not accurately documenting diaper changes; lack of supervision; and staff communication because staff denied the allegations. Additionally, a menu was observed posted on the parent board; attendance records in each classroom were accurate; individual, labeled storage spaces for children s belongings were observed in each classroom; the bottom sheets in the infant s cribs were tight-fitting; no hazards were observed; complete daily logs for November 10, 11, and 12 were observed; no exits were obstructed; and an operable water fountain was observed.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On October 22, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding diapering, not having respectful communication, improper staff-to-child ratio, unqualified staff being alone with children, staff using alcohol during child care hours, and not having current child health appraisals. An investigation was conducted on October 23, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because the administrator denied the allegations and all eight staff interviewed stated they check diapers hourly and/or change when needed. All staff interviewed stated they have not heard Administrator #1 being disrespectful to staff or parents and denied ever hearing him/her curse in the classrooms. All staff denied taking shots of alcohol during nap time, even stating they have never heard of this happening. According to various attendance records obtained for each classroom, staff-to-child ratio was maintained and unqualified staff were never alone with children. A concern noted was on four different days, staff did not sign out and on two different days, children were not signed out.
7 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. One staff needs CPR/First Aid, annual review of safe sleep and annual review of child abuse and neglect. One staff needs annual review of safe sleep and annual review of child abuse and neglect. One staff needs two additional references and an adult health appraisal with TB screening. One staff needs orientation, one additional reference, and two documented attempts to obtain service letters. One staff needs DEEDs qualification, CPR/First Aid, OCCL's Health and Safety Training for Child Care Professionals, and one additional reference letter.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 14, 2025
Ensure child files are complete. Three children need blood lead level test results. One child needs updated immunizations.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 14, 2025
Ensure refrigerators remain at 41 degrees or below and freezers remain at 0 degrees or below. Adjust temperature in the refrigerator and freezer in the infant room.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 14, 2025
Ensure proper number of toilets are available based on capacity. Repair inoperable toilet in the preschool/school -age building.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 14, 2025
Ensure nap mats are non-absorbent, free from rips and tears. Replace all ripped mats throughout both buildings.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 14, 2025
Ensure Medication Administration Records (MAR) are filled out correctly and accompany each medication submitted. Review and compare all medications and MAR's in the young two-year-old classroom and correct, as needed.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 14, 2025
Ensure renewal application is submitted at least 60 days prior to license expiration. Submit application. This was corrected at the visit when the renewal application was provided.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 23, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due October 31, 2025
2 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure OCCL is contacted within one business day in the event of a known arrest or conviction of a staff member or licensee. During a complaint investigation on August 6, 2025, Executive Director #1 confirmed to OCCL that Owner #1 was currently in prison for tax issues related to the child care centers. This was discussed and corrected when Executive Director #1 agreed to comply in the future.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 6, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due September 5, 2025
Ensure the licensee, governing body, and employees follow all applicable federal, State, and local laws and regulations. During a complaint investigation on August 6, 2025, Executive Director #1 confirmed to OCCL that Owner #1 was currently in prison for tax issues related to the child care centers. This was discussed and corrected when Executive Director #1 agreed to comply in the future.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 6, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due September 5, 2025
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On March 14, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding the center s suspension policy and infant daily logs. An investigation was conducted on March 25, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate for the center s suspension policy not being followed because Administrator #1 denied the allegation and the center followed the suspension policy stated in the parent handbook. There is no evidence to substantiate for lack of infant daily logs because Administrator #1 stated daily communication notes are sent home for each child and LS #1 observed completed infant daily logs.
10 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. One staff member needs to complete first aid. Six staff members need a complete and signed professional development plan. One staff member needs a reference letter. One staff member needs two reference letters. One staff member needs an eligibility letter. One staff member needs a corrected adult health appraisal. Four staff members need release of employment history and corresponding service letters.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 24, 2024
Ensure staff attendance includes exact hours worked in each classroom or area. One staff member did not sign into the older twos and pre-k classrooms when she entered the classrooms. This was corrected when the staff member signed into the classrooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 10, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due October 10, 2024
Ensure child files are complete. Three children need health appraisals. Four children need blood lead screening results. One child needs screen time permission.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 24, 2024
Ensure children's belongings are not touching. The cubbies in the older two-year-old classroom are over-flowing causing the children's items to touch. Rearrange or remove items so they no longer touch.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 3, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 24, 2024
Purchase a thermometer for the refrigerator in the infant classroom to ensure the temperature is at 41 degrees F or colder and a second thermometer for the freezer in the storage closet to ensure the temperature is at 0 degrees F or colder. Ensure stored food is labeled with its contents and date of preparation or expiration. Two unlabeled containers were observed in the cabinet in the storage room. Label the containers.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 19, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 24, 2024
Ensure structures and equipment are in safe condition. Repair the ladder with missing steps on the taller wooden play structure. Repair the splintered wood on the ladder and monkey bars on the taller play structure. Replenish the fall zone materials to ensure there is nine inches of pea gravel under all required areas. Remove the lock from the gate during hours of operation.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 24, 2024
Purchase new nap mats to ensure they are non-absorbent. Multiple nap mats through out the facility were observed to be ripped and no longer non-absorbent. Replace all nap mats. Clean bedding when wet or soiled. Two fitted sheets in cribs in the infant classroom need to be washed as they were observed soiled/wet.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 3, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 24, 2024
Post a daily schedule in the three-year-old classroom
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 3, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 24, 2024
Replace the T-shaped safety straps on the high chairs in the infant classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 3, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 24, 2024
Ensure the renewal application is submitted to OCCL at least 60 days prior to the license expiration date. This was corrected when the application was given to the licensing specialist at the full compliance review on 10/10/2024.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 10, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due October 10, 2024
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
The Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint on October 3, 2023, regarding improper staff-to-child ratio. An investigation was conducted on October 9,2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because according to attendance records the center followed proper staff-to-child ratio.
5 regulations cited at this visit.
Complete staff files are needed for the following staff members: Staff #1 needs a professional developmental plan. Staff #2 needs CPR/FA certification, annual training hours, professional developmental plan, annual safe sleep, annual review abuse and neglect. Staff #3 needs CPR/FA certification, administration of medication certification, annual training hours, professional developmental plan, OCCL health and safety training, health appraisal with TB, service letter Staff #4 needs CPR/FA certification, annual training hours, professional developmental plan, annual safe sleep, annual review abuse and neglect Staff #5 needs CPR/FA certification, annual training hours, professional developmental plan, reference letters, health appraisal with TB, service letter Staff #6 needs CPR/FA certification, annual training hours, professional developmental plan, annual safe sleep, annual review abuse and neglect, updated comprehensive background check. Staff #7 needs administration of medication, annual training hours, professional developmental plan, service letter Staff #8 needs professional development plan, orientation, release of employment, service letter Staff #9 needs , administration of medication, annual training hours, professional developmental plan, OCCL health and safety training, health appraisal with TB, service letter Staff #10 needs a complete file. Staff #11 needs a job description, reference letter, adult abuse check, health appraisal with TB, service letter Staff #12 needs CPR/FA certification, annual training hours, professional developmental plan, administration of medication certification, orientation, OCCL health and safety training, health appraisal with TB, service letter, release of employment Staff #13 needs CPR/FA certification, annual safe sleep, annual review abuse and neglect, service letter Staff #14 needs CPR/FA certification, administration of medication certification, , orientation, OCCL health and safety training, reference lett er, service letter Staff #15 needs CPR/FA certification, annual training hours, professional developmental plan, reference letter, employee declaration, drug/alcohol statement, health appraisal with TB, release of employment, service letter Staff #16 needs a complete file
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 16, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 23, 2023
Complete child files are needed for the following children: Child #2 needs a developmental plan, Child #3 needs and updated health appraisal and developmental plan Child #4 needs a developmental plan. Child #6 needs a developmental plan. Child #7 needs a developmental plan. Child #8 needs a health appraisal, blood lad screening results. Child #9 needs hours/ date of attending, a health appraisal, blood lead screening results and a development plan, Child #14 needs blood lead screening results Child #15 needs development plan Child #16 needs days and hours of attending Child #17 needs days and hours of attending
Correction status: Completed · corrected December 27, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 23, 2023
Ensure play equipment is free from hazard, repair or place the bottom step of ladder climber and the exposed screws. Additional rocks to fall zones. Send picture to OCCL
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 10, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 23, 2023
Ensure diapers are disposed of in the diaper pail only. Diaper was observed in the garbage bin in the bathroom in the two year old classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 9, 2023 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due October 9, 2023
Update two monthly feeding schedules in the infant classroom
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 10, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 23, 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 June 5, 2023, regarding inappropriate staff communication, insufficient staffing, improper staff-to-child ratios, requirements regarding meals and snacks not being followed, and not having drinking water available. An investigation was conducted on June 15, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because all staff interviewed denied the allegations. The administrator stated she always behaves professionally and denied yelling at staff. She also reported the center is fully staffed. The licensing specialist observed proper staff-to-child ratios in every classroom at the facility visit. The staff interviewed stated milk is served with all meals and snacks. The posted menu showed a variety of foods, and the licensing specialist saw several milk jugs and an abundance of food. The licensing specialist observed children taking their water bottles outside with them and using the water fountain in the indoor gym.
9 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs a professional development plan, review of safe sleep, and an eligibility letter. Staff #2 needs a professional development plan and an eligibility letter. Staff #3 needs a professional development plan and an eligibility letter. Staff #4 needs a professional developmental plan, annual safe sleep, and annual review of abuse and neglect. Staff #6 needs a professional development plan, two references, and an eligibility letter. Staff #7 needs a professional development plan, annual safe sleep, and an eligibility letter. Staff #8 needs a professional development plan. Staff #9 needs a complete orientation, two references, an eligibility letter, and a service letters. Staff #11 needs CPR/First Aid, two references, and an eligibility letter. Staff #12 needs a professional development plan and eligibility letter. Staff #13 needs a professional development plan, review of abuse and neglect, and an eligibility letter. Staff #14 needs administration of medication, a professional development plan, and two references.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 7, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 4, 2022
Ensure child files are complete. Child #3 needs a developmental plan. Child #4 needs a parents right to know and a developmental plan. Child #5 needs parents right to know. Child #6 needs a developmental plan and parents right to know. Child #7 needs lead test results and parents right to know. Child #9 needs a health appraisal with lead results. Child #10 needs a health appraisal, parent right to know, and a developmental plan. Child #11 needs a developmental plan. Child #12 needs lead test results and parents right to know.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 7, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 20, 2022
Replace the garbage cans in the school-age classroom to include enclosed lids.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 17, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 4, 2022
Purchase pea gravel to add to fall zones allowing a minimum of nine inch fall zones around the entire play equipment.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 16, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due November 4, 2022
Ensure pack-n-play mattresses are fitting to the sides of the pack-n-play. LS Sommer observed two pack-n-plays where the sheet caused the mattress to shrink to an unfitting size. This was discussed and corrected when staff agreed to use the cribs instead. LS Sommer observed a weighted sleep sack and asked if it was used. Staff stated one child uses it at nap but he was turning one-year-old soon and would stop. This was discussed and corrected when staff agreed to discontinue its use.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 20, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due October 20, 2022
Ensure staff follow diaper procedures. LS Sommer observed Staff #2 change a child, not was their hands or the child's hands, and placed another child on the mat using the same disposable cover for both children. The area was not cleaned and sanitized. This was discussed and agreed to comply.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 20, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due October 20, 2022
Ensure infants food and bottles are labeled. This was discussed and corrected when they were labeled and staff agreed to comply.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 20, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due October 20, 2022
Ensure infant daily logs are documented with diaper changes, sleep with sleep checks, and feedings. The facility uses brightwheel but did not log anything for the day. This was discussed and corrected.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 20, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due October 20, 2022
Ensure the application is submitted at least 60 days prior to the license expiration.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 19, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due October 28, 2022
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On June 10, 2022, OCCL received a complaint regarding accident/injury procedures and possible lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on June 16, 2022. This complaint is no evidence to substantiate because all interviewed staff were aware of the accident/ injury procedures, signed hurts and hugs reports were observed, and staff denied a lack of supervision resulting in accident/injuries.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On June 10, 2022, OCCL received a complaint regarding lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on June 16, 2022. This complaint is no evidence to substantiate because LS Sommer observed video footage, staff statements, and interviewed staff regarding the allegations; all the evidence provided reflects that a lack of supervision did not occur although the child was able to initially exit the facility through the motion censored front door.
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