Delaware records · New Castle County · Newark
ABOVE & BEYOND PRESCHOOL & EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Licensed Child Care Center · Newark, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 801700
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 10 SONGSMITH DRIVE, Newark, DE 19702
- Licensed capacity
- 60
- Ages served, as listed
- 6 weeks through 12 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- State programs listed
- Child Care Food Program;Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 4 |
| Complaint investigations | 10 |
| Citations recorded | 34 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 34 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | May 16, 2024 – August 5, 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 | 5 | 6 |
| 2025 | 7 | 8 |
| 2024 | 2 | 20 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
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 July 22, 2026, regarding concerns of failure to use positive behavior supports. An investigation was conducted on July 27, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to use positive behavior supports based on interviews conducted. Administrator #1 and four staff members stated they only observed and used positive behavior supports during the recent field trip and within the facility. Additional concerns were noted at the time of the visit. LS #1 observed the two-year-old classroom had no developmentally appropriate materials accessible to the children, as the shelves were either turned around or empty. LS #1 also observed that neither the staff member nor the child washed their hands following a diaper change. Additionally, the staff member designated as the person in charge in the absence of Administrator #1 holds only a DEEDS Early Learning Early Childhood Intern certification.
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 April 16, 2026, regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios, sanitation, failure to use positive behavior supports, using confining equipment for extended periods of time, inadequate water being available for the children, and snacks not being provided to children. An investigation was conducted on April 22, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for concerns of staff to child ratios based on interviews conducted and attendance records. Owner #1, Administrator #1 and five staff members all stated classrooms follow compliant staff-to-child ratios at all times. Attendance records reflected all classrooms were in staff-to-child ratio for the week of April 13, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for sanitation concerns based on staff interviews conducted and classroom observations. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and five staff members all stated classrooms are cleaned and sanitized daily. Soap and water and bleach and water were observed in all classrooms. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failure to use positive behavior supports or overuse of confining equipment based on staff interviews conducted and observations at the time of this visit. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and five staff members stated they have only observed appropriate positive behavior supports within the facility. All staff members interviewed denied handling children roughly, including grabbing them by the arms, dragging them, or using highchairs for extended periods as punishment. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for inadequate water being available for the children based on interviews conducted. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and five staff members stated children have access to water throughout the day. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for non-compliant snacks being provided to children based on interviews conducted. Owner #1, A dministrator #1, and five staff members stated the facility serves three meals every day and snacks are available for children when needed.
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 February 24, 2026, regarding concerns of lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on February 26, 2026. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision by staff members for not intervening appropriately when behavior occurs based on staff interviews conducted. Administrator #1 and three staff members were interviewed separately stated when a child is displaying disruptive or challenging behaviors they immediately intervene.
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 December 17, 2025, regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios, lack of supervision due to staff leaving the classroom for periods of time, and staff not intervening appropriately when negative child behavior occurs. An investigation was conducted on December 23, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper staff-to-child ratios based on classroom observations and review of attendance records. Classrooms observed on December 23, 2025, were within the correct staff-to-child ratio, and all attendance records reviewed showed classrooms within the correct staff-to-child ratios. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision based on classroom observations and staff interviews. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and four staff members were interviewed separately and stated staff members do not leave the classroom unless there is coverage. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for staff members not intervening appropriately when behavior occurs based on staff interviews conducted. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and four staff members were interviewed separately and stated when a child is displaying disruptive behaviors or having a disagreement, they immediately intervene.
6 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times. The two-year-old classroom was observed with 8 children, with the youngest being one year old. with one staff member. -Corrected at visit
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 5, 2026 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due January 5, 2026
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs CPR and First Aid.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 22, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due February 5, 2026
Ensure trash cans are covered. Replace the trash cans in the school-age and preschool classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 16, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due February 5, 2026
Ensure toilets are in working order. One toilet in the bathroom is not operational.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 16, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due February 5, 2026
Ensure all canopies are anchored and safe to use. Remove the canopy from the playground.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 16, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due February 5, 2026
Ensure there is equipment in good condition and available for the children in the two-year old classroom. Corrected at visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 5, 2026 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due January 5, 2026
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 August 7, 2025, regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios during nap time. An investigation was conducted on August 11, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratios during nap time based on observations of the classrooms and attendance records reviewed for the week of August 4, 2025, to August 8, 2025. Upon arrival at the facility on August 11, 2025, the infant classroom was observed with seven children, including an infant, with one staff member, the two-year-old classroom was observed with 14 children present, with no children signed into the classroom, and the three-year-old classroom had nine children present. The infant classroom attendance records for the week of August 4, 2025, to August 8, 2025, showed eight children, including at least one infant, with one staff member for an extended time each day during naptime for the entire week. An additional concern noted was the measured classroom capacity was exceeded by up to 6 children at the time of the visit. An additional concern noted was inaccurate attendance records because for the week of August 4, 2025, children were not signed in or out of the classrooms for nap time in multiple classrooms.
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 August 14, 2025, regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios and concerns of improper discipline. An investigation was conducted on August 18, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper staff-to-child ratios based on classroom observations and review of attendance records. Classrooms observed on August 18, 2025, were within the correct staff-to-child ratio, and all attendance records reviewed showed classrooms within the correct staff-to-child ratios. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline based on staff interviews. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and three staff members interviewed stated they have not witnessed any improper discipline within the facility. One staff member stated they have reminded staff members about their tone but have not observed any improper interactions. Owner #1, Administrator #1, and three staff members interviewed stated they have not used improper discipline.
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 July 31, 2025, regarding concerns of improper discipline due to pinching, scratching, grabbing by one arm, failure to provide injury reports for scratches and other injuries, recording a child without parental consent, and not following health exclusions due to sending child home without due cause. An investigation was conducted on August 5, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline based on staff interviews and review of video footage. Owner #1 and six staff members interviewed stated they have not witnessed any improper discipline within the facility. All staff members interviewed stated they have not used improper discipline. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failure to provide injury reports for scratches and other injuries based on staff interviews and documents reviewed. Owner #1 and six staff members stated injury/accident reports are completed for all children. LS #1 observed a completed injury report for Child #1. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for recording a child without parents' consent based on staff interviews and enrollment documentation. Owner #1 stated Child #1 was not recorded in an inappropriate manner. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following health exclusions due to sending a child home without due cause based on staff interviews. Owner #1 stated Child #1 was sent to be evaluated for hand, foot, and mouth disease, as it was currently present in the facility.
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 July 31, 2025, regarding concerns of lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on August 5, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision based on staff interviews. Owner #1 and Administrator #1 were interviewed and stated no child was observed being kicked or punched at the facility, and no families were called to notify them of an incident like this occurring. Administrator #1 was the staff member working in Child #1 s classroom on August 1, 2025.
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 July 31, 2025, regarding concerns of lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on August 5, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision based on staff interviews and attendance records reviewed. Staff interviewed stated Child #2 was not observed inappropriately touching Child #1. Attendance records reviewed reflected classrooms within correct staff-to-child ratios.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On March 11, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios. An investigation was conducted on March 17, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratio based on attendance records reviewed for the week of March 10, 2025, through March 14, 2025. The infant classroom attendance records for March 10, 2025, showed the classroom had seven to eight children with one staff member for over two hours, and five infants signed in with a staff member with no DEEDS Early Learning certificate for 15 minutes. On March 11, 2025, there were eight infants signed in with no staff member signed into the classroom for 10 minutes, and on March 13, 2025, there were seven infants signed in with one staff member for a total of one hour and 59 minutes. On March 10, 2025, the one-year-old classroom had seven children signed in with one staff member for one hour and five minutes. On March 12, 2025, there were seven one-year-old children signed in with one staff member for one hour and 28 minutes, and on March 13, 2025, there were seven children signed in with one staff member for one hour and 30 minutes. On March 14, 2025, there were four one-year-old children signed in with no staff member signed in for one hour and 24 minutes. On March 14, 2025, the school-age classroom had 13 children signed in with a staff member with no DEEDS Early Learning certificate for 25 minutes. An additional concern noted was the measured classroom capacity was exceeded by up to 13 children for the entire week from March 10, 2025, to March 14, 2025, in the morning opening classroom. The one-year-old children and two-year-old children are combining in this same classroom for nap daily, again causing the room to be over the measured classroom capacity. An additional concern noted was inaccurate attendance records because on March 11, 2025, children were not signed into their classroom after nap time in the one-year-old classroom.
8 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure ratios and maximum group size are maintained at all times. Upon arrival, the opening classroom had 14 children (including one-year-olds) present with 2 staff members. Infant classroom had 5 children with one staff member.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 16, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due January 16, 2025
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #2 needs OCCL Health and Safety training, 2 references, adult abuse registry, and eligibility. Staff #3 needs service letters. Staff #4 needs updated CR and first Aid. Staff #5 needs orientation, OCCL Health and Safety training, and adult abuse check.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 19, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due February 14, 2025
Ensure staff members sign in and out of the classroom upon arrival and departure. One staff member was not signed into the two-year-old classroom and one staff member was signed into the classroom but was not present in the facility. Send one week of attendance to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 4, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due February 14, 2025
Ensure children's files are complete. Blood lead screening results for Child #8 and Child #9.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 12, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due February 14, 2025
Ensure children are signed in and out of class upon arrival and departure. Nine children were present with six children signed in. -Corrected at visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected January 16, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due January 16, 2025
Ensure air fresheners are not used in the facility. -Remove air fresheners from the infant classroom and bathroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 4, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due February 14, 2025
Ensure equipment is cleanable and tear-free. Repair or replace the couch in the preschool classroom. Ensure there is enough equipment for children enrolled in the two-year-old classroom. -Add additional books to the two-year-old classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 13, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due February 14, 2025
Ensure infants have an updated monthly feeding schedule. Send OCCL all infant's feeding schedules.
Correction status: Completed · corrected February 4, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due February 14, 2025
11 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff are not providing direct care towards children. Staff members on personal cell phones in the classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 22, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 9, 2024
Ensure ratios and supervision is maintained at all times. Three classrooms were over ratio and group size. -Corrected at visit
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due July 17, 2024
Ensure staff files are completed. CPR and First Aid for Staff #1 and Staff #2. Orientation for Staff #1, #3, and #5. OCCL Health and Safety training for Staff #1 and Staff #3. Job Description for Staff #1. Health Appraisal with TB for Staff #4. Release of employment for Staff #3.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 12, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 9, 2024
Ensure staff members are signing in with exact hours worked in the classroom and upon arrival.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due July 17, 2024
Ensure children's attendance is accurate with child arrival and departure times.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 17, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due July 17, 2024
Ensure cleaners are locked up or out of reach of children.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 6, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 9, 2024
Ensure the preschool bathroom has toilet paper and soap available.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 6, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 9, 2024
Ensure nap equipment is labeled and ensure no blankets are used in the Infant classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 7, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 9, 2024
Ensure foot-activated diaper pail is within arm's reach of the changing table.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 7, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 9, 2024
Ensure monthly fire/evacuation drills are completed monthly.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 7, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 9, 2024
Ensure children are not in confining equipment for more than 30 minutes.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 22, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due August 9, 2024
9 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure a teacher is trained in day-to-day operations.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 31, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 14, 2024
Ensure staff files are completed. Orientation for Staff #1, 2, 3, and 4. Application or data sheet for Staff #1 and 2. Job Descriptions for Staff #1, 3, and 4. References for Staff #1, 2, 3, and 4. Health appraisal with TB for Staff #2.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 14, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 14, 2024
Ensure children files are complete. Health appraisal for Child #4 and 5. Immunizations for Child #5. Blood Lead screening results for Child #2. Infant feeding schedules for Child #3, 4, and 5.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 6, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 14, 2024
Ensure attendance is completed when children are arriving and departing. No school age were signed out.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 5, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 14, 2024
Ensure all sleep-safe requirements are met. Child had a coat placed on top as a blanket.- Coat was removed at visit- Ensure sheets are tight against mattress.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 5, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 14, 2024
Ensure there is toilet paper is in the bathroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 16, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 16, 2024
Ensure there is emergency water for all children enrolled.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 31, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 14, 2024
Ensure all bottles are labeled with child names. No bottles or cups were labeled.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 5, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 14, 2024
Ensure lesson plans are current and dated. No lesson plans were dated.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 5, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due June 14, 2024
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