Delaware records · New Castle County · Hockessin
CHILDREN OF AMERICA-HOCKESSIN
Licensed Child Care Center · Hockessin, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 804283
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 1127 VALLEY ROAD, Hockessin, DE 19707
- Licensed capacity
- 180
- Ages served, as listed
- 6 weeks through 12 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- State programs listed
- Child Care Food Program;Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 3 |
| Complaint investigations | 13 |
| Citations recorded | 24 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 24 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | January 24, 2022 – July 1, 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 | 3 | 0 |
| 2024 | 8 | 7 |
| 2023 | 2 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 | 14 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
OCCL s investigation of regulatory non-compliance began after clearance from other agencies was received. On May 6, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding an allegation of using inappropriate behavior supports. An investigation began on May 7, 2026, and concluded on June 25, 2026. Based on interviews conducted and information received from outside agencies there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint. There is insufficient evidence to determine the source of Child #1 s injuries.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On November 24, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding failing to follow diapering procedures and failing to change a child's clothing if it becomes wet or soiled. An investigation was conducted on December 1, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint. After interviews were conducted and documentation reviewed, diapering procedures were followed, and Child #1 s family declined Staff #2 s offer to change the soiled clothes from the playground during pick-up time.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On October 9, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of supervision, failing to notify parents of a head injury immediately, and failing to provide an injury report. An investigation was conducted on October 14, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for failing to notify parents of a head injury immediately. Parent #1 was not notified of a head injury immediately as required. After investigating, there is additional concern for not providing accurate information on the incident report provided to the parent and administration. The information on the written incident report did not match Staff #1 s statement to the administration or to LS #1. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision. Based on interviews conducted, adequate supervision was maintained at the time of the incidents.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On August 29, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding roughly handling a child. An investigation was conducted on September 4, 2025. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint. After interviews were conducted and video footage reviewed, both staff members appeared to handle Child #1 appropriately.
7 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. CPR/FA are needed for staff #1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 13. OCCL Health and Safety training is needed for staff #6 and 11. Drug and Alcohol statement is needed for staff #5. Service letters and references are needed for staff #1, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 28, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 6, 2024
Ensure child files are complete. Health appraisal needed for child #8, 10. Immunization record needed for child #10. Blood lead results need for child #3, 5, 8, and 10. Parents right to know and screen time permission needed for child #6.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 28, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 6, 2024
School age bathroom sink is reading 137' degrees and should be reading no higher than 120' degrees.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 9, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 6, 2024
Ensure bathrooms have working ventilation. The school age bathroom is not running effectively and cuts on and off.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 13, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 6, 2024
First aid kit needs bandage tape, gauze pads.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 13, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 6, 2024
Parents Right To Know must be available for visitors and signed.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 15, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 6, 2024
Transportation First Aid kit is missing emergency water.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 8, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 6, 2024
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On April 11, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding unqualified staff. An investigation was conducted on April 12, 2024. This investigation is not substantiated for unqualified staff working alone. Upon review of the attendance records, it was noted Staff #1 was always with a qualified staff member. LS Strachan reviewed the qualifications of each staff member and observed the facility was in compliance with DELACARE Regulations regarding staff qualifications.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On February 28, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding improper discipline, failure to report suspected abuse to the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line, incorrect staff-to-child ratio, and procedures for handling complaints by a parent/guardian. An unannounced visit was conducted on March 5, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of improper discipline and failure to report suspected abuse. Upon review of the video footage sent to OCCL on February 28, 2024, it did not appear improper discipline was being used. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of procedures for handling complaints by a parent/guardian. After reviewing Children of America s parent handbook regarding handling complaints, it was determined the proper procedures were followed. While investigating a different complaint on March 5, 2024, an allegation of staff-to-child ratio was investigated. That complaint was substantiated for improper staff-to-child ratio because the center could not provide attendance records. This non-compliance was cited in the previous complaint report.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On March 11, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding improper staff-to-child ratios and staff qualifications including fingerprinting. An unannounced visit was conducted on March 12, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper staff-to-child ratios. Upon review of the attendance records, each classroom was maintaining the correct staff-to-child ratio. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for unqualified staff members and staff members not being fingerprinted prior to the start date. LS Strachan reviewed the qualifications and eligibility of each staff member and determined the administrator and staff members were following the correct requirements regarding DEEDS qualification certificates and OCCL regulations for obtaining their DEEDS certificate. All staff members have been fingerprinted and determined eligible by the Criminal History Unit before working.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On February 28, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding not following health exclusion requirements and not following policies when handling a child illness. An unannounced visit was conducted on March 5, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation for non-compliance with health exclusion requirements. Child #1 was not within the health exclusions for OCCL regulations and was able to remain at the center. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation for not following policies when handling a child illness. After reviewing COA s handbook regarding child illnesses, the proper procedures were followed. Concerns observed while conducting the investigation are the lack of attendance records and the use of personal cell phones in the classroom. Upon asking for attendance records for each classroom, the attendance records were not available. Ms. Palmer stated staff have used their cell phones in the classroom for personal use while caring for children.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On February 28, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of supervision. An unannounced visit was conducted on March 5, 2024. Based on the results of this investigation there is no evidence to substantiate the complaint because it was observed that the toddler classroom was maintaining the correct staff-to-child ratio, and the staff member was providing direct supervision of the children.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received multiple complaints between January 22, 2024, and January 23, 2024, regarding incorrect staff-to-child ratios, unqualified staff alone with children, sanitation concerns, and telephones not working. An investigation was conducted on January 26, 2024. The complaint is substantiated for incorrect staff-to-child ratios due to multiple staff members stating they were in classrooms with incorrect staff-to-child ratio on multiple occasions. The complaint is substantiated for unqualified staff alone with children because two staff members stated there was a staff member alone with children who is not currently qualified through DEEDS. The complaint is substantiated for sanitation concerns due to a trash bag being observed in the hallway for at least 90 minutes that was not stored securely in a non-combustible or covered container. The complaint is substantiated for not notifying OCCL the telephones were not working because multiple staff members stated the phones had not been working for a week or longer. An additional concern noted was child and staff attendance records were incomplete and did not document exact arrival and departure times or note the location of children and staff at all times.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
The Office of Child Care Licensing (OOCL) received a complaint on January 22, 2024, regarding lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on January 26, 2024. Based on staff interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision. Staff members interviewed stated if there are school-age children in care that are taking the bus to and from the center at the bus stop, there is always a staff member supervising those children.
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 November 30, 2023, regarding unqualified staff alone with children and staff using cell phones while caring for children. An investigation was conducted on December 7, 2023. Based on staff interviews and documentation received, this complaint is substantiated for leaving unqualified staff alone with children. Based on staff interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for staff using cell phones while caring for children because all staff stated cell phone use is strictly for communication with parents and updating their daily reports in their application. An additional concern noted at the visit was the licensee failed to notify OCCL within five business days of the resignation, termination, transfer, or hiring of an early childhood administrator.
3 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs Orientation/References/Declaration/Drug Alcohol statement/Adult Abuse/Health Appraisal wTB/Release of Employment/Service Letters. Staff #2 needs OCCL H&S training. Staff #3 needs Annual Safe Sleep/Annual Review of Abuse & Neglect/OCCL H&S training/Updated Fingerprints. Staff #4 needs OCCL H & S training / updated fingerprints. Staff #5 needs OCCL H & S training. Staff #6 needs CPR/Med Admin/Orientation/OCCL H & S training/Declaration/Drug & Alcohol statement/Adult Abuse registry/ Health Appraisal/Release of Employment/Service letters. Staff #7 needs Orientation/App. Resume or Personal data/Job Description/References/Declaration/Drug & Alcohol statement /Adult Abuse registry/Health Appraisal w/TB. Staff #8 needs CPR/MEd. Admin/Training Hours/H&S training/PD Plan/Annual Review Safe Sleep/Annual Review of Abuse & Neglect/OCCL H&S training/Job Description/References/AdultAbuse/Health Appraisal w/TB. Staff #9 needs OCCL H & S training/Updated Fingerprints. Staff #10 needs OCCL H & S training. Staff #11 needs current CPR/OCCL H & S training/Updated fingerprints. Staff #12 needs all file items. Staff #13 needs all file items. END DATE OF 8/26/23. Staff #14 needs DOH/Med Admin/Orientation/OCCL H & S training/Job Description/Declaration/Drug & Alcohol statement/Adult Abuse registry.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 30, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2023
Ensure child files are complete. Child #9 needs transportation and arrangements with parents signed. Child #10 needs signed screentime and mat permission signed.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 17, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2023
Ensure all floors, walls, counter surfaces, toilets are cleanable and in good repair. Toddler room neds the hole in the wall fixed. Also, the carpet needs to be vacuumed and the floors need to be mopped. The torn books and broken toys need to be replaced. Two's Room needs to have the trashcan cleaned. Shelves need tape residue cleaned or replaced. Infant's room needs the refrigerator and freezer needs to be cleaned.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 31, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2023
14 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure all staff files are completed. Staff #2 needs an orientation, a job description, and 2 references. PDP plans with goals for staff # 2,3,4,6. Annual review of sleep safe for staff # 2,3,4,6,7,8. Annual review of abuse and neglect for staff # 2,3,4,5,8.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 2, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2022
Ensure all child files are complete. Child #5 needs a current health appraisal including lead lab results. Child # 7, 9, and 11 need lead lab test results. Child # 10 needs an emergency card. Child #11 needs the parent right to know the signature, screen time permission, and transportation permissions. Child #8 needs the parent right to know the signature, screen time permission, and transportation form.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 14, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2022
Ensure all hazardous materials are stored in a locked cabinet. Remove or lock chemicals in the Two's bathroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 21, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 29, 2022
Ensure all areas are cleaned and in safe conditions. All classrooms need floors mopped, and tables cleaned. Ensure center water temperature is below 120 degrees. Classroom Infant B read 125.6 and Toddler B read 123.6. Ensure all trash cans are covered in bathrooms and food. Two's need two trash cans with lids and Preschool II needs two classroom trash cans with lids.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 21, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2022
Ensure the kitchen has a working thermometer in the freezer.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 13, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2022
Ensure Pre-School II has working bathroom ventilation.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 21, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2022
Ensure the playground is free from weeds and debris.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 21, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2022
Ensure equipment used in the classroom are cleaned and disinfected. All classrooms need to wiped down.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 21, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2022
Ensure a diaper pail is within arm's length of the changing table in the Two's and Infant B.
Correction status: Completed · corrected October 21, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2022
Ensure a written record of medication administered to children is recorded on the medication administration record (MAR) form including any over-the-counter medication, lotion for diaper cream, bug spray, and sunscreen. Children 1 through 16 need a signed MAR form for any over-the-counter medication.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 13, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2022
Infant feeding schedules must be updated monthly and as needed. Ensure all infants in care have a signed infant feeding schedule with monthly parent signatures. Child # 12, 13,14,15, and 16 need monthly feeding schedules signed by their parents monthly.
Correction status: Completed · corrected November 3, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2022
Ensure all classrooms have current lesson plans hanging up. Two's and School Age room need lesson plans.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 13, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2022
Ensure the two's classrooms has a posted daily schedule.
Correction status: Completed · corrected September 13, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due September 15, 2022
Ensure to submit renewal application at least 60 days prior to the license expiration date.
Correction status: Completed · corrected August 24, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due August 24, 2022
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On January 11, 2022, OCCL received a complaint regarding failing to notify a parent of an accident/injury and not completing an injury report. An investigation began on January 12, 2022, and concluded on January 13, 2022. This complaint is substantiated for failure to notify the parent immediately of an injury to a child s eye. A staff member stated she failed to provide notification as well as the injury report.
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