Delaware records · Kent County · Dover
DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY EARLY CHILDHOOD LABORATORY SCHOOL
Licensed Child Care Center · Dover, Delaware
Records presented as of November 5, 2026The operation, as the state lists it
- License number
- 851437
- Operation type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Address
- 1200 N. DUPONT HIGHWAY, Dover, DE 19901
- Licensed capacity
- 67
- Ages served, as listed
- 1 year through 5 years.
- Hours, as listed
- 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- State programs listed
- Child Care Food Program;Nonprofit;Purchase of Care
The record in numbers
| Compliance visits | 6 |
| Complaint investigations | 7 |
| Citations recorded | 45 |
| Citations with correction completed, per the state | 45 |
| Citations with correction still pending, per the state | 0 |
| Record span | April 7, 2022 – April 14, 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 | 10 |
| 2025 | 1 | 10 |
| 2024 | 9 | 12 |
| 2023 | 1 | 6 |
| 2022 | 1 | 7 |
Visits and investigations, newest first
10 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff and volunteers are not present on site without an eligibility determination. Two staff were present without a comprehensive background check or eligibility determination. This was corrected at the visit when the staff were asked to leave and the Administrator agreed to not have them return until the letters are received.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 14, 2026 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due April 14, 2026
Ensure staff files are complete. One staff needs OCCL's Health and Safety Training for Child Care Professionals, completed health appraisal, two service letter attempts, and a completed PD plan. Six staff need a completed PD plan. One staff needs a complete file. One staff needs Orientation, OCCL's Health & Safety Training, references, eligibility determination, adult abuse registry check, health appraisal with TB, and Service Letters. One staff needs Orientation, OCCL's Health & Safety Training, references, adult abuse registry check, health appraisal, and service letters. One staff needs Orientation, references, adult abuse registry check, health appraisal, and service letters. One staff needs annual review of child abuse/neglect, orientation, TB screening, and service letters. One staff needs orientation, OCCL's Health & Safety Training, references, health appraisal with TB, and service letters.
Correction status: Completed · corrected July 27, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 1, 2026
Ensure child files are complete. One child needs an updated health appraisal and blood lead level test result. Three children need a blood lead level test result.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 26, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 8, 2026
Ensure developmental progress is tracked for each child and developmental plans are completed. Establish an organized system for this and submit to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 6, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 8, 2026
Ensure all trash cans are covered. The trash can lid in the four-year-old classroom's bathroom is broken and does not cover properly. Repair lid.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 10, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 8, 2026
Ensure diaper-changing area in the one-year-old classroom has a labeled soap and water bottle for cleaning. Add bottle.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 1, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 8, 2026
Ensure evacuation routes are posted in each classroom. Add routes to the two and four-year-old classrooms. Ensure fire prevention checklist and evacuation drills are conducted monthly. Conduct April's and submit to OCCL.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 26, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 8, 2026
Ensure lesson plans are current and posted for each classroom and contain required activities based on age. Submit lesson plans for the one, two, and three-year-old classrooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 16, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 8, 2026
Ensure activity areas in the two-year-old classroom include art supplies. Add accessible art supplies.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 1, 2026 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 8, 2026
Ensure renewal application is submitted at least 60 days prior to license expiration. This was corrected at the visit when the application was submitted.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 14, 2026 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due April 14, 2026
10 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure all staff are fingerprinted and receive an eligibility determination prior to beginning work. A kitchen staff person has been on site since January without a complete staff file or comprehensive background check. This was corrected at the visit when the staff person left for the day and will not permitted to return, according to the Administrator.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 10, 2025 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due April 10, 2025
Ensure staff files are complete. One staff person needs CPR/FA training, a professional development plan, OCCL's Health and Safety Training for Child Care Professionals, a job description, adult abuse registry check, health appraisal with TB screening, release of employment history, two documented attempts to obtain service letters, and two more references if a service letter is not returned. One staff person needs orientation, adult abuse registry check, health appraisal with TB screening, two documented attempts to obtain service letters, and one more reference is a service letter is not returned. Four staff need a professional development plan and annual review of child abuse/neglect. One staff person needs CPR/FA training, a professional development plan, annual review of child abuse/neglect, and OCCL's Health and Safety Training for Child Care Professionals. One staff person needs CPR/FA training, annual review of child abuse/neglect, and a professional development plan. One staff person needs CPR/FA training, an application, resume or personal data sheet, job description, adult abuse registry check, health appraisal with TB screening, two documented attempts to obtain service letters, and either two or four references depending on if any service letters are returned.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 20, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 9, 2025
Ensure the Parent's Right to Know log is completed and signed by every enrolled family or family touring the facility. Review the Parent's Right to Know information with each enrolled family and obtain signatures of the parent or guardian.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 10, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 9, 2025
Ensure child files are complete. Two children need a signed Parent's Right to Know. One child needs a blood lead level test result. One child need updated immunizations. All children need a completed child development plan.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 10, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 9, 2025
Ensure children's individual belongings are not touching. Separate personal belongings in the pre-k 4 classroom. Ensure outdoor trash cans are inaccessible to children. Either remove trash cans from outdoor play area or secure lids with a lock to make them inaccessible. Ensure air fresheners are not used in child care space. Remove air refreshener from the one-year-old classrooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 20, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 9, 2025
Ensure liquid soap is available at all times in the toilet rooms. There was no liquid soap in one of the two toilet rooms in the three-year-old classroom. Add soap.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 11, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 18, 2025
Ensure outdoor play area is maintained in a clean condition. LS Brey observed trash scattered on the playground. Clean all trash from area. Ensure mulch in all fall zones measures nine inches deep. Rake mulch to all fall zones or replenish, as needed, to nine inches. Ensure gates are self-closing and self-latching. Repair main entrance gate to ensure it self-closes and self-latches.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 27, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 9, 2025
Ensure diaper-changing procedures are posted in all areas used for diapering. Post procedures in the one-year-old classroom. Ensure disposable covers are available and being used between each diaper change. Supply disposable covers in each diapering area.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 10, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 9, 2025
Ensure Medication Administration Records (MAR) are being completed and signed by the parent/guardian for all medications. Diaper creams, lotions, sunscreens, and chap sticks were observed in classrooms without appropriate permissions on an MAR. Either obtain MAR's for each medication or return the medication to the family.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 10, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 9, 2025
Ensure current lesson plan is posted each week. Post current lesson plan in the one-year-old classroom. Ensure lesson plans for ages two and older contain a weekly opportunity in a food/healthy habit. Update lesson plan to include this in the two-year-old classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 10, 2025 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 9, 2025
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On November 12, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding sanitation, insect and rodent infestation, fall zones, unqualified staff, lack of supervision, not changing soiled clothing, and positive behavior supports. An investigation was conducted on November 12, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for non-compliant fall zones, unqualified staff alone with children, and a lack of supervision because during the walk-through and interviews, two unqualified staff were observed alone with children in the two-year-old classroom. According to staff interviewed, it was also determined a child, Child #1, was able to exit the playground through a broken gate and walk, unsupervised, back to the center in September. While conducting interviews in the outdoor play area, it was observed the mulch was not nine inches deep, as required, in all fall zones. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation the staff left a child to nap in urine-soaked clothing as an act of discipline. Administrator #1 denied this allegation stating she was tending to three other children when the child soiled herself. Approximately 10 minutes later, another staff person entered the room and changed the child. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation the center is unsanitary, and the toys are not clean. During the walk-through, the conditions were sanitary. Toys and floors were well-maintained and not visibly dirty. Cleaning materials, including sanitizers, were also observed. In addition, there were no holes observed in the walls. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation the center is infested with rodents and roaches. All staff interviewed stated there was an issue in the past with mice, but an exterminator came in to treat and it has not been an issue since.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On October 10, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding kitchen requirements. An investigation was conducted on October 22, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because one dishwasher was observed working properly. Additionally, families provide cups for their children daily and disposable cups were available in the classrooms.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On September 23, 2024, and September 25, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received complaints regarding improper staff-to-child ratio. An investigation was conducted on October 1, 2024. This complaint is substantiated because according to attendance records on September 23, 2024, the two-year-old classroom was over ratio and maximum group size with up to 21 children ages two and three with two staff. Additionally, the attendance records show the three-year-old children were combined with the two-year old children in the two-year-old classroom for eight of the ten days reviewed. An additional concern noted was an unqualified staff member with a provisional eligibility determination, pending an out-of-state-background check, was alone with the children. A separate attendance record was not available for the movement room at the end of the day when the classrooms combine. Attendance records also show staff not signing out of classrooms and children not being signed out at the end of the day.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On September 5, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding not providing a parent handbook, incomplete child files, child attendance, not having lesson plans, and food allergies. An investigation was conducted on September 12, 2024. This complaint is substantiated because Administrator #1 stated a parent handbook was not provided to every family upon the enrollment of their child. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation regarding incomplete child files because five randomly selected child files reviewed contained a current health appraisal, immunizations, emergency contact information and parent s right to know form. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of child attendance because each attendance record reviewed for the week of September 9, 2024, to September 12, 2024, showed exact arrival and departures times of each child. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation regarding food allergies because Administrator #1 stated each classroom, and the kitchen have the children s food allergy list. Administrator #1 stated parents provide lunch, and they complete checks to ensure food items are not shared. Regarding the allegation that lesson plans are not posted, Licensing Specialist (LS) #1 observed lesson plans posted outside each classroom. A concern noted was the lesson plans did not contain activities in all the required areas which include cognitive, social-emotional, language/literacy, and physical. Additionally, the lesson plans for children ages two-years-old and older did not provide weekly opportunities for special activities, including a food or healthy habit, science, music, or sensory.
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On August 12, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding exceeding maximum group size and improper staff-to-child ratio. An investigation was conducted on August 14, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint because Staff #1 stated she was present the afternoon of August 9, 2024, and the movement room was not over ratio. According to the attendance records viewed, only five children were documented as being in the movement room in the afternoon of August 9, 2024. However, a concern noted was the attendance for the one-year-old room for August 9, 2024, was unable to be located.
2 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure ratios and maximum group size are maintained at all times, according to the youngest child present. According to attendance records submitted to OCCL for corrective action from non-compliances cited during a complaint investigation on June 26, 2024, the movement room was over maximum group size. Records show the center was also over maximum group size for nap.
Correction status: Completed · correction was due July 24, 2024
Ensure staff are documenting their exact arrival and departure time in each classroom. According to attendance records submitted to OCCL for corrective action from non-compliances cited during a complaint investigation on June 26, 2024, staff were signed into multiple rooms at the same time and not signed out on multiple days.
Correction status: Completed · correction was due July 24, 2024
A complaint investigation. The state's result is shown above, and the investigator's conclusion follows.
On June 25, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding improper staff-to-child ratio. An investigation was conducted on June 26, 2024. This complaint is substantiated because attendance records for the K-prep classroom and statements from Staff #1 indicate the room had 13 children, ages three and four, with one staff from approximately 2:50 pm when they woke from their nap until 3:58 pm when enough children were picked up from the center.
10 regulations cited at this visit.
Maintain current insurance documentation.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 19, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 19, 2024
Ensure staff files are complete. Two staff need an Adult Health Appraisal with TB screening and two attempts at obtaining Service Letters. One staff needs a Release of Employment History, a Professional Development Plan, and must complete OCCL's Health and Safety Training for Child Care Professionals. One staff needs two attempts at obtaining a Service Letter and one more Reference if Service Letters are not received.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 21, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 26, 2024
Ensure child files are complete. One child needs an updated Health Appraisal. One child needs an updated Health Appraisal and Immunizations. Five children need a blood lead level test result. Three children need completed Medication Administration Records (MAR) for their diaper creams. Anything other than soap and water is considered medication and requires a signed MAR. LS Brey observed baby lotion in the classrooms, accessible to children, and was told by staff they apply it to the children after wiping their faces. Discontinue the general use of baby lotion in all classrooms or obtain parent permission on an MAR for each child and each child must have their own bottle.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 18, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 26, 2024
Ensure accurate attendance records are maintained at all times, documenting the exact arrival and departure of every child. Three children were not signed into the two-year-old classroom. This was corrected at the visit when the children were signed in.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 9, 2024 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due April 9, 2024
Label all soap/water and sanitizer bottles used in the classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 19, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 26, 2024
Ensure children's belongings are stored neatly and not touching. Add outlet covers to any exposed outlets in the classrooms. Purchase covered trash cans for each classroom.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 29, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 26, 2024
Repair entrance gate to the outdoor playground area to ensure it is self-closing and self-latching. Replenish mulch in all fall zones to at least 9 inches. Repair or remove the "gear" play equipment in the large playground area. LS Brey observed cracked corners and one large piece hanging off that was broken and had sharp edges.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 8, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 26, 2024
Label all children's rest equipment. Store equipment so the bedding is not touching.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 19, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 26, 2024
Ensure lesson plans are posted for each classroom. Ensure lesson plans for ages two and older include a weekly opportunity for a healthy food/habit, science, music, and sensory activity.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 19, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 26, 2024
Ensure renewal application is submitted at least 60 days prior to license expiration.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 19, 2024 · how corrected: Document · correction was due April 19, 2024
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 ratio. An investigation was conducted on March 11, 2024. This complaint is substantiated because all three classrooms that were open during the visit were not following proper staff-to-child ratio. During the visit there were 12 three-year-old children with one staff member who was qualified but not eligible, 21 children ages one to three with two staff, and during nap there were 28 three- and four-year-olds with an aide and qualified staff who was not fingerprinted. Based on attendance and interviews, one qualified staff was alone that morning with 16 two-year-olds and an aide was alone in the morning with 16 four-year-olds. Additional concerns noted were three college students and one staff were present and were not fingerprinted for the center, an aide was alone with children, maximum group size was exceeded in the two-year-old classroom and multipurpose classroom, security procedures were not being followed because the door to the three-year-old classroom was open to the hallway of the college, cots were less than 18 inches apart, many of the children were missing top or bottom coverings for nap, one-year-olds were watching television, two fans were in use and accessible to children, and various keep out-of-reach items were within the reach of children in the two-year-old classroom. Non-compliance Cited: Reg 27: Ensure unqualified staff are not alone with children, proper staff-to-child ratio is maintained at all times, and maximum group size is not exceeded. During the visit there were 12 three-year-old children with one staff member who was qualified but not eligible, 21 children ages one to three with two staff, and during nap there were 28 three- and four-year-olds with an aide and qualified staff who was not fingerprinted. Based on attendance and interviews, one qualified staff was alone that morning with 16 two-year-olds and an aide wa s alone in the morning with 16 four-year-olds. Submit a staffing plan including children names, DOB, staff names, and assigned classrooms, meal plan, and break plan to OCCL. Non-compliance Cited: Reg 28: Ensure staff are fingerprinted and determined eligible before being present at the center. Staff #1 had no eligibility on file and was not fingerprinted for the facility, but stated she has worked there since June. Staff #1 may not be present until her eligibility is determined. Three college students were present with the children and had not been fingerprinted for the center. Email OCCL once Staff #1 is determined eligible, and all the college student workers have been fingerprinted. Non-compliance Cited: Reg 48: Fans and cords must be inaccessible to children. Two fans were observed in use and in the children s reach. Remove fans and submit verification. Non-compliance Cited: Reg 49: Ensure hazardous items are out of the children s reach. The licensing specialist observed disinfectant wipes, Aquaphor, hand sanitizer, two bottles of Lysol, Pine Sol, and two unlabeled spray bottles within the children s reach. Remove chemicals and submit a photograph. Ensure security procedures that ensure access to children is limited to authorized people. Upon arrival, the door to the three-year-old classroom was open to the hallway of the college. Review security procedures with all staff and submit a signed form to OCCL. Non-compliance Cited: Reg 56: Ensure each child has a clean top and bottom cover and ensure cots or mats are at least 18 inches apart. Review with staff nap regulations and submit a signed form to OCCL. Non-compliance Cited: Reg 76: Ensure children under the age of two do not have screen time. One-year-old children were observed in the two-year-old classroom while the television was on and playing videos. This was discussed and corrected at the visit when the television was turned off.
6 regulations cited at this visit.
Administrator must have specialist training in infant and toddler care.
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 16, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2023
Ensure staff files are completed. Professional development plan for Staff #1,2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 OCCL Health and Safety Training for Staff #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Adult abuse registry check for Staff #8 Health Appraisal with TB for Staff #3 and 8 Release of Employment for Staff # 3 and 8 Service letters for Staff #3 and 8
Correction status: Completed · corrected June 26, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2023
Ensure children's files are completed. Child #2 and 8 need lead blood screening results.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 16, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2023
Ensure all surfaces are cleanable. Walls in Pre-K room need to be painted. Touch up chipped paint in all classrooms. Patch and paint hole in playroom. Cover trash can in perk bathroom. Remove all air fresheners in classrooms.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 16, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2023
Ensure every freezer has a working thermometer. -2 new freezers did not have working thermometers.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 16, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2023
Ensure first aid kit is completed. Missing an eye patch and triangle bandage.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 18, 2023 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 15, 2023
7 regulations cited at this visit.
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #2, #5, #7, #8, and #9 need updated professional development plans. Staff #7, and #8 need updated annual abuse and neglect. Staff #7 needs CPR and First Aide certification.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 26, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 6, 2022
Ensure staff are signing in and out with accurate times. Staff #3 was signed in to the Pre-K classroom, but not physically present. This was discussed and corrected at the visit.
Correction status: Completed · corrected April 7, 2022 · how corrected: Facility Visit · correction was due April 7, 2022
Ensure parents right to know log is complete with all enrolled children and anyone who tours.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 6, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 6, 2022
Ensure child files are complete. Child #2 and #3 need health appraisals, immunization records, and lead test results. Child #8 and #13 need health appraisals with immunization records. Child #5, and #11 need lead test results. Child #4, #8, #10, #11, #13, #15, and #16 need developmental plans.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 26, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 6, 2022
Ensure children are not exposed to hazards. Cabinet in the Pre-K classroom with the washer inside needs to be repaired. Place a child lock on the infant bathroom where hazardous materials are stored.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 20, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 6, 2022
Ensure fridge and freezer in the K-Prep and one-year-old room have a working thermometer.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 20, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 6, 2022
Ensure nap equipment in the two-year-old and four-year-old room is labeled.
Correction status: Completed · corrected May 6, 2022 · how corrected: Document · correction was due May 6, 2022
Something look wrong — a name, an address, a record that should not be public at this level of detail? Report it on the corrections page. Reports about the level of detail are acted on first: the record is paused while the report is reviewed.