Twinkle Little Stars-Early Education Center

“On October 5, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns involving improper diapering practices, inappropriate staff interactions, repeated requests for early pick- up, inadequate communication and documentation, not following procedures to handle parent complaints, and possible unequal treatment of Child #1. An investigation was conducted on October 15, 2026. Based on the investigation, the complaint is substantiated for failure to follow required diapering procedures. Administrator #1 acknowledged Child #1 did not receive a scheduled diaper change on July 7, 2026. Administrator #1 reported Staff #1 and Staff #2 were alternating responsibility for diaper changes and overlooked Child #1 during the diapering routine. Administrator #1 confirmed the program subsequently reviewed diapering procedures with the involved staff members, revised staff responsibilities for completing diaper changes, and expanded daily care documentation within Brightwheel. Administrator #1 confirmed Parent #1 reported a severe diaper rash following the missed diaper change; however, no medical documentation was provided to the program, and Administrator #1 reported no visible evidence of a severe diaper rash when Child #1 returned to care. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving inappropriate staff interactions toward Child #1. Administrator #1 denied knowledge of a staff member kissing Child #1 on the mouth or cheeks and reported no observations involving inappropriate physical interactions. Interviewing Staff #1 was not possible as Staff #1 is no longer employed at the facility. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving repeated behavioral exclusions or suspension from care. Administrator #1 reported one request for early pick-up due to behavioral concerns on October 2, 2026. Parent #1 did not pick up Child #1 early following the request. Administrator #1 denied Child #1 had been su spended or expelled from the program. Regarding health-related exclusions, Administrator #1 reported Child #1's family was contacted on two occasions due to vomiting and associated symptoms. Administrator #1 stated the decisions were based upon reported symptoms and the program's illness-exclusion procedures. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving not following procedures to handle parent complaints due to denial to view surveillance footage. Administrator #1 reported the program's current surveillance system provides live viewing only and does not retain recorded footage. Owner #1 was reportedly working to establish recording capabilities. The investigation did not identify evidence of existing recorded footage being intentionally withheld from Parent #1, nor is providing video surveillance an OCCL requirement. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving unequal treatment of Child #1 based upon ethnicity. Administrator #1 denied discriminatory practices and reported the program maintains a nondiscrimination policy. Administrator #1 stated their involvement with Child #1's behavior would remain consistent with any other child as safety is the priority.”

“All staff must have a DEEDS certificate on file before being able to be left alone with children. Staff #1 and #2 were observed caring for children by themselves.”

“Ensure all staff members have current Eligibility Letter issued by CHU on file. Staff #3 was working with children without an Eligibility Letter. However, a Provisional Eligibility letter was issued, but it was due to expire in April. The administrator had PA CAN and Criminal on file, and was unaware it needed to be submitted to CHU.”

“Ensure all staff files are complete. The following is needed: - Admin of Medication--Staff #1 - Orientation -- Staff #1 - OCCL H/S Training--Staff #1 - Job Description--Staff #3 - 1 Reference--Staff #1 - Release of Employment--Staff #3 - Service Letters (if applicable)--Staff #3”

“Ensure all renewal application materials are submitted to OCCL 60 days prior to the license expiration of April 30, 2026. The application was submitted on 5/14/2026 via email, and LS obtained the remaining documentation at the visit.”

“Ensure all staff files are complete. The following is needed: - Staff #1 needs an updated Annual Review of Safe Sleep and Abuse and Neglect (this was a TA item since Staff #1 is a sub and has not worked this licensing year.) - Staff #2 needs OCCL Health and Safety training and Proof of 2 attempts to receive Service Letters. - Staff #3 needs OCCL Health and Safety training, Application, References, Release of Employment and Service Letters. - Staff #4 needs an updated annual review of Safe Sleep and Abuse and Neglect, OCCL Health and Safety Training, and a Receipt for Updated Fingerprints.”

“Ensure Child Files are complete. The following items are needed: - Date of Enrollment for Child #1 - Updated immunizations for Child #4 - Blood Lead Screener for Child #3 and 8 - Transportation Permission for Child #8 - Mat Permission for Child #9”

“Updated Developmental Plans are needed for Child #1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9”

“-Ensure cleaners in the Infant Room are labeled. - Ensure cleaners are inaccesible to children--they were observed within reach in both hallway bathrooms and air fresheners were accessible in the hallways cabinet (next to bathroom)”

“- Air Fresheners are prohibited -- remove from all spaces used by children. - If a power strip is utilized in classroom, must have plug covers in unused spots. - Ensure all trash is covered (in both bathrooms). - Repair or replace trash can in Two's Room.”

“Kitchen refrigerator and freezer need to be cleaned and organized and thermometer needs to be in the freezer reading below 0 . Send pic to OCCL. - Food that is opened and stored in the kitchen needs to be labeled with expiration date and date opened.”

“Ensure all air register vents are cleaned and free from dust in all rooms and hallways occupied by the children.”

“Both gates on the playground must have working self-latching mechanisms and may not be locked when in use (back gate was closed shut with duct tape). Send pics to OCCL.”

“Ensure all nap mats are free from tears and rips and are cleanable. There was 1 in the Two's Room and 1 in the Preschool room. Send pics to OCCL.”

“Ensure a disposable covering is used on the diaper changing mats. Send pics to OCCL.”

“Ensure all Medication Administration Records are signed by parent/guardian. Child #11's family must sign MAR. Send pic to OCCL.”

“Ensure there is an emergency supply of water available for all children for 24 hours.”

“Ensure the lesson plan in the Two's classroom has all of the required curriculum areas. Use OCCL template”

“Ensure that Infants and Twos have clear and identifiable spaces for all developmental areas with developmentally appropriate materials. - Infants need Blocks and Building materials. - Twos need blocks/building materials, dramatic play, art materials, science, and math.”

“Ensure annual renewal application and all of the components necessary are submitted to OCCL 60 days prior to license expiration.”

“On April 10, 2025, a complaint was reported to the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regarding allegations of children not being provided appropriate portions of food at mealtimes and classrooms being out of staff-to-child ratio. An investigation was conducted on April 25, 2025. Based on the findings of this investigation, the complaint is substantiated for staff-to-child ratios not being followed. LS #1 observed the two-year-old classroom with ten children present and one staff member. This complaint is substantiated for children not being provided adequate portion sizes at meal times. LS #1 observed all of the classrooms being served half of a sun butter and jelly sandwich, three apple slices, and a half of a string cheese stick, and milk. Additional concerns were identified during the investigation conducted on April 25, 2025. One concern involves the use of an individual, Staff #4, who stated he/she had been employed at the center for about two years, to prepare meals for the children without having fingerprint clearance on file for the program. Staff #4 was observed in the kitchen preparing food despite not being listed on the program s people screen generated on the morning of the visit. Another concern was the observation of children being left unattended in classrooms. Upon arrival, LS #1 was greeted at the door by Staff #1, who left the two-year-old classroom unsupervised to answer the door. Additionally, during the course of the investigation, both Staff #2 and Staff #3 were observed leaving their classrooms. Specifically, Staff #2 exited the infant classroom and closed the door behind them to come to the front of the facility to speak with LS #1, leaving the children unattended. Staff #3 was observed in the hallway handing food to Staff #1. Although Staff #3 maintained visual supervision of the classroom from the hallway, Staff #4, who is not fingerprinted for the program, was present in the classroom during this time.”

“On December 27, 2024, a complaint was called in to the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regarding allegations of the heat not working properly in the building. An investigation began on December 27, 2024, and concluded on January 31, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for continuing operations when the heat was not functioning at a level that could maintain the required minimum temperature of 68 F within all classrooms. Upon arrival on December 27, 2024, two classrooms were at 66 F after the center had been open for over four hours. Upon arrival on January 8, 2025, one classroom was at 61 F and another was at 64 F. An additional concern noted was OCCL requested submission of a variance request to utilize a non-licensed space on January 13, 2025. Administrator #1 confirmed on January 31, 2025, the heater had been repaired and this space was utilized without submission of this request. A follow-up visit on February 13, 2025, verified all classrooms were operating within the required temperature range.”

“On October 21, 2024, a complaint was called in the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regarding concerns of improper discipline, lack of supervision, and keeping a child in confining equipment for long periods of time. An investigation was conducted on October 22, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision because although staff denied leaving or witnessing a child left alone in a highchair in the hallway, children were observed unattended in the preschool classroom during this visit. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline. Multiple staff members were asked if they had ever observed use of improper discipline by anyone currently or previously employed by the center; all of which reported no. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for having a child in confining equipment for over 30 minutes. All staff members interviewed denied observing a child in a highchair for a long period of time. An additional concern noted at this visit was the presence of a wooden playground structure that was in poor condition and could potentially result in injury. Another concern noted at this visit was there was not a qualified designated person responsible for day-to-day operations in the absence of Administrators #1 and #2. At the time of the visit, neither named Administrators nor the Applicant were available, and Staff # 4 was assisting LS #1 and Licensing Supervisor #1. Staff #4 currently holds an Early Childhood Intern DEEDS certificate.”

“Send current liability insurance document to OCCL.”

“Post a positive behavior management statement and send a copy to OCCL.”

“Ensure all staff members are fingerprinted before the start of employment and staff are supervised at all times until eligibility is determined. Ensure the adult abuse registry is checked for each staff. Staff #7 is not eligible, needs PA out-of-state clearance.”

“Ensure all staff files are complete. The center/staff are required to send release of employment forms and service letters to previous employers. Send service letters and release forms for Staff #7, #8, #9, #10, and #11. Staff #6 needs health appraisal with TB results Staff #7 needs job description, references, health appraisal with TB results and eligibility letter, has pending OOS clearance Staff #8 needs TB results Staff #9 needs job description, references Staff #10 needs application/resume, job description, references, health appraisal with TB results Staff #11 needs staff orientation needs annual safe sleep, annual abuse and neglect, references, and health appraisal with TB results Staff #7, #8, #9, #10, #11 need to complete OCCL health and safety for child care professionals. Send copies to OCCL.”

“Ensure all staff complete annual training. Staff #2, #4, #5, #7, #9, #10, and #11 need 18 training hours.”

“Complete and file a professional development plan for admin and staff providing care. Staff #2, #4, #7, #9, #10, and #11 need a PD plan in file. Send copies to OCCL.”

“Staff #9, #10 need First Aid/ CPR certifications. Send copies to OCCL.”

“Send a copy of your Parents Right to Know log to OCCL by June 14, 2024.”

“Ensure all child files are complete. Child #1, #2 and #3 need blood lead test results Child #6 needs updated immunization records and health appraisal, Child #7 needs an immunization record and blood lead results. Send documents to OCCL.”

“Annual progress reports are required, and documentation of the annual conference is required. Send progress reports for Child #1 through Child #10. to OCCL.”

“Send a picture of working thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer. Refrigerators must be 41 F or colder and freezer at 0 F.”

“Ensure soap and water and sanitizer or disinfectant are available and used on items as required.”

“Ensure staff are certified to administer medication. Staff #9 and #10 need certification.”

“Renewal application must be submitted at least 60 days before license expiration. Send to OCCL. Submit business license”

“On May 17, 2023, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding improper staff-to-child ratio and staffing requirements. An investigation was conducted on May 17, 2023. The complaint is substantiated for insufficient staff and improper staff-to-child ratios because all three staff members who were interviewed stated the center did not employ enough staff members to maintain the correct staff-to-child ratios.”

“Post a copy of the center's positive behavior management policy and send a picture of the posted policy to OCCL.”

“Hire an Early Childhood Administrator with Infant/Toddler specialized training to be present in the center 50% of the hours of operation. A licensee shall ensure sufficient qualified staff members are hired and retained to meet the requirements of these regulations. Provide a staffing plan to OCCL documenting staff schedules for each classroom, including how breaks for the staff will be covered prior to re-opening the facility.”

“There was a staff member alone with four children in the Lil Starbucks classroom. This staff member has not been fingerprinted for the center and does not have an Early Childhood certificate from DEEDS. This was corrected at the visit when the staff member was removed from the building and the classroom was combined with the Light Bright classroom. Supervision occurs through the assignment of qualified staff members. A staff member was alone with children without a DEEDS qualification. Two of the classrooms were combined to come into compliance at the time of the visit. A licensee shall maintain the staff-to-child ratio at all times. All staff interviewed stated they are regularly over the required staff-to-child ratio. The facility has closed temporarily until this issue is addressed.”

“There was a staff member present in the building that has not been fingerprinted for the center. This was corrected at the visit was the staff member was removed from the building. The staff member must be fingerprinted and determined eligible by the Criminal History Unit before returning to the center. Send a copy of the fingerprinting receipt to OCCL.”

“All child files must be complete. Send the current health appraisal with immunizations and blood lead screening for four children. Send documentation of the completed blood lead screening for two children.”

“Send the completed development plan for all children.”

“Clean the floor mats and floor in the Lil Twinkles classroom. Send pictures when completed.”

“The center is preparing food without OCCL approval for the center's kitchen. If the center chooses to continue the food service, the center needs to install a separate handwashing sink in the kitchen and receive OCCL approval.”

“All staff files must be complete. Send the current CPR/First Aid for three staff members. Send the Administration of Medication certificate for three staff members. Send the completed professional development plan for three staff members. Send the completed staff orientation record for two staff members. Send the completed Health and Safety training certificates for four staff members. Send the application or personal data sheet for four staff members. Send the job description for five staff members. Send the references for four staff members. Send the fingerprinting receipt for one staff member. Send the adult abuse registry for one staff member. Send the adult health appraisal with TB for four staff members. Send the completed release of employment history for two staff members. Send the service letters for six staff members.”

“Mat permission forms must be signed by the parents for all children 12 - 18 months of age that are sleeping on mats or cots. Send the signed permission form to OCCL. Crib and pack-n-plays must have a tight-fitted sheet when being used. Purchase the appropriate sheets for the pack-n-plays used in the center.”

“Ensure the classrooms have a sufficient quantity of age-appropriate toys and materials present for the children.”

“Ensure there is soap and water bottles and sanitizing solution available for the cleaning and sanitizing of the diaper changing table.”

“Purchase a diaper changing pad that is able to be cleaned and sanitized after each use.”

“The fire drills were completed but documented on the incorrect form. Moving forward the center will use the fire prevention checklist required by OCCL.”

“Post a copy of the current Delaware State business license and send a copy to OCCL.”

“Ensure all lesson plans include the required weekly activities. Send a copy of the lesson plan for the Light Bright classroom with all required areas included.”

“Ensure all classrooms meet the five required areas. The Lil Starbuck's is missing a science area and the Light Bright's are missing the construction/blocks and science areas. Send pictures to OCCL after this has been added to the classrooms.”

“Send a copy of the current certificate of liability insurance.”

“Send a copy of the current Delaware State business license.”

“All staff files must be complete. Send the annual professional development plan and child abuse and neglect for two staff members. Send the fingerprinting receipt for one staff member.”

“Send 18 hours of annual training for two staff members.”

“Send the current CPR/First Aid certificate for two staff members.”