Children Of America-Wilmington

“Ensure all staff files are complete. Refer to staff sheet where circles identify missing non-compliances.”

“Ensure Child files are complete. Child #12 needs blood lead screening. Child #4 and #6 need health appraisals. Child #5 and 7 need health appraisals and blood lead screening.”

“Preschool bathroom has pealing tape residue. Needs to be removed and cleaned.”

“Preschool red bathroom sink is leaking underneath and from faucet. Repair or replace.”

“On May 6, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of incorrect staff-to-child ratios. An investigation was conducted on May 7, 2026. Based on a review of attendance records on May 7, 2026, and interviews with four staff members, this complaint is substantiated. Attendance records for two classrooms reflected staff members in the incorrect staff-to-child ratio for longer than 30 minutes. All four staff members interviewed noted occasions in which their classrooms were not in correct staff-to-child ratio.”

“On April 7, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of incorrect staff-to-child ratios, kitchen sanitation, and activity schedule for outdoor play. An investigation was conducted on April 9, 2026. Based on a review of attendance records this complaint is substantiated for incorrect staff-to-child ratio. After observing the kitchen, this complaint is substantiated for an unsanitary kitchen. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for outdoor play in inappropriate temperatures as the facility has been following the regulations for outdoor play.”

“On April 7, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of incorrect staff-to-child ratio. An investigation was conducted on April 9, 2026. Based on a review of attendance records this complaint is substantiated for incorrect staff-to-child ratio. On April 6, 2026, two classrooms were documented as not being in correct staff-to-child ratio. An additional concern noted is staff attendance was documented incorrectly on attendance documentation reviewed.”

“On October 3, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding lack of supervision, incorrect combining of infants with older children, lack of security procedures, failing to conduct monthly evacuation drills, and not providing daily infant logs. This complaint is substantiated for failing to conduct monthly evacuation drills based on interviews of seven staff members who stated fire evacuation drills are not being practiced monthly as required, although administration has logged them as having been completed. There is no evidence to substantiate a lack of supervision or a lack of security procedures. Based on interviews, administration and staff members all stated they are unaware of a child being left alone in the lobby and taken by a different parent to a classroom. There is also a family code to enter the building if administration cannot open the door. After a review of documentation and interviews, there is no evidence to substantiate combining older children with infants or not providing daily infant logs.”

“On July 8, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding food preparation. An investigation was conducted on July 17, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for not maintaining the correct freezer temperature for food preparation. When LS #1 and #2 arrived, the freezer was reading 17 F, when LS #1 and #2 left the center an hour later, the freezer was still reading 17 F without the freezer being opened for one hour.”

“Ensure staff files are complete. OCCL Health and Safety training is needed for Staff #6.”

“Ensure fire drills are conducted with children and staff monthly. Please send June fire drill to OCCL.”

“On April 30, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding incorrect staff-to-child ratio. An investigation was conducted on May 1, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for incorrect staff-to-child ratio. Upon review of attendance records on multiple days, attendance records showed staff members were not in the correct staff-to-child ratio for various time frames. An additional concern noted during this visit was upon review of attendance records, there were multiple days staff members attendance was not documented accurately for arrivals, meal breaks, and departures.”

“On April 3, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding incorrect staff-to-child ratio. An investigation was conducted on April 11, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for incorrect staff-to-child ratio. Upon review of attendance records on multiple days, attendance records show staff members were not in the correct staff-to-child ratio for various time frames. An additional concern noted during this visit was upon review of attendance records, there were multiple days staff members attendance was not documented for arrival, meal breaks, and departures. In addition, attendance records show child attendance was not documented for departures on April 3, 2025, and April 7, 2025, for two classrooms.”

“On March 27, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding failing to have security procedures that ensure access to children is limited to authorized people. An unannounced visit was conducted on March 28, 2025. This complaint is substantiated based on interviews with administration and staff members. While the administration team did adjust schedules in an attempt to keep the broken front door monitored at all times, three staff members stated they witnessed periods of time where no staff were monitoring it. This was corrected when the door was fixed on March 29, 2025.”

“After the licensing specialist informed the center to close at 1:00 pm on March 10. 2025 due to no hot water since March 7, 2025. The Executive Directive allowed the center to stay open until a further communication with OCCL at approximately 4:00 pm on March 10, 2025. This is a violation of DELACARE regulation 49 that states: The Licensee shall ensure the following: All sinks supply hot and cold water under pressure at all times.”

“Ensure the administrator has a complete file on site. Administrator needs service letters and references complete or attempts made, orientation, and Adult Abuse registry”

“Ensure Child #12 blood lead screening is complete and in the file.”

“Ensure PreK B bathroom is clean and sanitized and the toilet is cleaned including the base of the toilet.”

“A licensee shall ensure telephone calls and emails from OCCL are responded within two business days.”

“Ensure classrooms are in the correct staff to child ratio.”

“On August 7, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding combining toddlers with older children, insufficient staff, and caring for children in space not designated for children's use. An unannounced visit was conducted on August 9, 2024. LS #1 reviewed attendance records, and interviewed administration and staff members. While a tracking sheet was present showing children were signed into the area with the Administrator #1, this complaint is substantiated for caring for children in an unlicensed area. The administrator stated she supervised school-age children in the lobby area while waiting for staff to arrive for work. Based on a review of attendance records there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for combining toddler children with older children outside of the hours permitted by DELACARE regulations. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for insufficient staff as staff interviews and a review of attendance records showed sufficient staff were available for staff members to have a break.”

“Ensure classrooms maintain ratio and sufficient staffing. Send September 18-23, 2024 tracking sheets daily to OCCL.”

“On July 22, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding an allegation of failure to notify parents of a contagious condition in a timely manner. An investigation was conducted on July 24, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for failure to notify parents in a timely manner of a contagious condition. When interviewed, multiple staff members stated the first known case of lice was five days before parents were notified of the condition by the administration.”

“On July 17, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding incorrect staff-to-child ratios and improper food storage. A complaint investigation was conducted on July 18, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for incorrect staff-to-child ratio. LS #1 reviewed the attendance records for July 17, 2024, that documented Staff #1 was alone with 22 children for almost one hour. This complaint is also substantiated for improper food storage because after interviewing staff members regarding lunches provided for a field trip, it was stated by staff the lunches were kept on a bus in a cooler without any ice packs for approximately two hours at mid-day when the temperature ranged between 89 and 92 degrees with a heat advisory in effect. Staff decided not to feed the warm meat and cheese sandwiches to the students on the trip and provided a different lunch when back at the center.”

“On July 17, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations for concerns of using vehicle over its intended capacity. An investigation was conducted on July 18, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for transporting more persons than the vehicle s capacity because after interviewing administration, staff members, and reviewing field trip tracking sheets, there were 10 children transported in a nine-passenger van during a field trip with two children sharing one restraint.”

“On July 8, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding multiple allegations including failure to report a significant incident to parents and failure to report suspected child abuse and neglect to the hotline. An unannounced visit was conducted on July 10, 2024. This complaint is substantiated regarding failure to notify the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line of potential child abuse or neglect. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failure to report a significant incident to parents. Administrator #1 stated the parents were notified by phone and in person with an observation form stating the findings.”

“On June 18, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations including improper discipline and using a cell phone while caring for children. An investigation was conducted on June 21, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for cell phone usage while caring for children. This specialist observed Staff #1 using a cell phone while in the classroom with children. The complaint is substantiated for improper discipline. Administrative staff stated Staff #1 was counseled regarding improper discipline and was terminated from employment on June 25, 2024.”

“On June 28, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of improper discipline. An investigation was conducted beginning on July 3, 2024, and concluding on July 22, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for improper discipline based on interviews of staff who stated they witnessed Staff #1 yelling at children and grabbing or holding them inappropriately. Staff #1 was put on administrative leave and subsequently resigned their position.”

“On June 18, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of staff performing other tasks while caring for children and a lack of interactions with children. An investigation was conducted on June 21, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for performing other tasks while caring for children. Staff #1 stated they used an iPad for other tasks while caring for children. This complaint is substantiated for not interacting with children. Staff #1 stated to the licensing specialists they sometimes use an iPad for non-work-related functions while caring for children. The administrator and other staff members stated Staff #1 has been observed using an iPad while caring for children and not interacting with children in care.”

“On June 12, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding transportation and field trip regulations and mealtime requirements. An unannounced visit was conducted on June 17, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for not following transportation and field trip regulations. Upon interviewing staff members and administration, reviewing documentation, and observing the vehicles, it was noted that the bus and van were missing required items: emergency water and emergency contact information. Field trip attendance tracking documentation was also missing, four children were missing field trip permission slips, improper information on permission slips, transporting more children and adults than the vehicle s capacity, not using child-safety restraints as required by State and federal laws, transporting a child in a staff member s personal vehicle, and incorrect staff-to-child ratio while operating the vehicles. This complaint is substantiated for meals and snacks. There was no current menu available on the date of the complaint visit.”

“On May 27, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding kitchen sanitation and children having access to the kitchen. An investigation was begun on May 29, 2024, and concluded on May 30, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for kitchen sanitation. The specialists observed food preparation areas, walls, and floors were in poor condition containing food splatters, dust build-up, and porous areas on most cabinets and the counter space. LS Strachan observed the full trashcan did not have a lid. This complaint is also substantiated for children having access to the kitchen. At the unannounced visit on May 29, 2024, the specialists observed the kitchen door was open with cleaning chemicals out on the floor and no staff present in or around the kitchen. On the following day, LS Strachan observed the kitchen door was again open with no staff member present.”

“On June 6, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding cell phone usage while caring for children, lack of respectful communication by staff, and not following policy for handling complaints from parents. This complaint is substantiated for cell phone usage while caring for children. This specialist observed Staff #1 using a cell phone while on the playground with children. This complaint is substantiated for lack of respectful communication as four staff members all stated they hear cursing between staff members in the center that is sometimes loud. There is no evidence to substantiate the complaint for handling parent complaints, as the administrator stated she handles parents complaints the best she can.”

“Ensure staff are engaged and not using cell phones during staff-to-child-ratio. Staff #1 was using her cell phone while supervising children. Staff members providing care for children may not be given other duties or participate in personal activities, such as using a cell phone that would interfere with providing care to children. Staff #1 used a cell phone while providing care to children and was terminated from employment.”

“On June 5, 2024, two unqualified DEEDS staff members were in the classroom alone with children.”

“Ensure staff files are completed. Safe Sleep/Adult Abuse needed for Staff #1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10. Release of Employment and Service letters (with attempts if needed) for Staff #8 and 14. OCCL Health and Safety training needed for Staff #8. DEEDS certificates sent to OCCL. Professional Development Plans filled out with staff goals for every staff member. Health appraisal with TB for Staff #14. Full file for Staff #11,12,13.”

“Ensure children's files are complete. Health appraisals are needs for Child #7, 8, 14. Immunizations are needed for Child #8, 14. Blood Lead screening is needed for Child #5, 8 and 14. Parents Right to Know form and Screen time is needed for Child #11, 13, and 15. Mat permission is needed for Child #11.”

“Ensure indoor space meets qualifications. Infant A- clean vents and walls free of dust. Toddler B- Clean floor, remove clutter from changing table and above cubbies. Two's room repair or replace carpet covering which is pealing away from the wall. School age classroom needs a full cleaning to remove dust and grime, empty trash cans, remove pipe casing, ensure outlets are covered, bathroom needs trash cans, needs soap and water and sanitizer bottles. Preschool 1 needs covered trashcans in both the classroom and the bathroom, the exhaust fan needs cleaned. PreK B needs trash can in bathroom.”

“Ensure kitchen surfaces and backsplash are clean and grime/food are removed. Ensure sanitizer (3rd sink) is emptied each day.”

“Ensure outdoor area meets qualifications. Outside fountain is leaking and needs repair. Gate between both playgrounds doesn't self-latch and needs repair or replaced. Remove broken tote and cats from playground. Trash can on larger playground needs emptied.”

“Ensure cribs are free of al materials. Store infant carriers outside of the classroom.”

“Ensure classrooms have enough equipment in good conditions. PreK B couch needs to be cleaned or replaced. Toddler A remove or replace dramatic play sink (bin insert is missing)”

“Ensure Toddler A and B need foot activated trash cans”

“Ensure monthly fire drills are conducted. Send June's to OCCL.”

“Ensure lesson plans are conducted/posted. Send week OF June 17th to OCCL.”

“Ensure classrooms have adequate amounts of materials. Two's classroom needs books.”

“On April 25, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of improper staff-to-child ratios and lack of respectful communication. An unannounced visit was conducted on April 26, 2024. This complain is substantiated for lack of respectful communication because upon interviewing staff and reading staff members written statements, Staff #2 spoke in a disrespectful manner to other staff in the presence of children. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for incorrect staff-to-child ratios. Upon review of classroom attendance records, the necessary changes with staff-to-child ratios were adjusted in a timely manner.”

“On March 11, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding not following illness exclusions and respectful communications. An unannounced visit was conducted on March 12, 2024. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following health exclusions. Upon review of documentation, interviewing the administrator and staff members, there is no breach in the illness policy for Children of America (COA) or OCCL. This investigation is substantiated for not using respectful communication. Upon review of COA handbook and interactions during the investigation, it was determined the administrator does not maintain respectful tones and actions when speaking to others in the center.”

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received two complaints from the same reporter on August 18, 2023, regarding improper discipline. An investigation was begun on August 18, 2023, and concluded on August 24, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for improper discipline as the staff member admitted to using improper discipline. The center terminated the staff member s employment on August 28, 2023.”

“Ensure staff are using positive support discipline. Ensure no staff uses following actions: hitting, grabbing, and yelling at any children. Staff #1 was interviewed and admitted to using improper discipline actions. A licensee shall ensure the following actions are prohibited: Roughly handling a child or physical punishment inflicted on a child's body, including, but not limited to the following: shaking, grabbing, striking, hairpulling, biting, pinching, plucking, slapping, hitting, kicking, or spanking: yelling at, humiliating, or frightening children. Staff #1 admitted to using improper discipline. Staff #1 was terminated from employment on August 28, 2023.”

“Staff #11 was overheard using food as a punishment. OCCL will assign a training for staff #11 to complete.”

“All staff files need to be complete. All staff must complete the 7 hour OCCL Health & Safety training. Send certs once completed. Staff #11 needs Health Appraisal, Administration of Medication. Staff #14 needs staff Orientation record, application/resume, job description, adult abuse registry, Health Appraisal w/TB. Staff #12 needs Administration of Medication. Staff #1, #2, #4, #5, #6, #9, #13, need updated Eligibility dates.”

“A copy of updated Parent's Right to Know Log will be sent by July 14, 2023.”

“All child files must be complete. Send documentation of the Blood Lead screening for Child #4.”

“Refrigerator/freezer in classroom Pre-K A needs to be cleaned. Send a picture upon completion.”

“Bathrooms in Pre-K A need to be cleaned. Send a picture upon completion.”

“Current lesson plans must be posted. Send a picture of classroom 2's lesson plans when updated.”

“On July 27, 2022, OCCL received a complaint regarding lack of supervision at Children of America-Wilmington. An investigation began on August 3, 2022, and concluded on August 5, 2022. The complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision because several staff interviewed stated there are several instances where children were alone sitting in the kitchen hallway when Staff #2 was cooking in the kitchen. Technical assistance was given to the staff members regarding not receiving children into the center when there is not enough staff coverage or to contact parents to pick child up. Other concerns noted were several staff members stated the classrooms are out of ratio, they are concerned for children s safety, and infants are confined in a buggy for more than an hour on several occasions.”

“Ensure all staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs administration of medication.”

“Ensure all child files are complete. Child #3 needs an emergency card and blood lead screen results. Child #4 needs a parents right to know form and permission for screen time. Child # 5 needs date of enrollment, days and hours of attendance, and permission for transportation form. Child # 9 needs blood lead screening results. Child #11 needs hours and days of attendance and permission for transportation. Child #20 needs hours of attendance.”

“Ensure all areas are clean. Multiple classrooms needed walls and shelves wiped down. Corrected at visit.”

“Ensure all thermometers are working. Replace thermometers in Pre-K and Infant freezers. Corrected at visit.”

“Ensure paper towels are in bathrooms and bathrooms are clean. Corrected at visit”

“Ensure all toys are cleaned weekly. Toddlers and infants need to clean toys.”

“Ensure the diaper changing mat is free from rips. Corrected at the visit.”

“Ensure all infants have infant feeding schedules completed by a parent. Send feeding schedules for Child # 8 and #22.”

“Ensure all classrooms have lesson plans completed and posted. PII-A needs a lesson plan. Corrected at the visit.”

“On April 13, 2022, OCCL received a complaint regarding improper staff-to-child ratios at Children of America-Wilmington. An investigation began on April 26, 2022,and concluded on May 9, 2022. The complaint is substantiated for improper child-to-staff ratios because several staff interviewed stated one staff member was present with two infants, a school-ager, and several toddlers alone in the mornings and [name withheld] was often late. Technical assistance was given to [name withheld] the staff members regarding allowing a floater to clock in earlier.”