Delaware State University Early Childhood Laboratory School

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Ensure developmental progress is tracked for each child and developmental plans are completed. Establish an organized system for this and submit to OCCL.”

“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.”

“Ensure diaper-changing area in the one-year-old classroom has a labeled soap and water bottle for cleaning. Add bottle.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Ensure activity areas in the two-year-old classroom include art supplies. Add accessible art supplies.”

“Ensure renewal application is submitted at least 60 days prior to license expiration. This was corrected at the visit when the application was submitted.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Maintain current insurance documentation.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Label all soap/water and sanitizer bottles used in the classroom.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Label all children's rest equipment. Store equipment so the bedding is not touching.”

“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.”

“Ensure renewal application is submitted at least 60 days prior to license expiration.”

“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.”

“Administrator must have specialist training in infant and toddler care.”

“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”

“Ensure children's files are completed. Child #2 and 8 need lead blood screening results.”

“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.”

“Ensure every freezer has a working thermometer. -2 new freezers did not have working thermometers.”

“Ensure first aid kit is completed. Missing an eye patch and triangle bandage.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Ensure parents right to know log is complete with all enrolled children and anyone who tours.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Ensure fridge and freezer in the K-Prep and one-year-old room have a working thermometer.”

“Ensure nap equipment in the two-year-old and four-year-old room is labeled.”