Rebekah Mercer
New Castle, DE 19720 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
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Asbury Methodist Day Care Center is a licensed child care center in New Castle, Delaware. It is licensed by the state, for up to 162 children, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.
It is open Monday to Friday, 6:45 AM to 5:45 PM. It describes a Faith-based approach, with after-school care, before-school care, drop-in care and full-time care.
Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing made 16 visits in the last 3 years and cited 45 rules across 13 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
Hours
| Monday | 6:45 AM to 5:45 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:45 AM to 5:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:45 AM to 5:45 PM |
| Thursday | 6:45 AM to 5:45 PM |
| Friday | 6:45 AM to 5:45 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| SundayToday | Not listed |
Programs
| Ages | Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license. It lists: 6 weeks through 5th grade |
|---|---|
| Programs | After-school care, before-school care, drop-in care, full-time care and summer camp |
| Approach | Faith-based (Christian) |
| Child care subsidy | Accepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license |
| Transportation | Transportation (bus transportation to Wilmington Manor Elementary (Grades K-5)) |
| Parent updates | Parent app (Brightwheel) |
| More | Founded 1957 |
| Licensed capacity | 162 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Asbury Methodist Day Care Center has not listed its tuition. For comparison, full-time infant care at a child care center in New Castle County has a median price of $280 a week (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022).
State record
16 visits with a cited rule in the last 3 years · Most recent Aug 19, 2026
45 rules cited in those visits. Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing publishes only visits where a rule was cited, so this record cannot show how often it was inspected.
A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record
OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)
“On May 19, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of improper storage of medications. This incident had previously been self-reported to OCCL on May 18, 2026. An investigation began on May 26, 2026, and concluded on May 28, 2026. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, this complaint is substantiated for improper storage of medications. Interviews with staff and a self-report from the center stated staff were unable to locate Child #1 s medication. Interviews with staff resulted in contradictory statements but ultimately the medication was located. An additional concern was observed during the unannounced visit. LS #1 was unable to gain immediate access to the facility. LS #1 rang the bell twice and had to telephone the facility before access was granted.”
OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)
“On May 6, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of not using appropriate behavior supports. This incident had previously been self-reported to OCCL on April 17, 2026. An investigation began on April 17, 2026, and concluded on May 12, 2026. Based on interviews and a review of documentation and video footage, this complaint is substantiated for not using appropriate behavior supports. LS #1 viewed video footage which showed Staff #1 striking a child. An additional concern was observed during the review of video footage. On the video Staff #1 s classroom was observed to not be in correct staff-to-child ratio. This was confirmed by a review of attendance documentation. Another concern was observed during the unannounced visit. Two preschool age children were observed in the hallway bathroom alone, without supervision. LS #1 observed a child in the bathroom upon arrival, and another while interviewing staff. When asked, staff stated they were short-staffed and could not leave the classroom.”
77U Infant and Toddler Care
“Ensure styrofoam dishes are not being used for infants/toddlers. Toddler classrooms were using styrofoam bowls for breakfast.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 28, 2026
75U Activity Areas
“Ensure activity areas are provided for all children, including school-age. None were present for school-age children.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 28, 2026
72U Feeding of Infants
“Ensure the bottle warmer doesn't go above 120'. Reading 150'”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 9, 2026
63U Administration of Medication
“Ensure medication records are updated. Ensure MAR forms are completed in yellow room. Ensure MAR forms are updated and mediactions are not expired. 3 children in the office are expired.”
Correction date in the state record: May 26, 2026
58U Sanitation
“Ensure soap/water & disinfectant is available. olive room”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 9, 2026
57U Equipment
“Ensure appropriate equipment is provided. Yellow room needs language/literacy, manipulatives and science. Blue room needs language (books) and Dramatic play materials.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 9, 2026
56U Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
“Ensure appropriate sleeping accommodations. 2 cribs in infant room have soft mattresses - not cleanable.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 9, 2026
53U Outdoor Area
“Ensure outdoor area is free of hazard. Fall zones need refreshed - both sides. Paper under mulch is torn and tripping hazard. Younger side has a broken climber and trash throughout.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 28, 2026
51U Toilet Facilities
“Ensure bathrooms have paper towels - Yellow room.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 9, 2026
49U Indoor Space
“Ensure indoor space is in a clean & safe condition. Red - Chair needs repaired, rug torn, vents along wall need to be repaired (hazard). Mint - red chair covers need clean, rug in DP is torn and dirty. Olive - rug is a tripping hazard. Yellow - bathroom needs to be cleaned, covered trash.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 9, 2026
40U Child Files
“Ensure children's filds are complete. Child #6 need updated health appraisal. Child #6 & #7 need blood lead screening. Gave TA for DP and conferences.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 28, 2026
30U Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. Annual review of safe sleep and abuse and neglect needed for Staff #1 & #4. Administration of medication needed for Staff #2, #3, #5, #6. Job description needed for Staff #7 & #8. Orientation needed for Staff #8. References needed for staff #7. Declaration and drug/alcohol statement needed for Staff #7. Orientation, release of employment, service letters and job description needed for Staff #8.”
Correction date in the state record: May 26, 2026
OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)
“On March 7, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding incorrect staff-to-child ratio, incorrect combining of age groups, and failing to consult with a child s parent or guardian and professionals, if necessary, to design effective positive behavior supports. Based on interviews with staff and a review of attendance records, this complaint is substantiated for incorrect staff-to-child ratios. Several staff members interviewed stated they have seen classrooms with incorrect staff-to child-ratios. Attendance records documented incorrect staff-to-child ratios in three classrooms. Based on interviews with staff, and a review of attendance records, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for incorrect combining of age groups. LS #1 observed children with correct age groups. Attendance records documented children signed in/out in correct age groups. Based on interviews with staff, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to consult with a child s parent or guardian and professionals, if necessary, to design effective positive behavior supports. Interviews with staff showed there is a policy in place for staff and administration to communicate with families regarding behavioral concerns. An additional concern noted was that upon review of attendance records, a staff member who had not yet been determined eligible or provisionally eligible was documented as having been present in a classroom on five days and having been alone with children on four days in March 2025.”
33U Annual Training
“Ensure staff complete annual training hours 30 days prior to license expiration. Staff # 4 needs (13), Staff #11 needs (8).”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 2, 2025
OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)
“On March 7, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding incorrect staff-to-child ratio, incorrect combining of age groups, and failing to consult with a child s parent or guardian and professionals, if necessary, to design effective positive behavior supports. Based on interviews with staff and a review of attendance records, this complaint is substantiated for incorrect staff-to-child ratios. Several staff members interviewed stated they have seen classrooms with incorrect staff-to child-ratios. Attendance records documented incorrect staff-to-child ratios in three classrooms. Based on interviews with staff, and a review of attendance records, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for incorrect combining of age groups. LS #1 observed children with correct age groups. Attendance records documented children signed in/out in correct age groups. Based on interviews with staff, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to consult with a child s parent or guardian and professionals, if necessary, to design effective positive behavior supports. Interviews with staff showed there is a policy in place for staff and administration to communicate with families regarding behavioral concerns. An additional concern noted was that upon review of attendance records, a staff member who had not yet been determined eligible or provisionally eligible was documented as having been present in a classroom on five days and having been alone with children on four days in March 2025.”
33U Annual Training
“Ensure staff complete annual training hours 30 days prior to license expiration. Staff # 4 needs (13), Staff #11 needs (8).”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 2, 2025
77U Infant and Toddler Care
“Ensure no Styrofoam is used for feeding infant/toddlers. Toddlers were observed eating from styrofoam bowls. One observed biting pieces of bowl.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 17, 2025
71U Meals and Snacks
“Ensure food is cut to prevent choking; toddlers sandwiches were not bite sized.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 21, 2025
63U Administration of Medication
“Ensure Medication Administration Record is completed for all medications, including over-the-counter creams.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 13, 2025
61U Diapering and Soiled Clothing
“Ensure diaper procedure is posted; blue room.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 13, 2025
58U Sanitation
“Ensure classrooms are supplied with labeled soap & water bottles for cleaning and diaper changing.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2025
57U Equipment
“Ensure developmentally appropriate equipment and amount is provided in classrooms. Yellow room needs equipment added for language/literacy, science and music.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 7, 2025
56U Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
“Ensure rest equipment blankets/sheets are not touching. Cots were stacked with top/bottom covers touching.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 17, 2025
53U Outdoor Area
“Ensure fence is in safe condition. Large playground fence needs repaired. Toddler playground needs mulch added to fall zones. Ensure large playground is free of hazards. The black tarp is exposed creating a tripping hazard.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 7, 2025
51U Toilet Facilities
“Ensure soap, toilet paper, paper towels are accessible. Yellow room bathroom needs supplies for toileting.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2025
50U Kitchen and Food Preparation
“Ensure food is labeled w/contents and expiration dates.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 17, 2025
49U Indoor Space
“Indoor space. Ensure security procedures are followed when entering the building. Specialists walked in; doors not locked. CAV Ensure rooms are cleaned and in good repair. Yellow, blue room bathrooms not clean. Yellow room cubbies not labeled w/childrens belongings. Green and Olive room need covered trash cans being used for food.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2025
48U Heating and Cooling
“Ensure heating/cooling equipment is maintained. Infant room heat needs repaired.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 11, 2025
45U Hazardous Materials
“Ensure hazardous materials are out of reach. Yellow room bathroom has hazards that need to be removed; soil, tools, misc items. Blue room changing table door is broke. Hallway bathroom sink has cleaners underneath; need removed or locked.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 21, 2025
40U Child Files
“Ensure child's files are complete. Health appraisal for Child #1, 8, 13. Immunizations for Child #9. Lead results for Child #3, 10. Dev. plan for Child #2.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 3, 2025
30U Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. CPR/FA for Staff #3, 7, 9. Med certification for Staff #5, 9, 12. PD plans for Staff #1, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12. Annual safe sleep for Staff #1, 7, 8, 13. Annual abuse and neglect for Staff #1, 5, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15. Orientation for Staff #6, 9. 7 hr OCCL training for Staff #5, 9, 13, 15. App/resume/data sheet for Staff #5. Job description for Staff #9, 13. References for Staff #9(4), 13(1), 15(2). Adult abuse check for Staff #6. Release of employment for Staff #5. Service letters for Staff #5, 9.”
Correction date in the state record: May 20, 2025
OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)
“On August 16, 2024, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding expulsion policy, not providing an injury report, lack of building security, and not having completed Medication Administration Record (MAR) logs. An investigation was conducted on August 23, 2024. Based on observations and interviews with staff, this complaint is substantiated for not having a written injury report on file. Although Staff #3 was able to provide a screenshot of a conversation with the family, there was no documentation in the child s file. In addition, OCCL was not notified of the injury to a child requiring medical attention. Based on observations and interviews this complaint is substantiated for not having updated MAR logs. No log was completed for Child #1, nor was there a log present for two other children who had medication at the center. Based on interviews with staff, there is no evidence to substantiate for not following expulsion policies. The parent handbook states the center may give five business days notice for child expulsion. Staff #3 provided documentation that the family was given one week s notice of termination of care. Based on observations and interviews there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of building security. Upon LS #1 and #2 s arrival, the front door was locked, and Administrator #1 was at the front letting parents into the building. Staff denied that the door is propped open and unmonitored.”
63U Administration of Medication
“Ensure center keeps a record of medication administered to children recorded on the Medication Administration Record. A licensee shall keep a written record of medication administered to children recorded on Medication Administration Record (MAR) including each medication dosage, time administered, by whom administered, adverse effects observed, and medication errors. Send documentation of completed forms to OCCL by August 27, 2024.”
Correction date in the state record: Aug 29, 2024
45U Hazardous Materials
“Ensure hazardous materials are labeled. Label all soap/water and bleach solution bottles.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 12, 2024
40U Child Files
“Ensure children's files are complete. Child #16 needs health appraisal and immunizations. Child #2, Child #12 needs blood lead screening. Child #17 and Child #18 need updated medication permission signed. Ensure all children using sunscreen and diaper cream are labeled and have MAR forms completed.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 15, 2024
30U Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs 2 references.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 15, 2024
20U Positive Behavior Management
“Ensure staff use only positive and developmentally appropriate methods of behavior supports for children. Staff #1 did not do this when he removed a chair from underneath a child and grabbed a child by the arm. This was corrected when the staff member's employment was immediately terminated.”
Correction date in the state record: Jun 25, 2024
74U Lesson Plans
“Post the completed lesson plan in the red and blue rooms.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 5, 2024
49U Indoor Space
“Ensure floors, walls, and surfaces are cleanable and in good repair. Remove peeling tape from walls and bookshelves in the yellow, blue, red, purple, and green rooms.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 5, 2024
45U Hazardous Materials
“Ensure chemicals are inaccessible to children. Lock cabinet and/or remove chemicals from below sink in infant and mint rooms.”
Corrected during the visit
40U Child Files
“Ensure child files are complete. Date of enrollment is needed for three children. A health appraisal with immunizations is needed for one child.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 5, 2024
36U Staff Attendance
“Ensure staff attendance includes exact arrival and departure times.”
Corrected during the visit
30U Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. CPR/FA is needed for one staff. Service letters are needed for two staff. Fingerprinting is needed for one staff.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 5, 2024
OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)
“On December 28, 2023, a complaint was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line and was not accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). It was sent to the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) on December 28, 2023, and accepted for improper discipline, failure to inform parents of a significant incident, and failure to report suspected abuse or neglect to the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line. On January 3, 2024, a second report was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line and was not accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). It was received by the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) on January 4, 2024, and associated with the open case for the intake above. An investigation was begun on December 27, 2023, and concluded on January 4, 2023. Based on the results of this investigation this complaint is substantiated for improper discipline because video footage shows Staff #2 strike Child #1 in the face, grab her by the arm, and roughly force her into a chair. However, this facility was previously cited for this regulation violation based on the self-reported incident of December 27, 2023, and, therefore, will not be cited again for the same incident. This complaint is also substantiated for failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line because Staff #1 did not report the incident that occurred on December 21, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for failing to report a critical incident involving the child to the child s parent/guardian, Other concerns noted include a lack of supervision, as Staff #2 was observed on video having left the a classroom unsupervised, Staff #1 not being truthful when providing information to parents or guardians and OCCL by not informing parents/guardians of the incident and by informing OCCL a child was struck in the shoulder area, despite having knowledge the child was struck in the face., and a staff member who is not qualified as an early childhood administrator functioning in that role.”
20U Positive Behavior Management
“Ensure that all staff use positive and developmentally-appropriate methods of behavior supports for children. Staff #2 was observed by Staff #1 hitting a child in the shoulder area. This was corrected when Staff #2 was immediately removed from the classroom and fired from the center.”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 28, 2023
66U Emergency Planning
“Ensure center has adequate emergency water supply.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2023
49U Indoor Space
“Ensure floors, walls, and surfaces are cleanable. Remove tape debris from the wall in the Mint room.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2023
45U Hazardous Materials
“Ensure chemicals are inaccessible to children. At the time of the visit, cleaners were observed in the purple classroom cubbies area.”
Corrected during the visit
43U Children's Attendance
“Ensure children's attendance includes exact arrival and departure time. At the time of the visit, one child was not signed into the infant room.”
Corrected during the visit
40U Child Files
“Ensure child files are complete. Date of enrollment is needed for six children. Blood lead screenings are needed for two children. A current health appraisal with immunizations is needed for one child.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2023
30U Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. OCCL health and safety training is needed for one staff. References are needed for one staff. A job description is needed for one staff. Service letters/release of employment history is needed for two staff.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2023
OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)
“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on December 15, 2022, regarding sanitation concerns, not following Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) guidelines, improper discipline, and staff termination policies. An investigation was conducted on December 21, 2022. This complaint is substantiated because LS Daffern observed the meal which was being provided to children was not documented on a posted daily menu. The complaint is also substantiated for improper discipline because Staff #1 stated Staff # 3 was observed roughly handling a child on the playground. An additional concern noted at the visit was two classrooms not having current weekly lesson plans. There is no evidence to substantiate the center is unclean or unsanitary because LS Flowers and Daffern observed the center to be clean. Also, Staff #1 and Staff #2 both stated the center has a janitor who cleans the center after hours. The center is following its policies regarding staff employment termination because Staff #3 was fired after she was observed roughly handling a child on the playground.”
74U Lesson Plans
“Ensure lesson plans contain all required elements. Weekly food exploration/healthy habit, science, music, and sensory activity is needed for the three's older three's/fours and pre-k classrooms.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 30, 2022
49U Indoor Space
“Repair heater shield in the Red classroom.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 16, 2022
45U Hazardous Materials
“Ensure chemicals are inaccessible to children.”
Corrected during the visit
40U Child Files
“Ensure child files are complete. A medication administration record is needed for one child. Lead screening is needed for four children. A current health appraisal with immunizations is needed for one child.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 13, 2022
38U Parents Right to Know
“Submit Parents Right to Know log.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 15, 2022
36U Staff Attendance
“Ensure staff attendance is accurately documented. At the time of the visit, one staff was not signed into the Mint classroom.”
Corrected during the visit
30U Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. Eligibility letters are needed for six staff members. An orientation is needed for one staff. References are needed for two staff.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 13, 2022
28U General Qualifications
“Ensure staff are determined eligible before being left alone with children. At the time of the visit, one staff member was observed alone with seven children before eligibility had been determined. Ensure staff are fingerprinted before starting employment.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 14, 2022
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New Castle, DE 19720 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
314 E Basin Rd, New Castle, DE
200 East Roosevelt Avenue, New Castle, DE
1 Bassett Avenue, New Castle, DE
502 Moores Lane, New Castle, DE
901 E Basin Rd, New Castle, DE
1101 Delaware St, Historic New Castle, DE
1206 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE
903 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE
FAQ
Yes. Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing lists it as licensed and operating.
Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing lists the most recent visit on August 19, 2026. It lists 16 visits in the last 3 years.
Yes. Inspectors cited 45 rules across 13 of 16 visits in the last 3 years; 40 show a correction in the state record. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
162, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.
Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.
Monday to Friday, 6:45 AM to 5:45 PM. Holiday hours can differ.
It has not listed its tuition. Call (302) 328-5640 to ask.
(302) 328-5640.
300 E. Basin Rd., New Castle, DE 19720. The nearest other daycare we list is Summercollab @ George Read Middle School, 0.2 miles away.