Bellevue Learning Center

OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on March 28, 2024, regarding concerns of failure to report abuse/neglect and concerns about respectful communication among staff. An investigation was conducted on April 1, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for failure to report suspected abuse/neglect based on interviews and statements provided. Two staff members kept a running log of concerns about Child #1 coming to the facility dirty, with an odor, and with oversaturated or no diaper. The concern about Child #1 s hygiene was brought to the Administrator s attention. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of respectful communication based on interviews conducted. The Administrator and all staff members stated all staff use respectful communication with staff and families. The Administrator stated there was an allegation of a staff member harassing another staff member, and it was unfounded after an internal investigation. Non-Compliance cited: #18: A licensee shall have and follow written procedures for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. Two staff members were concerned about potential neglect of a child in care and kept a running log of these concerns. One of these staff members brought their concerns to the Administrator. The Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line was not called.”

57U Equipment

“Ensure classroom developmentally appropriate equipment. -Music and sensory are needed in school-age classrooms. -Remove torn blocks in red room.”

Correction date in the state record: May 10, 2024

56U Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments

“Ensure all cots are labeled. -Update cot chart in purple room.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 29, 2024

49U Indoor Space

“Ensure all surfaces are clean. -Replace damaged ceiling tiles. -Cleans vent in yellow room and tiger room. -Attach molding under the sink in Pink room. -Remove sharp edges from where molding was removed in blue room.”

Correction date in the state record: May 10, 2024

38U Parents Right to Know

“Ensure the parent right-to-know log is completed for all families touring the facility.”

Corrected during the visit

30U Personnel Files

“Ensure staff files are completed. Staff #1, #3, #4, and #5 need OCCL's health and safety training. Staff #2 needs CPR and Frist Aid.”

Correction date in the state record: May 10, 2024

OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on March 28, 2024, regarding concerns of failure to report abuse/neglect and concerns about respectful communication among staff. An investigation was conducted on April 1, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for failure to report suspected abuse/neglect based on interviews and statements provided. Two staff members kept a running log of concerns about Child #1 coming to the facility dirty, with an odor, and with oversaturated or no diaper. The concern about Child #1 s hygiene was brought to the Administrator s attention. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of respectful communication based on interviews conducted. The Administrator and all staff members stated all staff use respectful communication with staff and families. The Administrator stated there was an allegation of a staff member harassing another staff member, and it was unfounded after an internal investigation. Non-Compliance cited: #18: A licensee shall have and follow written procedures for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. Two staff members were concerned about potential neglect of a child in care and kept a running log of these concerns. One of these staff members brought their concerns to the Administrator. The Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line was not called.”

57U Equipment

“Ensure classroom developmentally appropriate equipment. -Music and sensory are needed in school-age classrooms. -Remove torn blocks in red room.”

Correction date in the state record: May 10, 2024

56U Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments

“Ensure all cots are labeled. -Update cot chart in purple room.”

Correction date in the state record: Apr 29, 2024

49U Indoor Space

“Ensure all surfaces are clean. -Replace damaged ceiling tiles. -Cleans vent in yellow room and tiger room. -Attach molding under the sink in Pink room. -Remove sharp edges from where molding was removed in blue room.”

Correction date in the state record: May 10, 2024

38U Parents Right to Know

“Ensure the parent right-to-know log is completed for all families touring the facility.”

Corrected during the visit

30U Personnel Files

“Ensure staff files are completed. Staff #1, #3, #4, and #5 need OCCL's health and safety training. Staff #2 needs CPR and Frist Aid.”

Correction date in the state record: May 10, 2024

OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)

“On February 9, 2024, a complaint was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line and not accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received the complaint on February 9, 2024, and screened it in regarding concerns of improper discipline, lack of supervision, and not notifying a parent immediately of serious or potentially serious injury. A second complaint was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line on February 12, 2024, and was accepted by the IAU for investigation. An investigation began on February 12, 2024, and concluded on February 15, 2024. IA Investigator [name] notified OCCL on February 15, 2024, that she was closing her investigation as no evidence to substantiate for abuse. This complaint is substantiated for not notifying a parent immediately of serious or potentially serious injury based on interviews with staff members and documentation collected. Staff members interviewed stated Parent #1 was not notified of a head injury promptly. Parent #1 was notified three hours after the head injury occurred. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline or lack of supervision based on the video footage observed, and interviews with staff members. In the video footage, Child #1 was seen running to greet Staff #1 when they entered the classroom, and Child #1 tripped over her own feet causing her to hit her head. Staff members interviewed stated Child #1 did receive a head injury when falling and stated first-aid was given immediately.”

OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)

“On February 9, 2024, a complaint was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line and not accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received the complaint on February 9, 2024, and screened it in regarding concerns of improper discipline, lack of supervision, and not notifying a parent immediately of serious or potentially serious injury. A second complaint was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line on February 12, 2024, and was accepted by the IAU for investigation. An investigation began on February 12, 2024, and concluded on February 15, 2024. IA Investigator [name] notified OCCL on February 15, 2024, that she was closing her investigation as no evidence to substantiate for abuse. This complaint is substantiated for not notifying a parent immediately of serious or potentially serious injury based on interviews with staff members and documentation collected. Staff members interviewed stated Parent #1 was not notified of a head injury promptly. Parent #1 was notified three hours after the head injury occurred. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline or lack of supervision based on the video footage observed, and interviews with staff members. In the video footage, Child #1 was seen running to greet Staff #1 when they entered the classroom, and Child #1 tripped over her own feet causing her to hit her head. Staff members interviewed stated Child #1 did receive a head injury when falling and stated first-aid was given immediately.”

61U Diapering and Soiled Clothing

“Ensure diaper changing procedures are followed at all changes in the Blue room.”

Corrected during the visit

OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on August 23, 2023, regarding improper discipline. An investigation was conducted on August 30, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for improper discipline because video footage of the school-age classroom shows Staff #1 charging toward Child #1. The body language displayed shows Staff #1 yelling and intimidating Child #1. Additionally, Staff #3 was observed intentionally withholding an object from Child #1 by holding it above his/her head, leading Child #1 to become visibly upset and aggravated.”

76U Activity Schedule

“Ensure children's screen time is under one hour.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 18, 2023

59U Hand Washing

“Ensure all staff are washing their hands after every diaper change.”

Corrected during the visit

49U Indoor Space

“Ensure all ceiling tiles are stain free. -Ceiling tiles in the atrium need to be replaced.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 18, 2023

75U Activity Areas

“Ensure classroom space for children ages 24 months includes all required activity areas. Add dramatic play to the purple room.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 6, 2023

74U Lesson Plans

“Ensure lesson plans are posted in each classroom.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 6, 2023

66U Emergency Planning

“Ensure center has adequate emergency water supply. Corrected at visit.”

Correction date in the state record: Aug 2, 2023

65U First Aid Kits

“Ensure first aid kit is completed. Add a triangle bandage to the first aid kit.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 8, 2023

61U Diapering and Soiled Clothing

“Ensure diaper-changing procedures are posted in diaper-changing areas. Post is pink and blue room. Repair or replace diaper changing mat in pink room. Replace foot active diaper trash in blue room.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 6, 2023

56U Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments

“Ensure nap equipment is labeled with children's names or a number system. Label nap equipment in purple room.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 6, 2023

49U Indoor Space

“Ensure center does not use air fresheners.-Corrected at visit. Ensure floors, walls, and surfaces are clean and in good repair. Clean tables in the Pink room and dolphin room. Repair or replace the peeling tape on the floor in the pink room, blue room, and lavender room. Ensure walls are hazard free. Remove exposed screws in the tiger room. Repair broken outlet in the lavender room.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 8, 2023

40U Child Files

“Ensure child files are complete: Current Health appraisals with immunizations for Child # 2,5,6,8,10,12,15,18, and 19. Blood Lead screening results for Child # 2,5,6,9,10,14,16,17. MAR for Child # 3. Hours to attend Child #17. Mat permission Child #14.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 13, 2023

38U Parents Right to Know

“Submit parent right to know log.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 7, 2023

30U Personnel Files

“Ensure staff files are complete. Health and safety for all staff. PD Plans for Staff # 1,12,17,19,21, and 23. Orientation for Staff #23. Job Description for Staff # 27. Health appraisal with Tb for staff #3. References for Staff #26.”

Correction date in the state record: Sep 8, 2023

OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)

“On May 19, 2023, a complaint was called into the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line and not accepted for investigation by the Institutional Abuse Unit (IAU). The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received the complaint on May 22, 2023, and accepted it for investigation regarding lack of supervision. An investigation was conducted on May 23, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision based on video footage and staff interviews. The staff interviewed confirmed a staff member did not conduct a face-to-name head count before taking a class of children inside from the playground. The staff member was not aware a child did not come inside with the rest of the class. Video footage showed the child was left outside unsupervised for 21 minutes. Additional concerns noted during the investigation were that OCCL was not notified within one business day of a child missing while in the center s care and unapproved space in”

OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on May 9, 2023, regarding staff not being truthful when providing information to parents or guardians. An investigation began on May 9, 2023, and ended on May 23, 2023. This complaint is substantiated because information in a letter sent to the families of children in care on May 8, 2023, contradicted non-compliances previously cited in a finalized complaint report completed by OCCL. Violations cited in the complaint report endangered the health, safety, and well-being of infants in care at the facility.”

28U General Qualifications

“Ensure all staff are determined eligible or provisional eligible before starting employment.”

Corrected during the visit

OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on May 9, 2023, regarding staff not being truthful when providing information to parents or guardians. An investigation began on May 9, 2023, and ended on May 23, 2023. This complaint is substantiated because information in a letter sent to the families of children in care on May 8, 2023, contradicted non-compliances previously cited in a finalized complaint report completed by OCCL. Violations cited in the complaint report endangered the health, safety, and well-being of infants in care at the facility.”

28U General Qualifications

“Ensure all staff are determined eligible or provisional eligible before starting employment.”

Corrected during the visit

24U Staff Qualifications

“Ensure interns are not alone with children younger than one year old.”

Corrected during the visit

OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received six complaints between February 10, 2023, and February 16, 2023, regarding care being provided in the infant classroom. The concerns included improper discipline and inappropriate care of infants, including the use of physical force. Concerns about safe sleep violations and not meeting the needs of the children were also noted. The New Castle County Police Department (NCCPD) began an investigation into these reports beginning February 15, 2023, and began to review video footage. OCCL remained in contact with Detective [name] to determine when the OCCL investigation could begin. OCCL reviewed video footage at the NCCPD with Detective Starratt on March 29, 2023. Detective Starratt notified OCCL on April 10, 2023 that OCCL was permitted to begin their investigation. OCCL conducted an unannounced visit to the facility on April 11, 2023. At the conclusion of this investigation, this complaint is substantiated for improper discipline, inappropriate care of infants, and safe sleep violations. All staff in the infant room were observed utilizing improper discipline, including roughly handling a child, grabbing and carrying infants by the wrists, knocking infants over, slapping an infant, spanking, sweeping infants hands out from under them, frightening infants, and utilizing time-out on an infant. All staff put infants onto the changing table roughly. In addition to inappropriate care of infants, the care witnessed in the footage showed all staff meeting only the very basic needs of the infants. No positive interactions were observed with the children, and no activities were implemented. Children were pushed away when they approached staff. Physical care routines such as feeding, diapering, and sleeping, did not meet DELACARE requirements. Some infants were observed only receiving a diaper change twice in an eight-hour or longer period of time. Staff were seen throwing food out prior to infants being finished with it, and no infant was held while being fed a bottle. Safe sleep violations were observed for all infant naps. Staff in the infant room were requiring a total of three hours of nap time daily for all infants, whether they were sleepy or not. Infants who were not sleeping, were left awake in their crib without any interaction. Infants were left in other confining equipment, such as a high chair or jumper, for up to and over an hour more than once. Additional concerns noted during this investigation include staff-to-child ratios, unqualified staff alone with children, lack of supervision, improper diapering and sanitation, and indoor space hazards. The infant room was out of staff-to-child ratio at least eight times, and Staff #3 was left alone multiple times and does not have a DEEDS qualification permitting her to be alone. Several instances of lack of supervision were observed, and all staff were consistently using their personal cellphones and looking at an iPad while they were responsible for supervising the infants. Staff were observed changing multiple children in a row without washing their hands or the children s hands, and not sanitizing the diaper changing mat between diaper changes. Multiple children were receiving diaper cream from the same container, and that container was within the reach of the children. Staff were also observed moving from diaper changing to preparing food without washing their hands. A staff member was observed putting soiled clothing into a plastic bag, and placing it in a laundry basket on the floor, accessible to children.”

OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on April 10, 2023, regarding lack of supervision, and telephones not working. An investigation was conducted on April 11, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision because of video footage viewed at the visit and interviews conducted. Child #1 was left unsupervised on the playground for a total of 12 minutes. There is no evidence to substantiate telephones not working based on interviews with staff and OCCL staff receiving live answers upon calling the listed phone number for the facility. An additional concern noted during this investigation was staff providing information that was incorrect while being interviewed.”

OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received six complaints between February 10, 2023, and February 16, 2023, regarding care being provided in the infant classroom. The concerns included improper discipline and inappropriate care of infants, including the use of physical force. Concerns about safe sleep violations and not meeting the needs of the children were also noted. The New Castle County Police Department (NCCPD) began an investigation into these reports beginning February 15, 2023, and began to review video footage. OCCL remained in contact with Detective [name] to determine when the OCCL investigation could begin. OCCL reviewed video footage at the NCCPD with Detective Starratt on March 29, 2023. Detective Starratt notified OCCL on April 10, 2023 that OCCL was permitted to begin their investigation. OCCL conducted an unannounced visit to the facility on April 11, 2023. At the conclusion of this investigation, this complaint is substantiated for improper discipline, inappropriate care of infants, and safe sleep violations. All staff in the infant room were observed utilizing improper discipline, including roughly handling a child, grabbing and carrying infants by the wrists, knocking infants over, slapping an infant, spanking, sweeping infants hands out from under them, frightening infants, and utilizing time-out on an infant. All staff put infants onto the changing table roughly. In addition to inappropriate care of infants, the care witnessed in the footage showed all staff meeting only the very basic needs of the infants. No positive interactions were observed with the children, and no activities were implemented. Children were pushed away when they approached staff. Physical care routines such as feeding, diapering, and sleeping, did not meet DELACARE requirements. Some infants were observed only receiving a diaper change twice in an eight-hour or longer period of time. Staff were seen throwing food out prior to infants being finished with it, and no infant was held while being fed a bottle. Safe sleep violations were observed for all infant naps. Staff in the infant room were requiring a total of three hours of nap time daily for all infants, whether they were sleepy or not. Infants who were not sleeping, were left awake in their crib without any interaction. Infants were left in other confining equipment, such as a high chair or jumper, for up to and over an hour more than once. Additional concerns noted during this investigation include staff-to-child ratios, unqualified staff alone with children, lack of supervision, improper diapering and sanitation, and indoor space hazards. The infant room was out of staff-to-child ratio at least eight times, and Staff #3 was left alone multiple times and does not have a DEEDS qualification permitting her to be alone. Several instances of lack of supervision were observed, and all staff were consistently using their personal cellphones and looking at an iPad while they were responsible for supervising the infants. Staff were observed changing multiple children in a row without washing their hands or the children s hands, and not sanitizing the diaper changing mat between diaper changes. Multiple children were receiving diaper cream from the same container, and that container was within the reach of the children. Staff were also observed moving from diaper changing to preparing food without washing their hands. A staff member was observed putting soiled clothing into a plastic bag, and placing it in a laundry basket on the floor, accessible to children.”

OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)

“The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint on April 10, 2023, regarding lack of supervision, and telephones not working. An investigation was conducted on April 11, 2023. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision because of video footage viewed at the visit and interviews conducted. Child #1 was left unsupervised on the playground for a total of 12 minutes. There is no evidence to substantiate telephones not working based on interviews with staff and OCCL staff receiving live answers upon calling the listed phone number for the facility. An additional concern noted during this investigation was staff providing information that was incorrect while being interviewed.”

77U Infant and Toddler Care

“Ensure high chairs in the classroom and lunch room are cleaned.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 7, 2022

74U Lesson Plans

“Ensure lesson plans have all required components. Submit lesson plans for all classrooms.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 9, 2022

71U Meals and Snacks

“Ensure the menu is posted for families.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 7, 2022

63U Administration of Medication

“Ensure Medication Administration Record form is complete for child # 21.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 9, 2022

56U Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments

“Ensure all cots are in good repair. Replace or repair torn cot in the red room.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 7, 2022

53U Outdoor Area

“Ensure the outdoor area is safe and clean. Replace broken glass on a door leading to the smaller playground.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 7, 2022

49U Indoor Space

“Ensure classroom walls are clean and cleanable. The blue room needs the walls repaired and painted. The back wall in the blue room is chipping in multiple spots. The lavender room needs cabinet doors cleaned. Tape residue on front cabinets. The paint needs to be cleaned out of the sink. Ensure all sinks have hot and cold water. The red room had no hot water in the bathroom. Ensure under the sink is cleaned and free of leaks.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 7, 2022

40U Child Files

“Ensure all children's files are completed. Child #1 needs lead lab screening results. Child # 5 needs lead lab results screening results. Child # 9 needs updated health appraisal with immunizations and lead lab screen results. Child # 10 needs lead lab screening results. Child #12 needs lead lab screening results. Child # 15 needs lead lad screening results. Child # 16 needs lead lab screening results and mat permission signed. Child # 22 needs lead lab screening results.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 7, 2022

30U Personnel Files

“Ensure all staff files are completed. Staff #1 needs administration of medication certification. Staff # 2 needs administration of medication certification. Staff #3 needs administration of medication certification and a professional development plan (PDP). Staff #4 needs a professional development Plan. Staff # 5 needs a professional development Plan. Staff # 6 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 8 needs administration of medication certification and a professional development plan. Staff # 9 needs an annual review of sleep safe. Staff # 10 needs administration of medication. Staff # 11 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 12 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 14 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 15 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 16 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 17 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 18 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 19 needs a professional development plan. Staff # 20 needs orientation, job description, 2 references, a health appraisal with TB results, a review of sleep safe, and a review of abuse and neglect.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 9, 2022

25U Substitutes, Volunteers, and Contracted Special Services Persons

“Staff #13 needs a health appraisal and TB.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 3, 2022

20U Positive Behavior Management

“Ensure positive behavior management is posted for families.”

Correction date in the state record: Nov 7, 2022

20U Positive Behavior Management

“A staff member held a child down by her torso and her ankles on her mat preventing her to move because she would not lay down during nap time. The video footage was reviewed with the staff member prior to the administrator sending the staff member home. The staff member was immediately terminated. No further corrections are required.”

Correction date in the state record: May 16, 2022