Twinkle Little Stars-Early Education Center
A licensed child care center in New Castle, Delaware 19720
34 Parkway Cir, New Castle, Delaware 19720. (302) 689-3352.
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The short answer
Record last released by Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing on Oct 23, 2026.
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean4
- Inspection (survey)
- A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
- Deficiency, citation, violation
- What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
- Licence status
- Whether the state’s licence lets the place operate now, in the state’s own words: licensed, on probation (allowed to keep operating on conditions, after problems), provisional, pending or expired. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.
- Capacity
- The most people the licence or certification lets the place care for at once: residents, children, beds or apartments, as the state counts them. It isn’t how many are there now. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.
What did inspectors find?
3 visits with violations in the last three years, the latest on May 21, 2026; Delaware doesn’t list visits that found nothing.
33 violations cited in the last three years.
Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, Child Care Licensing Compliance Review Information. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated daily.
When those violations happened
33 violations in 3 months of the last 36. Last cited May 2026. The last 3 years, to Oct 24, 2026.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Nov | Dec | ||||||||||
| 2024 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2025 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2026 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
Hover or focus a month to read it.
Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.
Each violation, in its source’s words
Grouped by visit, newest first, with the level its source gave it.
Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, Child Care Licensing Compliance Review Information. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated daily.
May 21, 2026: unannounced Full Compliance Review4 violations
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Staff Qualifications
“All staff must have a DEEDS certificate on file before being able to be left alone with children. Staff #1 and #2 were observed caring for children by themselves.”
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General Qualifications
“Ensure all staff members have current Eligibility Letter issued by CHU on file. Staff #3 was working with children without an Eligibility Letter. However, a Provisional Eligibility letter was issued, but it was due to expire in April. The administrator had PA CAN and Criminal on file, and was unaware it needed to be submitted to CHU.”
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Personnel Files
“Ensure all staff files are complete. The following is needed: - Admin of Medication--Staff #1 - Orientation -- Staff #1 - OCCL H/S Training--Staff #1 - Job Description--Staff #3 - 1 Reference--Staff #1 - Release of Employment--Staff #3 - Service Letters (if applicable)--Staff #3”
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License Renewal
“Ensure all renewal application materials are submitted to OCCL 60 days prior to the license expiration of April 30, 2026. The application was submitted on 5/14/2026 via email, and LS obtained the remaining documentation at the visit.”
May 20, 2025: unannounced Full Compliance Review15 violations
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Personnel Files
The inspectors’ words, 104 words
“Ensure all staff files are complete. The following is needed: - Staff #1 needs an updated Annual Review of Safe Sleep and Abuse and Neglect (this was a TA item since Staff #1 is a sub and has not worked this licensing year.) - Staff #2 needs OCCL Health and Safety training and Proof of 2 attempts to receive Service Letters. - Staff #3 needs OCCL Health and Safety training, Application, References, Release of Employment and Service Letters. - Staff #4 needs an updated annual review of Safe Sleep and Abuse and Neglect, OCCL Health and Safety Training, and a Receipt for Updated Fingerprints.”
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Child Files
“Ensure Child Files are complete. The following items are needed: - Date of Enrollment for Child #1 - Updated immunizations for Child #4 - Blood Lead Screener for Child #3 and 8 - Transportation Permission for Child #8 - Mat Permission for Child #9”
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Documenting Children’s Progress
“Updated Developmental Plans are needed for Child #1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9”
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Hazardous Materials
“-Ensure cleaners in the Infant Room are labeled. - Ensure cleaners are inaccesible to children--they were observed within reach in both hallway bathrooms and air fresheners were accessible in the hallways cabinet (next to bathroom)”
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Indoor Space
“- Air Fresheners are prohibited -- remove from all spaces used by children. - If a power strip is utilized in classroom, must have plug covers in unused spots. - Ensure all trash is covered (in both bathrooms). - Repair or replace trash can in Two’s Room.”
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Kitchen and Food Preparation
“Kitchen refrigerator and freezer need to be cleaned and organized and thermometer needs to be in the freezer reading below 0 . Send pic to OCCL. - Food that is opened and stored in the kitchen needs to be labeled with expiration date and date opened.”
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Toilet Facilities
“Ensure all air register vents are cleaned and free from dust in all rooms and hallways occupied by the children.”
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Outdoor Area
“Both gates on the playground must have working self-latching mechanisms and may not be locked when in use (back gate was closed shut with duct tape). Send pics to OCCL.”
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Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
“Ensure all nap mats are free from tears and rips and are cleanable. There was 1 in the Two’s Room and 1 in the Preschool room. Send pics to OCCL.”
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Diapering and Soiled Clothing
“Ensure a disposable covering is used on the diaper changing mats. Send pics to OCCL.”
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Administration of Medication
“Ensure all Medication Administration Records are signed by parent/guardian. Child #11’s family must sign MAR. Send pic to OCCL.”
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Emergency Planning
“Ensure there is an emergency supply of water available for all children for 24 hours.”
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Lesson Plans
“Ensure the lesson plan in the Two’s classroom has all of the required curriculum areas. Use OCCL template”
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Activity Areas
“Ensure that Infants and Twos have clear and identifiable spaces for all developmental areas with developmentally appropriate materials. - Infants need Blocks and Building materials. - Twos need blocks/building materials, dramatic play, art materials, science, and math.”
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License Renewal
“Ensure annual renewal application and all of the components necessary are submitted to OCCL 60 days prior to license expiration.”
May 16, 2024: unannounced Full Compliance Review14 violations
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Insurance Coverage
“Send current liability insurance document to OCCL.”
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Positive Behavior Management
“Post a positive behavior management statement and send a copy to OCCL.”
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General Qualifications
“Ensure all staff members are fingerprinted before the start of employment and staff are supervised at all times until eligibility is determined. Ensure the adult abuse registry is checked for each staff. Staff #7 is not eligible, needs PA out-of-state clearance.”
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Personnel Files
The inspectors’ words, 126 words
“Ensure all staff files are complete. The center/staff are required to send release of employment forms and service letters to previous employers. Send service letters and release forms for Staff #7, #8, #9, #10, and #11. Staff #6 needs health appraisal with TB results Staff #7 needs job description, references, health appraisal with TB results and eligibility letter, has pending OOS clearance Staff #8 needs TB results Staff #9 needs job description, references Staff #10 needs application/resume, job description, references, health appraisal with TB results Staff #11 needs staff orientation needs annual safe sleep, annual abuse and neglect, references, and health appraisal with TB results Staff #7, #8, #9, #10, #11 need to complete OCCL health and safety for child care professionals. Send copies to OCCL.”
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Annual Training
“Ensure all staff complete annual training. Staff #2, #4, #5, #7, #9, #10, and #11 need 18 training hours.”
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Annual Professional Development Plan
“Complete and file a professional development plan for admin and staff providing care. Staff #2, #4, #7, #9, #10, and #11 need a PD plan in file. Send copies to OCCL.”
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First Aid and CPR Training
“Staff #9, #10 need First Aid/ CPR certifications. Send copies to OCCL.”
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Parents Right to Know
“Send a copy of your Parents Right to Know log to OCCL by June 14, 2024.”
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Child Files
“Ensure all child files are complete. Child #1, #2 and #3 need blood lead test results Child #6 needs updated immunization records and health appraisal, Child #7 needs an immunization record and blood lead results. Send documents to OCCL.”
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Documenting Children’s Progress
“Annual progress reports are required, and documentation of the annual conference is required. Send progress reports for Child #1 through Child #10. to OCCL.”
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Kitchen and Food Preparation
“Send a picture of working thermometers in the refrigerator and freezer. Refrigerators must be 41 F or colder and freezer at 0 F.”
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Sanitation
“Ensure soap and water and sanitizer or disinfectant are available and used on items as required.”
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Administration of Medication
“Ensure staff are certified to administer medication. Staff #9 and #10 need certification.”
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License Renewal
“Renewal application must be submitted at least 60 days before license expiration. Send to OCCL. Submit business license”
All 3 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2026 | Unannounced Full Compliance Review | 4 violations cited |
| May 20, 2025 | Unannounced Full Compliance Review | 15 violations cited |
| May 16, 2024 | Unannounced Full Compliance Review | 14 violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Licensed Child Care Center.
- Ages served, in Delaware’s words: 8 weeks through 12 years.
- Takes part in: Child Care Food Program (meals reimbursed), Purchase of Care (state-subsidized child care).
- Licence number 1328421.
- Capacity: 38 children.
Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, Licensed Child Care Providers and Facilities. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated daily.
Has Delaware acted against it?
- 4 complaint investigations in the last three years. Results, in Delaware’s words: Substantiated (4).
Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, Child Care Licensing Complaint Reviews and Licensed Child Care Providers and Facilities. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated daily.
| Date | What | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 20, 2026 | OCCL Standards Complaint: Substantiated | On October 5, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns involving improper diapering practices, inappropriate staff interactions, repeated requests for early pick- up, inadequate communication and documentation, not following procedures to handle parent complaints, and possible unequal treatment of Child #1. An investigation was conducted on October 15, 2026. Based on the investigation, the complaint is substantiated for failure to follow required diapering procedures. Administrator #1 acknowledged Child #1 did not receive a scheduled diaper change on July 7, 2026. Administrator #1 reported Staff #1 and Staff #2 were alternating responsibility for diaper changes and overlooked Child #1 during the diapering routine. Administrator #1 confirmed the program subsequently reviewed diapering procedures with the involved staff members, revised staff responsibilities for completing diaper changes, and expanded daily care documentation within Brightwheel. Administrator #1 confirmed Parent #1 reported a severe diaper rash following the missed diaper change; however, no medical documentation was provided to the program, and Administrator #1 reported no visible evidence of a severe diaper rash when Child #1 returned to care. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving inappropriate staff interactions toward Child #1. Administrator #1 denied knowledge of a staff member kissing Child #1 on the mouth or cheeks and reported no observations involving inappropriate physical interactions. Interviewing Staff #1 was not possible as Staff #1 is no longer employed at the facility. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving repeated behavioral exclusions or suspension from care. Administrator #1 reported one request for early pick-up due to behavioral concerns on October 2, 2026. Parent #1 did not pick up Child #1 early following the request. Administrator #1 denied Child #1 had been su spended or expelled from the program. Regarding health-related exclusions, Administrator #1 reported Child #1’s family was contacted on two occasions due to vomiting and associated symptoms. Administrator #1 stated the decisions were based upon reported symptoms and the program’s illness-exclusion procedures. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving not following procedures to handle parent complaints due to denial to view surveillance footage. Administrator #1 reported the program’s current surveillance system provides live viewing only and does not retain recorded footage. Owner #1 was reportedly working to establish recording capabilities. The investigation did not identify evidence of existing recorded footage being intentionally withheld from Parent #1, nor is providing video surveillance an OCCL requirement. There is no evidence to substantiate the allegation involving unequal treatment of Child #1 based upon ethnicity. Administrator #1 denied discriminatory practices and reported the program maintains a nondiscrimination policy. Administrator #1 stated their involvement with Child #1’s behavior would remain consistent with any other child as safety is the priority. |
| May 5, 2025 | OCCL Standards Complaint: Substantiated | On April 10, 2025, a complaint was reported to the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regarding allegations of children not being provided appropriate portions of food at mealtimes and classrooms being out of staff-to-child ratio. An investigation was conducted on April 25, 2025. Based on the findings of this investigation, the complaint is substantiated for staff-to-child ratios not being followed. LS #1 observed the two-year-old classroom with ten children present and one staff member. This complaint is substantiated for children not being provided adequate portion sizes at meal times. LS #1 observed all of the classrooms being served half of a sun butter and jelly sandwich, three apple slices, and a half of a string cheese stick, and milk. Additional concerns were identified during the investigation conducted on April 25, 2025. One concern involves the use of an individual, Staff #4, who stated he/she had been employed at the center for about two years, to prepare meals for the children without having fingerprint clearance on file for the program. Staff #4 was observed in the kitchen preparing food despite not being listed on the program s people screen generated on the morning of the visit. Another concern was the observation of children being left unattended in classrooms. Upon arrival, LS #1 was greeted at the door by Staff #1, who left the two-year-old classroom unsupervised to answer the door. Additionally, during the course of the investigation, both Staff #2 and Staff #3 were observed leaving their classrooms. Specifically, Staff #2 exited the infant classroom and closed the door behind them to come to the front of the facility to speak with LS #1, leaving the children unattended. Staff #3 was observed in the hallway handing food to Staff #1. Although Staff #3 maintained visual supervision of the classroom from the hallway, Staff #4, who is not fingerprinted for the program, was present in the classroom during this time. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | OCCL Standards Complaint: Substantiated | On December 27, 2024, a complaint was called in to the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regarding allegations of the heat not working properly in the building. An investigation began on December 27, 2024, and concluded on January 31, 2025. This complaint is substantiated for continuing operations when the heat was not functioning at a level that could maintain the required minimum temperature of 68 F within all classrooms. Upon arrival on December 27, 2024, two classrooms were at 66 F after the center had been open for over four hours. Upon arrival on January 8, 2025, one classroom was at 61 F and another was at 64 F. An additional concern noted was OCCL requested submission of a variance request to utilize a non-licensed space on January 13, 2025. Administrator #1 confirmed on January 31, 2025, the heater had been repaired and this space was utilized without submission of this request. A follow-up visit on February 13, 2025, verified all classrooms were operating within the required temperature range. |
| Nov 14, 2024 | OCCL Standards Complaint: Substantiated | On October 21, 2024, a complaint was called in the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regarding concerns of improper discipline, lack of supervision, and keeping a child in confining equipment for long periods of time. An investigation was conducted on October 22, 2024. This complaint is substantiated for lack of supervision because although staff denied leaving or witnessing a child left alone in a highchair in the hallway, children were observed unattended in the preschool classroom during this visit. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for improper discipline. Multiple staff members were asked if they had ever observed use of improper discipline by anyone currently or previously employed by the center; all of which reported no. There is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for having a child in confining equipment for over 30 minutes. All staff members interviewed denied observing a child in a highchair for a long period of time. An additional concern noted at this visit was the presence of a wooden playground structure that was in poor condition and could potentially result in injury. Another concern noted at this visit was there was not a qualified designated person responsible for day-to-day operations in the absence of Administrators #1 and #2. At the time of the visit, neither named Administrators nor the Applicant were available, and Staff # 4 was assisting LS #1 and Licensing Supervisor #1. Staff #4 currently holds an Early Childhood Intern DEEDS certificate. |
Who does the caring?
- Delaware doesn’t publish staffing levels for individual providers.
Who owns it?
- Delaware’s open data doesn’t list owners.
How is it rated?
- 2026: 1 facility injury. No facility deaths reported.
Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, Licensed Child Care Providers and Facilities. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated daily.
How does it compare nearby?
- Providers aren’t compared: Delaware lists only the visits that found violations, so a count can’t tell a clean record from one never visited.
Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, Child Care Licensing Compliance Review Information. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated daily.
| Place | Violations cited in the last three years |
|---|---|
| Twinkle Little Stars-Early Education Center This child care provider | Not given |
| Rebekah Mercer | Not given |
| Sherell Thomas | Not given |
| Joy Harvey | Not given |
| Boys & Girls Club @ New Castle | Not given |
| YMCA of Delaware/New Castle | Not given |
| Latoya Jackson | Not given |
| Brickhouse Care Academy Corporation | Not given |
| Sara Hayton | Not given |
| Comforts of Home Preschool LLC | Not given |
| Teachable Moments | Not given |
| Seeds of Greatness Early Learning Center | Not given |
| Lorraine Cali | Not given |
What the record doesn’t say
- Delaware doesn’t grade violations by severity, so read what was cited.
- Delaware’s open data lists a visit only when a violation was cited there, so visits that found nothing aren’t shown.
- Delaware publishes five years of reviews and complaints; this page shows the last three.
- Delaware doesn’t publish staffing levels or owners for individual providers.
- Delaware lists only the visits that found violations, so a provider with none listed may not have been visited at all: no count of violations is used to headline, filter or compare its providers.
Sources
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Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, Licensed Child Care Providers and Facilities (iuzd-3dbt).
Released Oct 23, 2026 and checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily. Public Domain.
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Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, Child Care Licensing Compliance Review Information (wb83-pkcv).
Released Oct 23, 2026 and checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily. Public Domain.
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Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, Child Care Licensing Complaint Reviews (pnbd-85r6).
Released Oct 23, 2026 and checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily. Public Domain.
If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing. Delaware’s own record is on data.delaware.gov. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.
This copy of the record was made on Oct 24, 2026.
From the provider
The public record above comes first. Anything the provider adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.
Replies
None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the provider will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.
Paid listing
None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the provider”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.