La Fiesta III
A licensed child care center in New Castle, Delaware 19720
239 Christiana Rd, New Castle, Delaware 19720. (302) 655-7338.
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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 Dec 17, 2025; Delaware doesn’t list visits that found nothing.
10 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
10 violations in 3 months of the last 36. Last cited Dec 2025. 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.
Dec 17, 2025: unannounced Full Compliance Review4 violations
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Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. The following is needed: - OCCL Health and Safety Training--Staff #1, 2, 3 - Administration of Medication--Staff #1, 2 - Reference--Staff #1 (4), 3 (10”
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Child Files
“Ensure child files are complete. Child #7 needs an updated Health Appraisal with current Immunizations”
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Indoor Space
“Ensure walls and surfaces are cleaned and in good repair. Surface must be non-porous and cleanable. - Infant B--1 spot of peeled paint needs to be touched up, and all shelves need tape residue to be removed. - Preschool B has multiple small spots of ripped paint that need to be touched up. Send pictures to OCCL”
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Feeding of Infants
“Ensure either a regulated bottle warmer is used in Infant A, or a working thermometer must display that the water in the crock pot is not exceeding 120 F.”
Dec 6, 2024: unannounced Full Compliance Review3 violations
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Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. The following is needed: - CPR/First Aid--Staff #3, 12, 17 - Annual Review of Safe Sleep and Abuse and Neglect--Staff #8, 11, 14, 15, 18 - OCCL Health and Safety Training--Staff #7, 16 -References--Staff #1, 3 need 2, Staff #13 needs 3, Staff #10 needs 1 - Service Letters/2 Documented Attempts--Staff #1, 13 NOT DETERMINED AT TIME OF VISIT--will be non-compliant on 12/31/2024 - Training Hours--Staff #2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17”
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Staff Attendance
“Ensure all staff are correctly signing into and out of classrooms. Toddler B was inaccurate at the time of the visit. Retrain all staff of program procedures regarding singing in and out of rooms. Send signature log to confirm re-training of all staff.”
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Children’s Attendance
“Ensure all staff are correctly signing children into and out of classrooms. Toddler A was inaccurate at the time of the visit. Retrain all staff of program procedures regarding singing in and out of rooms. Send signature log to confirm re-training of all staff.”
Jun 20, 2024: unannounced Full Compliance Review3 violations
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Child Files
“Ensure that Children’s Files are complete. Child #7 needs Blood Screening Results.”
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Indoor Space
“Ensure water temperature in the classroom does not exceed 120 . The temperature in Infant Room A was reading 124 . Send picture of thermometer reading to OCCL”
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Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
“Ensure that lighting in the room during nap time allows for proper supervision. Toddler B was too dark during observation.”
All 3 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 17, 2025 | Unannounced Full Compliance Review | 4 violations cited |
| Dec 6, 2024 | Unannounced Full Compliance Review | 3 violations cited |
| Jun 20, 2024 | Unannounced Full Compliance Review | 3 violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Licensed Child Care Center.
- Ages served, in Delaware’s words: 6 weeks through 12 years.
- Takes part in: Child Care Food Program (meals reimbursed), Purchase of Care (state-subsidized child care).
- Licence number 1580365.
- Capacity: 117 children.
Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, Licensed Child Care Providers and Facilities. Released Oct 23, 2026. Updated daily.
Has Delaware acted against it?
- 5 complaint investigations in the last three years. Results, in Delaware’s words: No Evidence to Substantiate (3), Substantiated (2). 2 more have no usable completion date.
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: No Evidence to Substantiate | OCCL’s investigation of regulatory non-compliance proceeded following clearance from the external investigating agencies. Between September 4, 2026, and September 11, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received three complaints regarding allegations of inappropriate physical discipline to Child #1 by Staff #1. Administrator #1 had previously self-reported the incident to OCCL on September 2, 2026. On October 9, 2026, Licensing Specialist (LS) #1 was informed they could proceed with their investigation into this allegation of inappropriate discipline. Based on the investigation, there is no evidence to substantiate the allegation of inappropriate physical discipline or rough handling of Child #1 by Staff #1. Licensing Specialist (LS) #1 reviewed written statements from Staff #1, Staff #2, and Staff #3, along with classroom surveillance footage associated with the incident. Staff #1 denied grabbing Child #1 by the neck and reported Child #1 placed a blanket around their neck and pulled on it while resisting redirection to the assigned cot. Staff #2 reported Child #1 disclosed Staff #1 squeezed their neck and observed small red marks on both sides of Child #1’s neck. Staff #3 confirmed Child #1 became upset during naptime but reported their view of the interaction was obstructed by classroom furniture. Staff #3 did not directly observe inappropriate physical contact involving Staff #1 and Child #1. Although Child #1 reportedly made statements alleging inappropriate physical contact immediately following the incident, the available evidence did not establish Staff #1 engaged in improper discipline or rough handling. The differing accounts provided by staff, limitations in direct witness observations, and inconclusive surveillance footage prevented verification of the alleged physical contact. LS #1 reviewed the classroom surveillance footage and was unable to determine whether Staff #1 engaged in inappropriate physical contact with Child #1. The available footage did not provide sufficient visual evidence to substantiate the allegation. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | OCCL Standards Complaint: No Evidence to Substantiate | On February 17, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint alleging a failure to implement appropriate behavior supports. An investigation was conducted on February 20, 2026. Based on the investigation, there is no evidence to substantiate the complaint. Licensing Specialist (LS) #1 reviewed video footage of the incident and observed Child #1 being redirected by Staff #1 and Staff #2, who implemented strategies consistent with their Conscious Discipline training, including attempts to utilize the balloon technique. LS #1 observed both staff members actively engaging with the child and providing supportive redirection in an effort to address behavioral needs. When redirection strategies were not immediately effective, Staff #2 removed Child #1 from the larger group setting and provided an alternative placement during the meeting. This allowed the child to continue participating while reducing close proximity to peers. |
| Jan 2, 2026 | OCCL Standards Complaint: Substantiated | On December 10, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns involving staff members not utilizing positive behavior management strategies during nap time. An investigation was conducted on December 17, 2025. Based on the investigation, the complaint is substantiated due to staff members failing to utilize positive behavior management strategies. Staff #2 observed Staff #1 improperly restraining Child #1 during nap time by lying across the child s body and preventing the child from getting off the mat. Administrator #1 and Program Coordinator (PC) #1 reviewed video footage and observed improper restraint practices by Staff #1, which resulted in the termination of Staff #1 s employment. |
| Dec 30, 2025 | OCCL Standards Complaint: Substantiated | OCCL s investigation of regulatory non-compliance began after clearance from other agencies was received. On November 10, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding the use of inappropriate discipline techniques by a staff member, including pushing and/or pulling children by the ear while redirecting behavior. An investigation occurred on November 13, 2025, and ended on November 18, 2025. Based on the investigation, this complaint is substantiated for use of prohibited acts of discipline. Staff #2 reported observing Staff #1 push and/or pull four children by the ear. During the investigation, LS #1 and Investigator #1 reviewed classroom video footage capturing children entering from the hallway after the transition where Staff #2 reported observing the incident. LS #1 and Investigator #1 observed Child #1 holding their ear in the area where a documented bruise was later observed. Based on the staff observation and the video footage reviewed by Administrator #1 and Program Coordinator #1, Staff #1 s employment was terminated on November 6, 2025. An additional concern noted was the facility never completed an accident/injury report after becoming aware of the injury to Child #1 while in care. |
| Aug 21, 2025 | OCCL Standards Complaint: No Evidence to Substantiate | On August 8, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint alleging families were not notified when their children were exposed to contagious illnesses within their classroom. An investigation was conducted on August 15, 2025. Based on the findings, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint. Administrator #1 provided Licensing Specialist (LS) #1 with screenshots of communications sent to families regarding suspected cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth, as well as copies of notification letters issued when children were exposed within their classroom. Administrator #1 noted there was one parent concerned about their child s exposure, and they stated that parents children were the first in their classrooms to show symptoms of hand, food, and mouth disease, and thus no prior notification of exposure had been sent. |
| IA Investigation: no result yet | Delaware gives no summary. | |
| IA Investigation: no result yet | Delaware gives no summary. |
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: 2 facility injuries. No facility deaths reported.
- 2025: 2 facility injuries. 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 |
|---|---|
| La Fiesta III 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
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