Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run
A licensed child care center in Wilmington, Delaware 19805
230 Innovation Blvd, Wilmington, Delaware 19805. (302) 443-0123.
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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 9, 2025; Delaware doesn’t list visits that found nothing.
23 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
23 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 9, 2025: unannounced Full Compliance Review7 violations
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Personnel Files
The inspectors’ words, 104 words
“Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs updated med cert, PD plan. Staff #2 needs OCCL 7 hour training. Staff #3 needs CPR/FA. Staff #4 needs safe sleep review. Staff #5 needs safe sleep review, OCCL 7 hour training, references, health appraisal/TB, service letter. Staff #6 needs health appraisal/TB. Staff #7 needs references, service letter. Staff #8 needs references, health appraisal/TB, Staff #9 needs 2 references or service letter. Staff #10 needs OCCL 7 hour training. Staff #11 needs CPR/FA (skills), orientation. Staff #12 needs CPR/FA, 1 reference. Staff #13 needs PD plan, 2 references or service letter. Staff #14 needs PD plan.”
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Child Files
“Ensure children’s files are complete. Child #2, #3, #4, #9, #15 needs blood lead screening. Child #10, #5 need developmental plan.”
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Indoor Space
“Ensure indoor space is safe. Front door is not closing properly. No security upon LS entering. -Toilet in Doodlebugs is inoperable. - Counters and fridges need clean in Crickets, Caterpillars and infant rooms.”
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Toilet Facilities
“Ensure classrooms are supplied with toilet paper/paper towels.”
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Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
“Rest equipment needs to be labeled in Doodlebugs. Ensure safe sleep practice is followed - Infant rooms have loose sheets.”
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Administration of Medication
“Ensure MAR forms are complete.”
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Emergency Planning
“Ensure shelter-in-place supplies. Water and food supply.”
Jun 11, 2025: unannounced Full Compliance Review7 violations
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Staffing
“Ensure at least an ECT is trained in day-to-day operations.”
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Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs OCCL training, safe sleep signed. Staff #2 needs 9 training hours. Staff #3 needs OCCL training, 2 references. Staff #4 needs CPR/FA, PD plan. Staff #5 needs PD plan. Staff #6 needs OCCL training, job description, 2 references, declaration/drug statements signed, and adult abuse check.”
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Child Files
“Ensure children’s files are complete. Child #3, 5, 8 need developmental plans upon 45 days of enrollment. Child #8, 9 need blood lead screening. Child #9, 10 need parents right to know signed.”
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Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
“Ensure rest equipment is labeled. Butterflies needs chart completed.”
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Administration of Medication
“Ensure MAR forms are complete for all medications, including OTC meds. _ Access to box.”
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Feeding of Infants
“Ensure infant feeding statements are updated & classroom teachers have access. Ensure bottles are labeled.”
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Infant and Toddler Care
“Ensure infant daily logs include 30-minute sleep checks.”
Apr 15, 2025: 60-Day Visit9 violations
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Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs OCCL training. Staff #2 needs orientation, DEEDS certificate. Staff #3 needs orientation.”
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Child Files
“Ensure children’s files are complete. Child #1, #6, #9 need monthly infant feeding schedules.”
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Documenting Children’s Progress
“Ensure developmental plans are completed within 45 days of enrollment.”
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Indoor Space
“Ensure classroom/building is free of insect infestation. Ants in infant room.”
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Kitchen and Food Preparation
“Ensure refrigerator is 41’ or cooler; Waddlers @50’.”
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Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
“Ensure infant cribs are free of blankets. Ensure crib sheets are tight-fitting.”
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Administration of Medication
“Ensure MAR forms are completed w/specific medication.”
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Emergency Planning
“Ensure evacuation drill/log and inspection monthly.”
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Lesson Plans
“Ensure current lesson plans are posted; Crickets.”
All 3 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 9, 2025 | Unannounced Full Compliance Review | 7 violations cited |
| Jun 11, 2025 | Unannounced Full Compliance Review | 7 violations cited |
| Apr 15, 2025 | 60-Day Visit | 9 violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Licensed Child Care Center.
- Ages served, in Delaware’s words: 6 weeks through 5 years.
- Takes part in: Purchase of Care (state-subsidized child care).
- Licence number 1627178.
- Capacity: 160 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: No Evidence to Substantiate (2), Substantiated (2).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 24, 2026 | OCCL Standards Complaint: No Evidence to Substantiate | On March 18, 2026, the Office of Child Care Licensing received a complaint regarding failing to have a designated person in charge, incorrect staff-to-child ratios, and lack of supervision. Based on interviews and review of documentation, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to have a designated person in charge on site. LS #1 reviewed documents provided showing record of two staff present who are trained in day-to-day operations. Based on interviews, observations, and review of attendance documentation, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for incorrect staff-to-child ratio or lack of supervision. |
| Sep 10, 2025 | OCCL Standards Complaint: No Evidence to Substantiate | On August 20, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding concerns of not following the food service policy, not following positive behavior supports, and staff not having understanding and respect for children and their needs. An investigation was conducted on August 27, 2025. Based on interviews and documentation there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to follow written food service policies. LS #1 observed a schedule in the classroom and reviewed the policy handbook which states the center serves snack at 9:00 am. Staff #1 and Staff #2 both stated no morning snack is served in their classroom; however, Staff #1 stated breakfast is served upon arrival or by 9:00 am and Staff #2 stated children eat breakfast upon arrival. The BrightWheel application further states children were served breakfast between 8:45 am 9:34 am in their classroom. This seems to be an inconsistency in terminology used for the morning food service rather than failing to follow a policy. Based on interviews and documentation there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to use positive behavior supports. LS #1 reviewed emails between Administrator #1 and Parent #1 and handbook policies, describing positive behavior supports for children struggling with unwanted behaviors. Based on interviews and documentation, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to respect children and their needs. Administrator #1 and both staff interviewed all stated they assist children and families with toilet training. LS #1 observed documentation on the BrightWheel application documenting children being taken to the bathroom at appropriate times. |
| Jul 8, 2025 | OCCL Standards Complaint: Substantiated | On June 6, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations including not providing truthful information to parents, not following food policy, failing to provide injury report and first aid, not meeting the needs of a child, not following policy for parent access, failing to follow expulsion policy, failing to handle parent concerns and complaints, lack of supervision, failing to sanitize bottles, and lack of sanitation in the refrigerator. An investigation was conducted on June 12, 2025. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed this complaint is substantiated for not providing truthful information to parents. LS #1 reviewed two written incident reports and viewed video footage from May 14, 2025, which all showed different explanations of what happened to Child #1 on May 14, 2025. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, this complaint is substantiated for failing to follow their policy regarding parents or guardian s visits and monitoring of the program. Staff #3 stated Administrator #1 directed Parent #1 and Parent #2 to stop visiting. Owner #1 stated there was an open-door policy for both parents, but then asked if they could send a message before coming in so they could coordinate a time to come in. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, this complaint is substantiated for failing to follow expulsion policy. LS #1 reviewed documentation from one meeting held on June 4, 2025, with both parents. The handbook states, child care will be terminated if you or your family becomes a safety threat by becoming hostile and we cannot resolve the situation. Based on information provided through interviews it does not appear the family was a safety threat or hostile. Based on staff interviews and video footage reviewed from May 14, 2025, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision. Adequate staff were present in the classroom, which was in correct staff-to-child ratio. Staff st ated they sit with children at mealtimes to supervise them and encourage them to eat. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following food policy. Parents provide food and the schedule posted follows the classroom practices. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to provide an injury report and first aid. The incident report dated May 14, 2025, was signed and dated by the parent or guardian. The incident report also states there was no visible injury. The incident reported dated May 15, 2025, stated parent or guardian refused to sign. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not meeting the needs of a child. Staff #1 and Staff #3 both stated they sit with the children, give hugs, and pick them up when in distress. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to handle parental concerns and complaints. Owner #1 stated there is an administrator only application on Brightwheel, which allows private communication and appointment scheduling with administrators. The administrator held a meeting with both parents to discuss their concerns. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to sanitize bottles. The facility does not provide food or milk. Staff #1 and Owner #1 stated milk bottles sent from home are rinsed and sent home daily. Based on interviews and observations at the visit, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of sanitation in the refrigerator. The refrigerator is cleaned every Friday, unless needed beforehand. The refrigerator appeared clean upon inspection by LS #1 and LS #2. An additional concern noted was a review of video footage showed two staff members using cell phones while caring for children. |
| May 6, 2025 | OCCL Standards Complaint: Substantiated | On April 22, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of failing to allow services for a child with disabilities. An investigation was conducted on April 23, 2025. Based on interviews with staff and reporting parties, this complaint is substantiated for failing to allow services for a child with disabilities. Interviews with staff and reporting parties indicate the administrator stated on April 18, 2025, Therapist #1 would need a criminal background check for the center prior to providing services for Child #1 s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Administrator #1 had called Licensing Specialist (LS) #1 on April 23, 2025, to ask if Therapist #1 needed fingerprinting completed for the center and was told this was not required. As of this writing, the administration had not responded to Therapist #1 s April 22, 2025, call to confirm if fingerprinting for the center was required so services had not begun. Child #1 started attending the center on April 22, 2025, and services were to have begun that day. An additional concern noted was Child #1 s file did not contain IFSP documentation as required. |
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.
- 2025: 3 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 |
|---|---|
| Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run This child care provider | Not given |
| Jamise Bailey | Not given |
| Sheila’s Dreams Too Child Care LLC | Not given |
| Little Scholars Learning Academy LLC | Not given |
| Wilmington Head Start, Inc. - West 3rd Street Center | Not given |
| Seeds of Jesus Daycare, LLC. | Not given |
| Boys & Girls Club @ Clarence Fraim | Not given |
| Shante Hallmon | Not given |
| Sheila’s Dreams Child Care LLC | Not given |
| Hope House Knowledge Center | Not given |
| Wilmington Head Start, Inc. - Van Buren Street Center | Not given |
| Precious Little Hands Childcare Center LLC | Not given |
| Bright Beginnings Learning Academy | 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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