Dover Educational & Community Center
Daycare center in Dover, DE. 744 River Road, Dover, DE 19901
About the program
Dover Educational & Community Center is a licensed daycare center in Dover, Delaware. It is licensed for 59 children and serves toddler, preschool and school age ages.
It accepts child care subsidy.
Tuition and capacity
Tuition: not listed. Dover Educational & Community Center does not publish a fee schedule. Programs in the area that publish full-time tuition have a median starting price of $607 a month.
Licensing and safety
Open the state record →Most violations are record-keeping, training or maintenance items, and nearly every program has some. Read what each one was and how fast it was fixed. Delaware records each regulation found out of compliance at a review, with the corrective action required and the date it was corrected. The state does not assign a risk level.
Personnel Files (regulation 30U)
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs annual review of abuse and neglect, employee declaration and a drug and alcohol statement. Staff #2 needs administration of medication training, and annual review of abuse and neglect. Staff #3 needs administration of medication training, PD plan, annual review of safe sleep; annual review of abuse and neglect, orientation, job description, references, employee declaration, drug and alcohol statement, release of employment and service letters with 2 documented attempts.
Child Files (regulation 40U)
Ensure child files are complete. Child #1 needs date of enrollment, hours/days to attend. Child #3 needs needs health appraisal and immunizations, Child #5 needs blood lead screening results. Child #7 needs hours and days to attend.
Toilet Facilities (regulation 51U)
Ensure bathroom has at least on operable window or working ventilation fan. The fan in the preschool/ school age bathroom is not working.
Equipment (regulation 57U)
Ensure to provide enough developmentally appropriate toys for the classrooms. The 1-2 year old room needs science related toy/materials. The big room needs musical instruments and science materials.
Diapering and Soiled Clothing (regulation 61U)
Ensure disposable covers are used during diaper changes. The 1-2 year old room needs disposable paper for the changing table.
Show all 61 violations on file
First Aid Kits (regulation 65U)
Ensure first aid kit is complete. Purchase a finger splint for the kit.
Emergency Planning (regulation 66U)
Ensure monthly evacuation drills are conducted from all exit locations during different times of the day. Conduct a drill for February.
Personnel Files (regulation 30U)
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #2 needs a health appraisal and Health and Safety for Child Care Professionals. Staff #3 needs Annual Review of Abuse and Neglect, and Health and Safety for Child Care Professionals.
Child Files (regulation 40U)
Ensure child files are complete. Child #1, #4, #7, #11 need health appraisals. Child #1, #11 need updated immunizations. Child #!, #4, #5, #7, #10, #11 need blood lead screening results.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure bathroom has a covered trash can.
First Aid Kits (regulation 65U)
Ensure First Aid kit is complete. Purchase an eye patch, disposable gloves, plastic bags and safety pins for kit.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Repair the metal floor piece in the toddler classroom. Repair or remove the wires in the preschool classroom.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure toddlers are cared for in an area separate from the older children. A two-year-old was eating lunch with the preschool children. This was discussed and corrected at the visit.
General Qualifications (regulation 28U)
Ensure staff are eligible before being present in the building. One staff was present and was not yet determined eligible. This was corrected when the staff left the building.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Repair the baseboard in the toddler classroom where the baseboard heating was removed.
Governing Body (regulation 15U)
Ensure there are sufficient staff to operate and carry out at a minimum food service, administrative duties, breaks, etc. There were four staff present, but two were not qualified with 13 children ages one to school age present in the building. Have a staff member get qualified as an intern.
Staff Attendance (regulation 36U)
Ensure staff attendance is accurate. One staff was not signed out of the multipurpose room. Another staff was present but was not signed in. This was corrected at the visit.
Personnel Files (regulation 30U)
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs CPR and First Aid, administration of medication training, orientation, OCCL H and S training, job description, 2 references, adult abuse check, OCCL approved health appraisal with TB results, completed service letter or 2 additional references. Staff #2 needs administration of medication training, PD plan, orientation, OCCL H and S training, job description, 2 references, adult abuse check, release of employment, completed service letter or 2 additional references, and infant toddler specialization. Staff #3 needs PD plan, annual abuse and neglect, teacher trained in day-to-day. Staff#4 needs first aid and CPR, medication of administration
Staff Attendance (regulation 36U)
Ensure staff attendance is documented with accurate arrival and departure times. Staff were not signed into the pre-school classroom. This was corrected when the staff signed into the correct rom.
Parents Right to Know (regulation 38U)
Ensure parents right to know log is complete with all children enrolled.
Child Files (regulation 40U)
Ensure child files are complete. Child #1 needs health appraisal with immunizations. Child #2 needs immunizations. Child #3 needs screen time permission. Child #4 needs parents right to know, screen time permission. Child #1-6 need developmental plans.
Children's Attendance (regulation 43U)
Ensure child attendance is documented accurately with arrival and departure times. This was corrected when all children were signed into their correct rooms.
Hazardous Materials (regulation 45U)
Ensure all cleaner are labeled with its contents. Toddler room did not have cleaners labeled.
Outdoor Area (regulation 53U)
Remove all hazards such as branches from the playground area.
Lesson Plans (regulation 74U)
Ensure lesson plans have all required components. All classroom lesson plans did not meet OCCL requirements.
Activity Schedule (regulation 76U)
Ensure children not exceed the 1 hour screen time limit. Specialist observed a child watching videos on an electronic device. Staff stated the child had been watching the device for over an hour. This was corrected when the device was taken from the child.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure all sinks supply both hot and cold water. LS Smith and LS Sommers observed all sinks not producing any hot water. This was discussed with Mrs. Bryant and she agreed to have the issue fixed and notify OCCL when it is fixed.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure children are being directly supervised, Ensure unqualified staff are not supervising children alone. LS Smith observed 3 children get off the school bus, and walk to the center, The children rang the door bell to be let in, and an unqualified staff member, Staff #1, opened the door to escort the children to their classroom. LS Smith observe attendance record showing Staff #1 supervising 3 toddlers alone from 1-1:30pm. This was discussed with the administrator, who agreed to have someone receive the children at the bus stop to ensure children get into the building safely.
Changes Affecting a License (regulation 9U)
Ensure a plan review is submitted before changes are made to the childcare space. LS Smith observed new flooring in the pre-school classroom. This was discussed and corrected when Ms. Williams submitted a written letter discussing the changes.
Staff Attendance (regulation 36U)
Ensure staff attendance is documented accurately and in real time. The SA and preschool classroom did not have an attendance report completed. This was discussed and corrected when an attendance report was created for the class.
Children's Attendance (regulation 43U)
Ensure children's attendance is documented accurately and in real time. The SA and preschool classroom did not have an attendance report completed. This was discussed and corrected when an attendance report was created for the class.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure supervision is being maintained at all times. Upon arrival LS Smith and LS McPhatter observed two SA children playing by the front gate unsupervised. When asked Staff #1 stated that the two children were supposed to be out back being supervised by Staff #2. Staff #2 was not aware that the children were no longer in her direct supervision. This was discussed with administrator, and corrected when the children came inside the building to join the class.
Heating and Cooling (regulation 48U)
Ensure the building maintains a temperature between 68-82 degrees F. LS McPhatter took the temperature of the toddler room, and it was at 82.9 degrees F. This was discussed and corrected when the air conditioner was turned up, and the temperature in the room lowered to 80 degrees F.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure equipment used by the children is in good condition. Repair the broken cubbies in the SA classroom.
Outdoor Area (regulation 53U)
Ensure structures, fences, equipment, and the grounds are maintained and in good condition. LS Smith observed broken locks both sheds, sharp and protruding pieces on the fence, Poisonous plants by the front of the SA building, and a broken tent used for shade on the SA playground.
Activity Schedule (regulation 76U)
Ensure activity schedule is being followed. Upon arrival at 9:00am it was observed that all classroom were combined into SA classroom, with a ratio of 13:3 (youngest child is 2). LS Smith observed the toddler classroom and the SA classroom not following their daily activity schedule.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure children are not exposed to hazards. Ls Smith observed exposed baseboard heating in the SA classroom.
Outdoor Area (regulation 53U)
Ensure outdoor area is free from any hazards. LS Smith and LS Vandewater observed possible poisonous plant on the playground and around the building.
Lesson Plans (regulation 74U)
Ensure lesson plans have all required components. LS Smith observed preschool lesson plan not meeting OCCL's requirements.
Activity Schedule (regulation 76U)
Ensure activity schedule is accurate and followed. LS Smith and LS Vandewater observed the preschool class watching TV at 9:40am, and the scheduled stated between 9am-10am it was Academic Studies/Activities. It was also observed in the toddler room outside time was between 10am-10:30am, but instead the children were reading stories.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensue ratios are maintained at al times. LS Smith observed 14 children ages 2-SA napping together in the SA classroom. This was corrected when the toddlers returned to their classroom.
Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments (regulation 56U)
Ensure children who are not napping after 30 minutes of rest, are given a quiet activity to do. LS Smith observed Staff #2 telling children, who were not napping, they needed to be quiet and lay down. Ms. Williams stated that the children had been laying down for over an hour. This was corrected when the children were offered puzzles to play with.
Air Quality and Windows (regulation 46U)
Ensure the centers air quality does not effect the health and safety of the children and staff. Upon entering the building LS Smith observed a strong odor in the building. LS Smith asked Staff #1 if she also could smell the odor in the building and she stated yes. LS Smith then asked Staff #1 if she knew where it was coming from, and she stated "I plead the fifth." LS Smith asked Ms. Juliette if she noticed the odor, and she stated she could not smell due to her nose being stuffy. After investigating, it was found that the smell was coming from the stove. The fire department was called, and the center was evacuated to the play ground . It was determined that the stove was broken and leaking
Toilet Facilities (regulation 51U)
Ensure toilet rooms are kept clean and sanitary. Boys bathroom smelled like urine, and was unsanitary.
Transportation (regulation 67U)
Ensure children are riding in the appropriate child restraint when being transported in an OCCL approved vehicle. LS Smith observed Ms. Williams pull up in her personal car, transporting a 4 year old child in the front seat. When asked about why the child was in the front seat, Ms. Williams stated he climbed from the back seat into the front once it was parked. LS Smith asked Child #1 where did he ride while in the car with Ms. Williams, and he stated in the front seat.
Activity Schedule (regulation 76U)
Ensure children two and younger are not exposed to screen time, and anyone over the age of two is limited to one hour of screen time a day. LS Smith observed the pre-school class watching TV during nap time. When asked how long do the children watch TV for, Staff #1 stated they normally keep it on for about an hour and a half during nap. Staff #1 also stated that they watch TV in the morning and in the afternoon. LS Smith also observed a two year old watching a tablet instead of napping. When asked how long the child was allowed to watch the tablet, Staff #2 stated until the tablet dies. This was discussed and corrected when LS Smith reviewed the screen time regulation with the staff, and th
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
On 3/8/22 LS Smith called the center to speak with Juliette. I was informed by staff #2 that she was out of the building picking up children. LS Smith then asked to speak to Staff #1, and staff #2 informed LS Smith that she left the building for the day, and that Staff #2 and staff #3 was in the building alone. Staff #1 is a qualified as a teacher, staff #2 is qualified as an intern, and staff #3 is qualified as an assistant teacher. After reviewing tracking sheets for 3/8/22, it shows that an intern and an assistant teacher alone in the building from 2:30pm- 4:00pm
Changes Affecting a License (regulation 9U)
Upon arrival LS Smith observed work being done to the playground without an approved plan review. Plan review was submitted on 3/9/22 and was denied on 3/11/22. Administrator agree to stop all work on the playground until a plan review is approved.
Transportation (regulation 67U)
Ensure the driver does not transport more children and adults than the vehicles capacity. LS Smith observed 6 children exit the vehicle that is only designed to seat 5 passengers safely in the back. LS Smith also observed the children were not riding in the appropriate child safety restraints. There were no child safety restraints installed in the car for any of the children.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure children are being supervised at all times. Upon arrival Staff #1 was preparing snack in the kitchenette, leaving five preschool aged children in the classroom with an unqualified foster-grandparent. This was discussed and corrected when Juliette, the administrator, entered the classroom as the qualified staff member while Staff #1 prepared the snack. A two-year-old was observed standing in the hallway alone. Once Staff #1 notices the child alone, she then sends the unqualified foster-grandparent to supervise the child in the bathroom. This was discussed with Juliette, and corrected when the child was returned to the classroom.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure children are being supervised at all times. Upon arrival a staff member came to open the door, leaving four pre-school aged children in the classroom alone.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure staff to child ratios and supervised are maintained all times. LS Sommer observed staff #2 leave the school-age classroom to take one child to their cubby. When staff #2 left, this left staff #4, and aide, alone with three pre-school aged children. This was discussed and corrected when staff #2 returned to the classroom. LS Sommer observed staff #3 send one two-year-old child to the bathroom alone. Staff #3 remained in the toddler classroom doorway observing two spaces at one time. This was discussed and corrected when staff #6 assisted the child in the bathroom.
Personnel Files (regulation 30U)
Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs administration of medication certification. Staff #3 needs administration of medication certification. Staff #6 needs administration of medication certification, a professional development plan, and an adult abuse registry check.
Parents Right to Know (regulation 38U)
Ensure parents right to know log is complete with all children enrolled and anyone who tours.
Child Files (regulation 40U)
Ensure child files are complete. Child #2 needs emergency transportation, and permission to transport to school. Child #3 needs a lead test on the health appraisal, developmental plan, and emergency transportation permission. Child #4 needs permission to transport to school. Child #5 needs hours and days that the attend care, an immunization record, emergency transportation, and permission to transport to school. Child # 7 needs hours and days attending acre, a health appraisal with immunization records, lead test, and a developmental plan. Child #8 needs hours day days attending care, emergency transportation, and permission to transport to school. Child #9 needs a health appraisal, and
Hazardous Materials (regulation 45U)
Ensure there in no exposure to hazardous materials. There was exposed wires hanging from the ceiling and walls. An an infestation of spiders and spider eggs in the school age building.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure all electrical outlets are covered and power strips are out of reach from children. Ensure all garbage can have lids. Trash can in the toddler room, does not have a lid. Ensure all sinks provide both hot and cold water. The sinks in the school age building does not provide hot water. ensure all food that is prepared is stored and labeled properly, with the contents and the expiration date.
Outdoor Area (regulation 53U)
Ensure anything where children's feet leave the ground is protected with a fall zone. There were serval large climbing tires that need fall zones. Repair or remove broken basketball hoop on the school age program.
First Aid Kits (regulation 65U)
Ensure first aid kit is complete. Indoor kit was missing bandage tape, an instant cold pack, and tweezers.
Emergency Planning (regulation 66U)
Ensure monthly fire drill and inspection is completed monthly. Ensure there is fire extinguisher in the vehicle used for transporting children.
Lesson Plans (regulation 74U)
Ensure lesson plans are complete and meet OCCL's requirements. Preschool's lesson plan did have all the required components.
Getting there
744 River Road, Dover, DE 19901
Questions about Dover Educational & Community Center
Is Dover Educational & Community Center licensed?
Yes. Dover Educational & Community Center holds an active Child Care Center licence from Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (licence 27407), with a licensed capacity of 59 children. The state record was synced in September 2026.
Has Dover Educational & Community Center had any inspection violations?
Delaware records 11 violations for Dover Educational & Community Center in the last three years, across 20 inspections on file. The median daycare center in the area has 10. Each one is listed above with the date it was corrected.
What ages does Dover Educational & Community Center take?
Dover Educational & Community Center is licensed to serve toddler, preschool and school age ages, and is open 6:30 am to 5:30 pm, Mon to Fri.
How much does Dover Educational & Community Center cost?
Dover Educational & Community Center does not publish tuition. Ask for the full fee schedule on a tour, including registration, supply and late pick-up fees. The program accepts child care subsidy.
