Precious Lambs Learning Center
Daycare center in Dover, DE. 1160 Walker Rd, Dover, DE 19904
About the program
Precious Lambs Learning Center is a licensed daycare center in Dover, Delaware. It is licensed for 50 children and serves infant, toddler, preschool and school age ages.
Precious Lambs Learning Center is a child care facility.
It accepts child care subsidy.
Tuition and capacity
Tuition: not listed. Precious Lambs Learning Center does not publish a fee schedule on its website. 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.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure all areas and equipment are in safe condition and hazard free. Replace the loose shelf in the three-year-old classroom. Move the electrical cord that is accessible to the children in the Pre-K classroom.
Outdoor Area (regulation 53U)
Ensure the outdoor play area is free from hazards. Cover the concrete circles in the ground in the outdoor play area.
Meals and Snacks (regulation 71U)
Ensure meal pattern requirements are met. This specialist observed about 1/4 cup of applesauce served to a group of three-year-olds. This was discussed with the kitchen staff. Staff #1 must complete the training titled, "CACFP Child and Adult Meal Pattern Requirements" found on the Institute of Child Nutrition website.
Infant and Toddler Care (regulation 77U)
Discontinue the use of the pressure gate located at the bottom of the steps. Install a wall mounted gate.
Insurance Coverage (regulation 16U)
Ensure comprehensive general liability insurance is maintained as required. When requested, Owner Watson submitted comprehensive general liability insurance that expired on July 18, 2026. This Specialist informed Owner Watson that the policy had expired and requested an updated copy. Owner Watson then submitted a policy with a coverage period effective from August 6, 2026, through August 7, 2027. When asked if Owner Watson could provide documentation verifying the center maintained comprehensive general liability insurance coverage from July 18, 2026, to August 6, 2026, Owner Watson stated he had a lapse in his insurance coverage. This was discussed and corrected when the updated insurance p
Show all 80 violations on file
Personnel Files (regulation 30U)
Ensure staff files are complete. Four staff members need complete professional development plans. One staff member needs a fourth reference, an adult health appraisal with TB results. One staff member needs OCCL's Health & Safety Training, a second reference, and an adult health appraisal with TB results. One staff member needs a second attempt to obtain the service letter, a second reference, or three additional references if the service letter is not obtained after the second attempt. One staff member needs CPR and first aid certification. One staff member needs first aid certification, a second attempt for a service letter, a second reference, or three additional references if the service
Child Files (regulation 40U)
Ensure child files are complete. One child needs a development plan. One child needs blood lead screening results.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure all equipment is in a safe condition. Replace the two loose, wooden shelves in the Discovering Lambs (one-year-old classroom). Ensure walls are cleanable. Paint the wood trim around the windows in the Little Lambs (one & two-year-old classroom).
Infant and Toddler Care (regulation 77U)
Ensure gates at stairways have latching devices. Install a latching device on the gate at the stairway.
Staff Attendance (regulation 36U)
Ensure staff attendance is documented to include the exact arrival and departure times. One staff member was signed into the Toddler classroom but was not present in the classroom. The staff member was observed in the kitchen preparing breakfast. This was discussed and corrected when the staff member was signed out.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure all areas and equipment are in good repair. Repair the window in the Toddler classroom. Repair the three loose shelves in the Three-year-old classroom.
Lesson Plans (regulation 74U)
Ensure current lesson plans are posted. The Pre-K classroom and Three-year-old classroom did not have current lesson plans posted.
Activity Schedule (regulation 76U)
Ensure a daily schedule is posted. Post a daily schedule in the Pre-K classroom. Ensure screen time activities are age-appropriate and educational. The Pre-K classroom was observed watching Angry Bird Blues. This was discussed and corrected when the television was turned off.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times. According to the attendance record for the preschool classroom (3), there were up to nine children present, the youngest being an infant with two teachers.
Children's Attendance (regulation 43U)
Ensure children's attendance is documented with exact arrival and departure times. According to the attendance record for the toddler twos classroom, a child was signed into the classroom at 8:19 am and then signed out at 8:15 am.
Kitchen and Food Preparation (regulation 50U)
Ensure all food served by the center is free from spoilage and prepared in a safe manner. Upon the licensing specialist's arrival, no staff member was present in the kitchen. All staff on site were assigned to classrooms to maintain required staff-to-child ratios and supervision. At the time of the visit, the stove was on with carrots cooking, and a pot of oatmeal was on the stove emitting steam, indicating it was hot. A gallon of milk was observed in the sink, frozen pizzas were on the counter, and fruit was on the counter being prepared. These food preparation activities were occurring without staff present in the kitchen to monitor food safety and cooking processes.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure walls and floors are clean. Clean the vent on the wall and the carpet in the one-year-old classroom. Repair the ceiling tile in the infant classroom to ensure it does not fall into the crib below. Ensure trash is covered. The trash can located near the front door does not have a cover.
Outdoor Area (regulation 53U)
Ensure the gate to the outdoor play area is self-closing and self-latching. The gate was observed open upon licensing staff entering the outdoor play area. The gate did not self-latch.
Diapering and Soiled Clothing (regulation 61U)
Ensure diapers are disposed of in the trash can solely for diapers. A pull-up was observed in the trash can located in the preschool bathroom. This was discussed with staff and corrected when she agreed to comply in the future.
Outdoor Area (regulation 53U)
Ensure the gate to the outdoor play area is self-closing and self-latching. The gate was observed not self-closing and self-latching. Ensure the gate to the outdoor play area is self-closing and self-latching. The gate to the outdoor play area was observed not self-closing and not self-latching.
Meals and Snacks (regulation 71U)
Ensure meals and snacks follow the meal pattern requirements. The three-year-old classroom was observed eating breakfast. The children were served two apple slices, a small amount of eggs, half of a waffle, and a piece of sausage. Review the meal pattern requirements with all kitchen staff and submit the staff signatures to OCCL.
Staffing (regulation 26U)
Ensure the center has a qualified early childhood administrator who functions in that role. Hire a qualified ECA, who has 15 hours of training in infant/toddler and 15 hours of training in school-age care. Ensure direct care staff are not responsible for other duties of participating in personal activities. A staff member was observed on her cell phone multiple times during the licensing staff's review.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times. There were 13 children, ages four and five present in the pre-K classroom with two staff members. One staff member left the pre-K classroom and entered the kitchen for a brief period of time. This was corrected when the staff member re-entered the classroom and ratios were maintained. Ensure infants and toddlers are cared for in a separate area from older children. Upon arrival, there were 10 children, ages two and three present in the three-year-old classroom with two staff members. When asked, Staff stated the two two-year-olds were moved from the toddler classroom to the three-year-old classroom to maintain proper staff-to-child ra
Personnel Files (regulation 30U)
Ensure staff files are complete. Four staff members need service letters. One staff member needs a service letter or three additional references. One staff member needs a professional development plan.
Child Files (regulation 40U)
Ensure child files are complete. One child needs a health appraisal and immunization record. One child needs parents right to know acknowledgement and screen time permission. One child needs blood lead screening results.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure floors are in good repair and cleanable. Repair the floor by the front entrance and by the fish tank. Repair the floor in the pre-K classroom. Repair the floor in the toddler classroom next to the sink and at the corner of the white tiles.
Kitchen and Food Preparation (regulation 50U)
Ensure the freezer is at 0 degrees F or colder. The freezer in the kitchen read 2 degrees F.
Outdoor Area (regulation 53U)
Remove all hazards from the outdoor play area. Remove the two broken ride-on toys. Remove or cover the large concrete pillar that has metal rods sticking out of it. Repair the broken wooden barrier along the back side of the large play structure. Repair the fence at the back right corner, the fence is able to be moved, and a child could fit through the gap. Repair the fence along the top of the right-hand side to ensure there are no gaps larger than 3 1/2 inches. Replenish the fall zone material under the large play structure with nine inches of mulch. Move the little tikes slide to the area with fall zone material.
Pools and Swimming (regulation 54U)
Portable wading pools are prohibited. Remove the portable wading pools from the property.
Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments (regulation 56U)
Ensure a top and bottom covering is used for children over the age of one for nap time. This was corrected when one child in the pre-K classroom was supplied with a bottom covering and one child in the three-year-old classroom was supplied with a top covering. Ensure rest equipment is space at least 1 1/2 feet apart. Cots in the pre-K classroom were observed less than 1 1/2 inches apart. This was corrected when the cots were spaced out 1 1/2 feet or more.
Equipment (regulation 57U)
Ensure a sufficient quantity of developmentally appropriate equipment/materials are present and made accessible to children. The three-year-old classroom needs additional manipulatives/math/problem solving and dramatic play materials. The toddlers classroom needs additional art and science materials. The pre-K classroom needs additional manipulatives/math/problem solving art, dramatic play, and science materials.
Diapering and Soiled Clothing (regulation 61U)
Ensure the diaper changing procedure is followed. The sink in the toddler classroom is not operable. Handwashing for diapering is being done in the bathroom located within five feet of the changing table. However, the bathroom door was observed not open during diaper changes. This causes an obstruction for proper handwashing. The foot-activated trash can was observed to the left of the diaper changing table, which causes an obstruction to disposing diapers when the bathroom door is open. Purchase a foot-activated trash can to be used solely for diapers/pull-ups in the pre-K classroom. Post a diaper-changing procedure in the pre-K classroom. Supply disposable covers in the pre-K classroom.
First Aid Kits (regulation 65U)
Ensure the first aid kit is complete. Purchase an eye patch for the first aid kit.
Meals and Snacks (regulation 71U)
Ensure meals and snacks provided by the center meet the required components. The posted menu showed water and only one meal component for snacks.
Lesson Plans (regulation 74U)
Ensure lesson plans provide varied, developmentally appropriate activities. The lesson plans for the pre-K and three-year-old classrooms did not provide varied activities for social-emotional.
Interactions with Preschool and School-Age Children (regulation 80U)
Ensure staff provide required interactions with preschool children at their eye level, and whenever appropriate, sit on the floor with the children. The majority of the time licensing staff were present, licensing staff observed the preschool children sitting at tables, some of the time with an activity, but for most of the time just sitting, while staff sat at the teacher's desk.
License Renewal (regulation 8U)
Ensure the renewal application is submitted at least 60 days prior to the license expiration. This was corrected when the application was submitted on March 9, 2026.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times. According to the Pre-k classroom attendance record, an ECT was alone with up to eleven children, the youngest being three, from 7:47 to 7:49. An aide who has been employed for over a year and cannot count in staff-to-child ratios, signed into the classroom at 7:49. The ECT and the aide were signed in with up to 14 children, the youngest being three until 8:00 am.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Repair the top hinge of the classroom door to the three-year-old classroom.
Activity Schedule (regulation 76U)
Ensure screen time activities, such as watching television is age-appropriate and education. The Pre-k classroom was observed watching Spongebob and the three-year-old classroom was observed watching Bluey. This was discussed and corrected when staff turned on educational/age-appropriate programs.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times. Upon arrival, Staff #1 was in the pre-k classroom with 13 children, ages three to school-age. Staff #2 was signed into the classroom; however, was observed in the kitchen. During the visit, Staff #2 stepped out of the pre-k classroom for a second time and was observed in the kitchen. Staff #2 was needed to maintain proper ratios. According to attendance records, Staff #2 signed out of the pre-k classroom from 8:34 to 8:39, which left Staff #1 over ratio and Staff #2 was alone from 7:30 to 8:34 with up to 15 children, the youngest being three.
Children's Attendance (regulation 43U)
Ensure child attendance is documented to show exact arrival and departure times. The pre-k classroom had 13 children present, and 20 children were signed in. This was corrected when the eight children that left for the three-year-old classroom were signed out and the 13th child was signed into the pre-k classroom.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure classroom capacity is maintained at all times. The pre-k classroom measures for 16 children. According to attendance records, there were up to 21 children present in the pre-k classroom. This was discussed and corrected when staff agreed to comply in the future. Repair or remove the unstable white shelf in the toddler classroom.
Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments (regulation 56U)
Ensure fitted sheets are tightly fitted to the crib mattress. The fitted sheet on the crib closest to the classroom door is not tightly fitted.
Equipment (regulation 57U)
Purchase additional equipment/materials for the three-year-old classroom.
Staffing (regulation 26U)
Ensure a one-to-four ratio of early childhood teachers to lower qualified positions is present during hours of operation. At the time of the visit, one staff member qualified as an early childhood teacher and five staff members qualified as early childhood interns were present.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times. Upon arrival, Staff #1 was observed in the one and two-year-old classroom. Staff #2 was signed in the one and two-year-old classroom with seven children, the youngest being one, for a period of time prior to Staff #3 entering the classroom. Staff #3 was signed into the infant classroom prior to Staff #1 entering the classroom. When asked, Staff #1 stated Staff #3 was in the infant classroom while she was in the one & two-year-old classroom. Staff #3 is qualified as an intern. According to a verbal statement and attendance records, an intern was alone with infants. According to attendance records, an intern was alone with seven childre
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure floors are cleanable and in good condition. Repair the floor next to the sink in the one and two-year-old classroom.
Diapering and Soiled Clothing (regulation 61U)
Replace the broken foot-activated trash can located at the diaper changing station in the three-year-old classroom.
Meals and Snacks (regulation 71U)
Ensure proper meal pattern requirements are followed. Upon arrival, the children were finishing up breakfast, Pancakes and bacon were served. When asked, staff confirmed only pancakes and bacon were served. A fruit or vegetable were not served.
Staffing (regulation 26U)
Ensure staff responsible for providing care to children are not given other duties. A staff member was observed completing CDA coursework while providing care to three children. This was discussed with staff and corrected when she closed the laptop and put it up.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times. Upon arrival, Staff #1 answered the front door for licensing staff. Upon entering the pre-k classroom, Staff #2 and Staff #3 were present with 12 children, the youngest being three years old. Staff #1 and Staff #3 were signed into the pre-k classroom. Staff #2 is an aide who has been employed for more than one year and can no longer count in staff-to-child ratios. This was discussed and corrected when Staff #1 re-entered the classroom.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure walls and floors are cleanable and in good repair. Repair the wall in the toddler classroom near the classroom sink. The paint is chipped, and the baseboard is moved away from the wall. Repair the peeling/cracked floor tiles in the main hallway located near the front door.
Hand Washing (regulation 59U)
Ensure hands are washed at the appropriate times. A staff member was observed cleaning a child's nose and failed to wash her hands afterwards. This was discussed with staff and corrected when the staff member washed her hands.
Staffing (regulation 26U)
Ensure a ratio of one-to-four early childhood teachers to EC assistant teacher, EC intern, and EC aides is followed during the hours of operation. Upon arrival, it was naptime and only one EC teacher was present with five lower qualified staff. This was discussed and corrected when the staff agreed to comply in the future.
Personnel Files (regulation 30U)
Ensure staff files are complete. Three staff members need two references. One staff member needs an eligibility letter and an adult abuse registry check.
Staff Attendance (regulation 36U)
Ensure staff attendance is documented to show the exact times a staff member works in a classroom or area. One staff was signed into the Pre-k classroom, but not present. According to staff, she was on her lunch break. This was discussed and corrected when the staff member was signed out.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure all equipment is in a safe condition. The brown shelf in the three-year-old classroom needs to be fixed. Ensure all outlets are covered. An outlet in the three-year-old classroom needs a cover.
Child Care Center (regulation 13U)
Ensure the terms of the current Agreement of Understanding (AOU) are followed. OCCL received a subsequent arrest record for the owner from August 29, 2025. OCCL was not notified by the facility. This was discussed with the owner on September 4, 2025.
Notification to OCCL (regulation 14U)
Ensure the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) is notified within one business day in the event of a known arrest or conviction of a staff member or licensee. OCCL received a subsequent arrest record for the owner from August 29, 2025. OCCL was not notified by the facility. This was discussed with the owner on September 4, 2025.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure equipment is hazard-free and in safe condition. A broken toy shelf was observed in the toddler classroom. Ensure toilets are cleanable and in good repair. A piece of wood is under the toilet in the pre-k classroom. The wood is not cleanable. Remove the wood and repair the toilet.
Personnel Files (regulation 30U)
Ensure staff files are completed. One staff member needs two references on file. On Staff member needs two additional references on file. One staff member needs a health appraisal and TB results. One staff member needs a second attempt to receive a prior employer's service letter. One staff member needs a second attempt to obtain a service letter from two child cares. One staff member needs four service letters.
Child Files (regulation 40U)
Ensure child files are complete. Six children need the date of enrollment, five children need hours and days of attending care, and five children need emergency information. Three children need a health appraisal and immunization records. One child needs a blood lead screening result. One child needs a Parent's Right to Know and screentime permission signed. Two children need a developmental plan on file.
Indoor Space (regulation 49U)
Ensure that floors and walls are in good repair, cords are out of reach, outlets are covered, and items that change the smell of the air are not in use. Room 1 repair the peeling paint and holes in the wall by the parent board and the gate. Remove the air freshener from the kitchenette. Room 4 repair the holes in the wall near the fire extinguisher, remove the equipment in place that is piled up. Room 5 repair the peeling paint, ensure outlets are covered, repair the floor by the child's tool bench, make the television cord inexcessable, and remove the equipment stacked by the door that is inoperable.
Kitchen and Food Preparation (regulation 50U)
Ensure foods have a name and expiration date when stored in containers. The refrigerator in the kitchenette needs to be cleaned out.
Toilet Facilities (regulation 51U)
Ensure all restrooms have paper towels and toilet paper. One classroom needs paper towels and toilet paper. One classroom needs paper towels.
Outdoor Area (regulation 53U)
Ensure the outdoor play area gate has a self-closing and self-latching mechanism that properly operates when the gate is in use. Remove the wooden boards, tree branches, the rake, and the inoperable rake.
Equipment (regulation 57U)
Ensure each classroom is equipped to provide enough equipment in good repair for the number of children in care. Room three needs manipulatives, art, and science. Room four needs sensory. Room five needs music, science, and art.
Sanitation (regulation 58U)
Ensure classroom items and equipment are cleaned and sanitized as required. Room one's diaper changing table needs to be cleaned and sanitized. Room two's equipment and shelf need to be cleaned and sanitized. Room three's toys and equipment need to be cleaned, and all the soft items need to be laundered. Rooms four and five's toys and materials need to be cleaned and sanitized.
Lesson Plans (regulation 74U)
Ensure lesson plans for infants and toddlers include social and emotional.
Activity Schedule (regulation 76U)
Ensure the infant classroom has a schedule posted. Classroom 4 needs another 30 minutes of outside time.
License Renewal (regulation 8U)
Ensure an annual renewal application is submitted 60 days before license expiration.
Enforcement Actions (regulation 13U)
According to attendance records on March 10, 2025, children and staff were present at 7:00 a.m. The license was suspended until 8:11 a.m. on March 10, 2025. Also, the AOU that was signed on March 7, 2025, states the staff signature page needed to be completed before the suspension would be lifted. On March 10, 2025, staff were present with children at 7:00 a.m., but the staff sheet was not submitted to OCCL until 7:24 a.m. Staff stated they were not aware the suspension was not lifted until 8:11 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025. Staff stated the owner communicated the center would be open on Monday.
Meals and Snacks (regulation 71U)
Ensure all meal components are offered at each meal. At breakfast, Cheerios and milk were served. LS asked for fruit to be offered.
Activity Schedule (regulation 76U)
Ensure no screen time when children under two years old are in the classroom.
Notification to OCCL (regulation 14U)
Ensure OCCL is notified within one business day in the event of a known arrest or conviction of a staff member or licensee. The licensee was arrested on March 5, 2025, and did not notify OCCL.
Governing Body (regulation 15U)
Ensure enough staff are on site during operating hours to perform child care, administrative duties, and kitchen duties.
Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision (regulation 27U)
Ensure that children are directly supervised. LS observed two children running from classroom three to the lobby and then returning to the classroom. The Preschool classroom had nine children ages two to five years old with one staff member. Classroom three had one teacher with seven one to two-year-old children. According to attendance records for 3/3/2025, there were up to 16 children, the youngest an infant, present with four staff.
Diapering and Soiled Clothing (regulation 61U)
Ensure items for diaper changing are accessible. One two-year-old child was in a soiled diaper for 15 minutes before the Specialist stated that the child needed a diaper change. The classroom is not equipped with a foot-activated diaper-changing pail with a liner, a diaper-changing table or mat, diaper-changing procedures, diapers, or wipes. The staff member stated he would not change the child's diaper because he was a male and the child was a female, and other parents did not want him to change their daughter's diapers.
Staff Attendance (regulation 36U)
Staff in a classroom must be signed in, and staff not in a classroom must be signed out. Upon arrival, two staff members were signed in, but only one was in the classroom. The other staff member was in another classroom on the phone.
What parents say
I writing in reference to my grandson Tysonn Russell he was so excited to call me and share with me his first day I almost cried because he loved telling me what he did for the entire daycant wait to visit and see how he adjusting
Lisa Hickman · 5/5 on Google · a year agoGetting there
1160 Walker Rd, Dover, DE 19904
Questions about Precious Lambs Learning Center
Is Precious Lambs Learning Center licensed?
Yes, with a note. Precious Lambs Learning Center holds a Child Care Center licence (state status: enforcement action) from Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (licence 1591059), with a licensed capacity of 50 children. The state record was synced in September 2026.
Has Precious Lambs Learning Center had any inspection violations?
Delaware records 170 violations for Precious Lambs Learning Center in the last three years, across 39 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 Precious Lambs Learning Center take?
Precious Lambs Learning Center is licensed to serve infant, toddler, preschool and school age ages, and is open 7 am to 5:30 pm, Mon to Fri.
How much does Precious Lambs Learning Center cost?
Precious Lambs Learning Center does not publish tuition on its website. Ask for the full fee schedule on a tour, including registration, supply and late pick-up fees. The program accepts child care subsidy.
