Discovery Cove Learning Center
12034 COUNTY SEAT HWY, LAUREL, DE 19956Childery Rating: 3/5
Data last updated ·
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.3 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.Not Available
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.3 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 3 out of 5 stars overall. Structural quality reflects 5 complaints in the last 3 years and 3 injury reports on file. The structural rating also includes Delaware's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Delaware caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:12. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 18 hours of annual training. No objective process measures (e.g., state quality rating or national accreditation) are available for this daycare. The overall rating reflects structural features only.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Toddlers
- Licensed capacity
- 53
- Cost
- Free pre-K available
- Participates in Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP), a state-funded pre-K program that's free for eligible families. Other care hours may have tuition.
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Toddlers 1:6 12
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 3 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Building & Premises Safety (3) and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Jun 9, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Outdoor Area53U
Ensure gates in the outdoor play area fencing is self-closing and self-latching. Repair main gate off parking lot.
Jun 18, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Personnel Files30U
Ensure staff files are complete. One staff person needs two references.
- Outdoor Area53U
Ensure outdoor area has enough mulch to cover fall zones. Replenish mulch to 9 inches. Ensure gates are self-closing and self-latching. There is a bro
Jun 21, 20232 Findings2 Important
- Personnel Files30U
Ensure staff files are complete. One staff member needs an adult health appraisal on OCCL's form.
- Indoor Space49U
Ensure walls are in good repair. The School Age classroom needs the wall paint retouched.
Complaints & Safety Record
- Complaints (Last 36 Months)
- 5
- 9% of licensed capacity
- Reported injuries (Lifetime)
- 3
- 6% of licensed capacity
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