Shell's Early Learning Center - Dover
Data last updated · May 2026
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 9 complaints in the last 3 years and 1 injury report 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
- Infants, Toddlers
- Licensed capacity
- 84
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 8 Toddlers 1:6 12
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 3 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2) and Building & Premises Safety (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
May 28, 20261 Finding1 Important
- Notification to OCCL14U
Ensure OCCL is notified within one business day in the event of an equipment breakdown that threatens the health and safety of children in care, inclu
Sep 5, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Governing Body15U
Ensure the licensee, governing body, and employees follow all applicable federal, State, and local laws and regulations. During a complaint investigat
Sep 2, 20253 Findings3 Important
- General Qualifications28U
Ensure staff are fingerprinted and an eligibility determination or provisional eligibility is on file. A staff member was observed working in the one-
- Personnel Files30U
Ensure staff files are complete. Two staff members need professional development plans. Two staff members need CPR certification. Three staff members
- Toilet Facilities51U
Ensure liquid soap is accessible for hand washing. Several bars of soap and a bottle of liquid soap were observed in the bathroom located in the three
Complaints & Safety Record
- Complaints (Last 36 Months)
- 9
- 11% of licensed capacity
- Reported injuries (Lifetime)
- 1
- 1% of licensed capacity