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Licensed Daycare in Delaware

Search 1,218 verified daycare and childcare centers across Delaware, sourced directly from Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE) . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

1,218
Licensed Centers
$1,230/mo
Avg Infant Care
$880/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

Delaware Childcare Licensing

In Delaware, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE). Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE)

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE)
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:6
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$1,230/mo
Avg preschool cost
$880/mo
Financial help

Delaware Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Delaware families can apply for DE Purchase of Care (POC) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Local intake line: (866) 552-2729

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Daycare in Delaware — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Delaware is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE) database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://kids.delaware.gov/occl/find-licensed-child-care/.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Delaware?
State minimums in Delaware are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:6 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Delaware?
Full-time infant care averages about $1230/month; preschool runs around $880/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Delaware trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Delaware?
Yes. The primary state program is DE Purchase of Care (POC), reachable at (866) 552-2729. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Delaware daycare?
File a complaint with the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE) via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 1,218 Licensed Delaware Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.