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.
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)What's distinctive about Delaware: Delaware's small geography means most families can access multiple licensed providers within a 15-minute drive. Purchase of Care (POC) subsidies cover most working families.
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
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
Recently Verified Centers
View all 1,218 →MARKITA WILLIAMS
Dover
JESSICA M RODRIGUEZ
Wilmington
UWDE 21ST CCLC AT MAURICE PRITCHETT SR. ACADEMY
Wilmington
CHILDREN & FAMILIES FIRST HEAD START WHITE OAK
Dover
CHILDREN & FAMILIES FIRST HEAD START BRIDGEVILLE
Bridgeville
JULIE LEMON
Newport
TERRI BELL
Middletown
SPARK SUMMER CAMP AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM @ ACADEMY OF DOVER
Dover
GROWING SPROUTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER LLC.
Dover
LEARNING A TO Z ACADEMY
Wilmington
CHILDREN & FAMILIES FIRST HEAD START SELBYVILLE
Selbyville
JAKINE TRADER
Newark
Daycare in Delaware — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Delaware is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Delaware?
How much does daycare cost in Delaware?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Delaware?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Delaware daycare?
Search 1,218 Licensed Delaware Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.