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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

Top Cities for Daycare in Delaware

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Wilmington
336 centers
Newark
146 centers
Dover
109 centers
New Castle
102 centers
Bear
76 centers
Middletown
68 centers
Seaford
48 centers
Smyrna
34 centers
Milford
30 centers
Georgetown
30 centers
Millsboro
24 centers
Claymont
22 centers
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

Program Types in Delaware

Licensed Child Care Center
604 centers
Licensed Family Child Care
519 centers
Licensed Large Family Child Care
95 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 1,218 →
C Family Daycare

CHRISTINA STURGIS

Newark

6 weeks through 12 years. Cap 6
Y Licensed Center

YMCA OF DELAWARE/LOREWOOD GROVE

Middletown

Kindergarten through 12 years. Cap 72
Y Licensed Center

YMCA OF DELAWARE/SILVER LAKE

Middletown

Kindergarten through 12 years. Cap 120
E Licensed Center

EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT CENTER DE, LLC

Wilmington

School Age (5+) Cap 116
L Licensed Center

LIMESTONE HILLS DAY SCHOOL, LLC

Wilmington

School Age (5+) Cap 120
L Family Daycare

LOREN FULLER

Dover

6 weeks through 12 years. Cap 6
M Family Daycare

MARIAH WARRINGTON

Harrington

6 weeks through 12 years. Cap 9
E Family Daycare

ESTHER OFFEI-ANSAH DBA MERCYLOVE ACADEMY II LLC

Wilmington

8 weeks through 12 years. Cap 6
L Family Daycare

LADONNA LEWIS

Harrington

6 weeks through 12 years. Cap 9
T Licensed Center

THE PUMPKIN PATCH EARLY LEARNING CENTER LLC

Dover

1 year through 12 years. Cap 56
C Licensed Center

CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL-BOYD'S CORNER

Middletown

6 weeks through 12 years. Cap 191
J Family Daycare

JEXAVELY ALICEA-AVILES DBA PEQUENAS MANITAS EARLY LEARNING CENTER LLC

Newark

6 weeks through 12 years. Cap 9

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

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