Licensed Daycare in Dover, Delaware
208 licensed daycares in Dover, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Delaware licensing records.
Dover listings updated May 2026 from official Delaware records.
Daycare in Dover: what parents should know
Dover has 208 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 52% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Delaware license at indexing time, sourced from Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE).
Licensed care in Dover spans 2+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 48% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Combined, Dover's licensed centers hold about 10,734 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Dover childcare by the numbers
The Dover childcare landscape
Dover is Delaware's capital and a military town, home to Dover Air Force Base. Families here combine the state's compact early-childhood system — Delaware Stars, ECAP, and Purchase of Care — with base childcare options for service members.
Free preschool (ECAP) and military care
The Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP) is Delaware's state-funded preschool — a Head Start-model program offering free spots to income-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. With Dover Air Force Base nearby, military families also have access to on-base Child Development Centers and DoD fee-assistance for off-base care.
Subsidies and quality (Delaware Stars)
Delaware's childcare subsidy is Purchase of Care (POC), administered through the Division of Social Services for eligible working or in-school families. For quality, check a provider's Delaware Stars for Early Success rating; higher-starred programs clearly exceed the licensing minimum.
How licensing works
Delaware child care is licensed and inspected by the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). Licensing status and inspection records are public — confirm a provider is licensed and in good standing before enrolling.
Neighborhoods and cost
Dover is affordable — full-time infant care commonly runs $900–$1,200/month, with licensed family child care homes typically lower. Because Kent County is compact, families realistically choose among providers across Dover and the surrounding towns.
When to start looking
ECAP and Head Start have enrollment windows ahead of the fall — check availability in spring. For infant care, tour early and join waitlists; military families should contact base child & youth services well ahead.
Childcare costs in Dover
ChildCare Aware reports the Delaware average full-time cost at $1,230/month for infant care and $880/month for preschool. City-level prices in Dover vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Delaware families may also qualify for DE Purchase of Care (POC) (intake: (866) 552-2729).
Full Delaware licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE)
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg capacity
- 51 kids
Program types in Dover
Largest licensed centers in Dover
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Dover licensed centers
Page 4 of 14Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.
Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Dover, Delaware?
What's the average daycare cost in Dover?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Dover daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Dover?
How do I verify a Dover daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Dover
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programDE Purchase of Care (POC) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(866) 552-2729 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE).
Official license searchChildcare resources for Dover
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Dover, Delaware are compiled from official Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE) licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 208 Licensed Centers in Dover
Free, no signup, verified directly with Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE).