Licensed Daycare in Wilmington, Delaware
635 licensed daycares in Wilmington, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Delaware licensing records.
Wilmington listings updated May 2026 from official Delaware records.
Daycare in Wilmington: what parents should know
Families in Wilmington can choose from 635 licensed childcare providers, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 59% 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 Wilmington spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 41% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Wilmington providers are approved for approximately 41,497 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Wilmington childcare by the numbers
The Wilmington childcare landscape
Delaware is small enough that most Wilmington-area families have several licensed providers within a short drive, and the state runs a clear set of programs — Delaware Stars for quality, ECAP for free preschool, and Purchase of Care for subsidies — that are easy to navigate once you know the names.
Free preschool (ECAP) and quality (Delaware Stars)
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. For quality, check a provider's Delaware Stars for Early Success rating, the state's quality system; higher-starred programs clearly exceed the licensing minimum.
Subsidies and Head Start
Delaware's childcare subsidy is Purchase of Care (POC), administered through the Division of Social Services for eligible working or in-school families. Federal Head Start programs serve income-eligible infants and preschoolers in and around Wilmington as well.
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
Because Delaware is compact, Wilmington families realistically choose among providers in the city plus nearby Newark, Bear, Hockessin, and the northern suburbs. Full-time infant care commonly runs $900–$1,300/month, with licensed family child care homes typically lower.
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; even in a small state, infant rooms are the first to fill.
Childcare costs in Wilmington
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 Wilmington 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
- 65 kids
Program types in Wilmington
Largest licensed centers in Wilmington
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Wilmington licensed centers
Page 4 of 43Pick 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 Wilmington, Delaware?
What's the average daycare cost in Wilmington?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Wilmington daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Wilmington?
How do I verify a Wilmington daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Wilmington
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 Wilmington
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Wilmington, 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 635 Licensed Centers in Wilmington
Free, no signup, verified directly with Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE).