Licensed Daycare in Delaware
Find the right daycare in Delaware in under 5 minutes. 2,466 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE). Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Delaware licensing records.
Delaware childcare by the numbers
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.
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 Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Delaware runs about $14,760/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Delaware center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Delaware
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Check eligibility for DE Purchase of Care (POC). Most Delaware families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Delaware often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (866) 552-2729.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE) database and tour during operating hours.
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
Official Delaware & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Program Types in Delaware
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?
Where to get childcare help in Delaware
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 searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for 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 2,466 Licensed Delaware Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.