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Licensed Daycare in Dover, Delaware

Q: How many licensed daycare centers are in Dover, Delaware?

Our directory lists 100 licensed childcare centers in Dover, Delaware, sourced from Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE). All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Dover?

Statewide averages in Delaware run roughly $1230/month for infants and $880/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: What staff-to-child ratios apply in Dover daycares?

All licensed Delaware centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Dover typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Dover?

Delaware families can apply for DE Purchase of Care (POC) (intake: (866) 552-2729). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

This directory mirrors the state's child care licensing records. Click any provider for the full profile, age groups served, and current license status.

100

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,230/mo

Delaware avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

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 overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE)
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:6
Preschool ratio: 1:10
Avg capacity: 52 kids

ZIP codes covered

19901 57 19904 52

Program types in Dover

Licensed Child Care Center

52 centers

Licensed Family Child Care

40 centers

Licensed Large Family Child Care

8 centers

Dover

6 weeks through 12 years. Cap 9

Pick 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?

Our directory lists 100 licensed childcare centers in Dover, Delaware, sourced from Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE). All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Dover?

Statewide averages in Delaware run roughly $1230/month for infants and $880/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Dover daycares?

All licensed Delaware centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Dover typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Dover?

Delaware families can apply for DE Purchase of Care (POC) (intake: (866) 552-2729). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Dover daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE) search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.