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Licensed Daycare in Wilmington, Delaware

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

Our directory lists 316 licensed childcare centers in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?

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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Wilmington?

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 .

Looking for daycare in this area? Below is the full list of licensed providers as reported by the state's child care regulator.

316

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,230/mo

Delaware avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

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 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: 65 kids

ZIP codes covered

19805 78 19802 73 19801 55 19808 38 19803 24 19810 21 19804 21 19809 11

Program types in Wilmington

Licensed Child Care Center

187 centers

Licensed Family Child Care

95 centers

Licensed Large Family Child Care

34 centers

Wilmington

2 years through 12 years. Cap 50

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 Wilmington, Delaware?

Our directory lists 316 licensed childcare centers in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?

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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Wilmington?

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 Wilmington 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.