Licensed Daycare in Delaware
Find the right daycare in Delaware in under 5 minutes. 1,218 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE). Free, no signup.
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.
Verify a license at Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (DELACARE)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 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
Recently Verified Centers
View all 1,218 →DEANDRA ABRAMS
Dover
CARRIE COLLINS
New Castle
FIRST STEPS PRESCHOOL - MILFORD, LLC
Milford
NEWARK PARKS & RECREATION BEFORE&AFTER SCHOOL CARE@WEST PARK
Newark
COMESHA MITCHELL
Bridgeville
FAITH LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL
Bear
JAMIE EDICK
Laurel
LOTUS BLOSSOM LEARNING CENTER I
Lewes
LITTLE FRIENDS DAYCARE
Hockessin
PINE STREET LEARNING ACADEMY
Wilmington
LULLABY LEARNING CENTER, INC.
Harbeson
THE LITTLE CAMPUS, LLC
Newark
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?
Search 1,218 Licensed Delaware Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.