| License type | Childcare center |
| Regulating agency | Delaware Department of Education — Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) |
| Regulatory code | DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101) |
| Infant ratio | 1:4 (max group: 8) |
| Toddler ratio | 1:6 (max group: 12) |
| Preschool ratio | 1:10 (max group: 20) |
Delaware licensed childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Licensed childcare centers in Delaware must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Delaware Department of Education under DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101).
| Age group | Staff:child ratio | Max group size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–18 months) | 1:4 | 8 | Birth–12 months |
| Toddler (18–36 months) | 1:6 | 12 | 1–2yr = 1:6 max 12; older toddler (2–3yr) = 1:8 max 16 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:10 | 20 | 3–4yr = 1:10 max 20; 4–5yr = 1:12 max 24 |
Source: DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101), Delaware Department of Education. Always verify current ratios directly with DE DOE.
Delaware licensed childcare center: Credential & training requirements
Director / Operator requirements
Delaware childcare center directors must meet minimum education and experience requirements established by Delaware Department of Education under DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101). Most states require directors to hold a combination of early childhood education (ECE) college coursework, teaching or administrative experience, and a valid background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit. Contact Delaware Department of Education for the current director qualification standard applicable to your program type.
Teacher / Caregiver requirements
Lead teachers and caregivers in Delaware licensed childcare centers must meet minimum education requirements set by Delaware Department of Education. Requirements often include ECE college coursework or an equivalent credential (such as a Child Development Associate — CDA credential), plus ongoing continuing education. Aides or assistant teachers typically must be at least 18 years old and work under the direct supervision of a qualified lead teacher.
Annual training requirements
All center staff in Delaware are typically required to complete annual continuing education hours approved by Delaware Department of Education. CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required for most childcare center staff and must be kept current. Contact Delaware Department of Education for the current annual training hour requirement and approved training topics.
Delaware licensed childcare center: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to licensed childcare centers in Delaware under DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101).
| Indoor space | Minimum square footage per child required; verify with DE DOE for your age group and license type |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; minimum square footage per child; age-appropriate equipment |
| Infant sleeping | Dedicated sleeping area; individual cribs or safe sleep surfaces for infants |
| Emergency exits | Clearly marked, unobstructed; fire evacuation plan posted; regular fire drills required |
| Background checks | Live Scan or equivalent fingerprint background check required for all staff with child contact |
| Health & safety | Health department and/or fire authority inspection required before license issuance |
How to get a childcare center license in Delaware
The childcare center licensing process in Delaware is administered by Delaware Department of Education. The general steps are:
- Contact Delaware Department of Education — Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) to request a licensing application packet and pre-application guidance.
- Submit a completed application including facility information, disclosure forms, and background check authorization for all staff with child contact.
- Complete background checks (fingerprinting) for the owner/director and all staff.
- Obtain local fire clearance and any required health department inspection for the facility.
- Pass a pre-licensing site visit from a DE DOE licensing analyst verifying compliance with DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101) physical environment requirements.
- Receive your childcare center license from Delaware Department of Education. Each physical location requires a separate license.
Licensing contact: Delaware Department of Education — Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL).
Official resource: https://education.delaware.gov/families/birth-age-5/early_resources/child_care_options
Always be in ratio — brightwheel makes it automatic.
Brightwheel’s real-time attendance tracking alerts staff the moment any Delaware classroom approaches ratio limits required under DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101).
Frequently asked questions: Delaware childcare center licensing
Sources & references
This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Delaware Department of Education before making licensing or compliance decisions.
- Delaware Department of Education — childcare center licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Delaware
Also in this guide: Delaware Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Delaware Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Delaware Preschool Requirements