Office of Child Care Licensing
Our Mission: To ensure safeguards and enhance quality for children in out-of-home care.
The Office of Child Care Licensing licenses approximately 1,850 facilities
in Delaware. These facilities include:
- Family Child Care Homes – child care in a private
home for one (1) to six (6) children preschool –age or younger and one
(1) to three (3) school-age children;
- Large Family Child Care Homes – child care in a
private home or commercial (non-residential) setting for seven (7) to
twelve (12) children preschool-age or younger and one (1) or two (2)
school-age children;
- Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers (includes
day care centers, nursery schools, preschools, before/after school care, and out
of school care) – child
care in a commercial (non-residential) setting for thirteen (13) or more children;
- Residential Child Care Facilities and Day Treatment Programs – services
for children with behavioral dysfunctions; developmental, emotional,
mental or physical impairments; and/or chemical dependencies; and
- Child Placement Agencies – adoption and foster care services
Each type of child care facility has its own licensing rules and specific procedures for becoming licensed.
Newly adopted Delacare: Rules for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers (formerly Delacare: Requirements for Day Care Centers)
