Everything You Need to Know About Starting and Running a Daycare in Delaware (2025 Edition)
Everything You Need to Know About Starting and Running a Daycare in Delaware (2025 Edition)
Delaware offers excellent opportunities for daycare operators who want to support families and create a positive impact in their communities. By meeting state regulations and offering a safe environment, you can run a successful daycare. This guide provides everything you need to know about starting and operating a daycare in Delaware in 2025.
Why Start a Daycare in Delaware?
With a growing demand for childcare services, Delaware is an ideal state for opening a daycare. Families across the state need reliable, high-quality care, and the state provides resources to help daycare providers succeed. Whether you’re in a rural or urban area, opening a daycare can be a fulfilling and profitable endeavor.
Licensing Requirements for Daycare Centers in Delaware
The Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) oversees the licensing process for daycare centers. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose Your Daycare Type:
- Family Child Care Home: Up to 9 children in a home-based setting.
- Large Family Child Care Home: 10-12 children in a home setting with additional staffing requirements.
- Child Care Center: 13 or more children in a non-residential facility.
- Complete Pre-Licensing Training:
- Training includes health and safety standards, CPR, and first aid certification.
- Submit a Licensing Application:
- Applications must include detailed facility floor plans, background checks for staff, and payment of licensing fees.
- Pass Required Inspections:
- Your daycare must pass fire, health, and safety inspections before opening.
Regulations for Daycare Operations in Delaware
Daycare providers in Delaware must follow specific regulations to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children. These include:
- Staff-to-Child Ratios:
- Infants (0-12 months): 1 caregiver per 4 children
- Toddlers (12-36 months): 1 caregiver per 6 children
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): 1 caregiver per 10 children
- School-age (6+ years): 1 caregiver per 15 children
- Health and Safety Standards:
- Facilities must meet cleanliness and sanitation standards and conduct regular inspections.
- All toys and equipment must be safe and age-appropriate.
- Emergency Preparedness:
- Create and maintain an emergency plan for fires, weather events, and medical situations.
- Conduct regular safety drills with children and staff.
FAQs About Starting a Daycare in Delaware
- Can I run a daycare out of my home in Delaware?
- Yes, family child care homes and large family child care homes are permitted, provided they meet licensing requirements.
- Do I need a degree to operate a daycare in Delaware?
- No, but providers must complete pre-licensing training and maintain CPR and first aid certifications.
- What are the costs of starting a daycare in Delaware?
- Costs vary depending on facility size and location. Expect to budget for licensing fees, training, insurance, and equipment.
Resources for Daycare Providers in Delaware
- Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing: Licensing and regulatory information for daycare providers.
- Childcare Aware of America: National resources for daycare operators.
- IRS EIN Application: Apply for an EIN for tax purposes.
Final Thoughts
Starting a daycare in Delaware is a rewarding way to serve families and build a successful business. By understanding state regulations and maintaining high standards, you can create a thriving childcare center in 2025 and beyond. Explore our other state-specific guides to learn more about starting and running daycare centers across the U.S.!
My name is Nick Caucci and I help run the Rentroom blog. Over the years, I have seen and helped many different property managers and owner-operators streamline their daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly workflows.
