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Childcare Subsidies in Delaware

Financial assistance programs to help Delaware families pay for daycare and childcare.

$61,500
Income limit (family of 4)
85%
of state median income
$11,172
Avg infant care cost/yr

Delaware Purchase of Care (POC)

Uses STARS quality rating system for providers.

Am I Eligible?

1. Family income is below $61,500/year for a family of 4 (85% of state median income)
2. Parent/guardian is working, in school, or in an approved training program
3. Child is under 13 years old (or under 19 with special needs)
4. Child is a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
5. Family resides in Delaware
Apply for Delaware Child Care Assistance

How to Apply for Child Care Assistance in Delaware

Application Process

Apply for Delaware's Purchase of Care (POC) program through the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF). Applications are accepted at DSCYF offices in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown. An online application option is available through the Delaware ASSIST portal (assist.dhss.delaware.gov). Required documents include proof of income, proof of Delaware residency, child birth certificates, and documentation of your work or training activity. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.

Co-Pay Structure

Delaware's co-pay is based on a sliding fee scale that factors in family size and gross monthly income. Families at the lowest income levels pay $0. Near the $61,500 ceiling, co-pays can be $100-$200/month per child. Delaware offers reduced co-pays when you use a provider rated 4 or 5 stars in the Delaware Stars quality rating system, creating an incentive to choose higher-quality care. Co-pays are reassessed at annual redetermination.

Waitlist Reality

Delaware typically does not maintain a waitlist for POC, though the state is small and provider availability, especially for infants, can be tight in New Castle County. If you are approved but cannot find a provider with openings, the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing can help you search. Sussex County families in particular may need to travel further for licensed care options.

Additional Programs in Delaware

Delaware's Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP) provides free preschool for 4-year-olds from low-income families. Head Start and Early Head Start programs are available in all three counties. The Delaware Stars program (the state's QRIS) incentivizes providers to improve quality and offers higher reimbursement rates. The state also partners with Wilmington-area employers on pilot workplace childcare initiatives.

Tips for Delaware Parents

Use a Delaware Stars rated provider (4 or 5 stars) to get a lower co-pay and better quality care for your child. Apply through the ASSIST portal if possible, as it is faster than in-person applications and lets you track your case status. If you live in Sussex County, consider license-exempt approved care (such as a qualified relative) if no licensed providers have openings nearby. Keep your contact information updated with DSCYF, as they will cancel your case if mail is returned.

Federal Programs Available Everywhere

Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit

Claim 20-35% of childcare expenses on your federal taxes.

Max expenses (1 child) $3,000
Max expenses (2+ children) $6,000
Credit percentage 20-35%

Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)

Employer-sponsored pre-tax account for childcare expenses. Reduces taxable income.

Max annual contribution $5,000
Tax benefit Pre-tax (reduces taxable income)

Head Start / Early Head Start

Free federally funded program for children from low-income families. Head Start: ages 3-5. Early Head Start: birth to 3.

Eligibility: At or below federal poverty level (family of 4: ~$31,200 in 2024).

See Daycare Costs in Delaware

Compare childcare prices across 3 counties in Delaware. Center-based infant care averages $11,172/year.

View Delaware daycare costs →