Daycare Cost in Delaware

Delaware Childcare: A Small State Investing Big in Early Learning

Delaware's childcare system is regulated by the Department of Education's Office of Child Care Licensing, which oversees providers across the state's three counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex). The state operates Delaware Stars, a five-star quality rating and improvement system that rates programs on learning environment, qualifications, family and community engagement, and management and administration. Delaware has made notable early childhood investments, including the Delaware Early Childhood Council's strategic plan and the Purchase of Care (POC) subsidy program for eligible families. The state's compact size allows for relatively centralized policy implementation compared to larger states.

Licensing and Quality Standards

Delaware requires a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio for infants (birth to 12 months) and 1:7 for toddlers (12-24 months) in licensed centers, with group sizes capped at 8 for infants. Delaware Stars assigns ratings from Star 1 (licensed) through Star 5, with higher levels requiring evidence-based curriculum, child assessment using tools like Teaching Strategies GOLD, and lead teachers holding associate or bachelor's degrees. Providers at Star 3 and above receive tiered reimbursement bonuses for children receiving state subsidies.

Finding Available Care

New Castle County in northern Delaware (Wilmington metro) has the densest provider network, but waitlists for infant care remain common at 2-4 months. Sussex County in southern Delaware is the most rural and has fewer licensed options, particularly for infant and toddler care. Delaware's small size means most families are within 20-30 minutes of multiple providers, but the limited total supply means choices narrow quickly for families seeking high-rated Delaware Stars programs.

Cost in Context

Delaware's center-based infant care averages approximately $11,172 per year, sitting very close to the national average of roughly $11,000. Northern Delaware (New Castle County), influenced by the Philadelphia and Wilmington metro economies, runs higher at $12,000-$14,000, while Kent and Sussex counties are somewhat lower. With a median household income of about $75,000, Delaware families spend roughly 15% of income on infant care, though the state's Purchase of Care program and Delaware Stars tiered reimbursement help reduce costs for qualifying families.