Delaware Childcare Licensing Requirements
Delaware childcare centers must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §27 (Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision; qualified early-childhood teacher present at all times during hours of operation), §76 (Activity Schedule), and §23.1.16 (Parent/Guardian Handbook must include a typical daily schedule of the center's programs and activities).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections
The following sections must appear in every Delaware childcare parent handbook per state licensing rules.
| Section | Description | Citation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §27 (Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision; qualified early-childhood teacher present at all times during hours of operation), §76 (Activity Schedule), and §23.1.16 (Parent/Guardian Handbook must include a typical daily schedule of the center's programs and activities) | Required |
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline PolicyGuide → | Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §20 (Positive Behavior Management) | Required |
| Illness and Exclusion PolicyGuide → | Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §62 (Child Health Exclusions) | Required |
| Medication Administration PolicyGuide → | Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §63 (Administration of Medication) | Required |
| Emergency ProceduresGuide → | Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §66 (Emergency Planning) | Required |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §43 (Children's Attendance; system documenting exact arrival and departure times) and §23.1.9 (procedures related to the release of children) | Required |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Meals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §71 (Meals and Snacks); see also §21 (Food Service Policy) and §72 (Feeding of Infants) | Required |
| Parent Communication Policy | Daily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §23 (Center Policies-Parent/Guardian Handbook) and §38 (Parent's Right To Know) | Required |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Steps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §12 (Complaints); center's own complaint-handling procedure required under §23.1.8 | Required |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Mandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §19 (Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements); statutory mandate 16 Del.C. §903 (Reports required) | Required |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Enrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §39 (Enrollment) and §40 (Child Files); §23 requires policy/handbook disclosure to parents at enrollment | Required |
| Health and Safety Policies | Handwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §41 (Child Health Appraisal); Part V Physical Environment, Health and Safety (§§45-72) | Required |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Statement of equal access; protected classes covered. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §23.1.2 (Parent/Guardian Handbook assurance of non-discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, or any other category protected by state and/or federal laws) | Required |
| Transportation Policy | Vehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §67 (Transportation) | Recommended |
| Field Trip Policy | Authorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities. | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §68 (Field Trips and Program Outings) | Recommended |
Staff-to-Child Ratios
Delaware mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group.
| Age Group | Staff-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infant (under 12 months) | 1:4 (max group size 8) |
| Young toddler (1 year old / 12-23 months) | 1:6 (max group size 12) |
| Older toddler (2 year old / 24-35 months) | 1:8 (max group size 16) |
| Young preschool (3 year old / 36-47 months) | 1:10 (max group size 20) |
| Older preschool (4 year old / 48+ months, not yet attending kindergarten or higher) | 1:12 (max group size 24) |
| School-age (attending kindergarten or higher) | 1:15 (max group size 30); variance to 1:20 allowed only when a currently certified Delaware teacher teaches school-age children in the teacher's area of certification; no variance from the max group size of 30 |
Immunization Requirements
- Age-appropriate immunizations as required by 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §41.1.4 and detailed in DELACARE Appendix IV (Immunizations), which follows the CDC/ACIP childhood schedule
- DTaP/DT (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
- Polio (IPV)
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Hepatitis B
- Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)
- Health appraisal updated every 13 months (§41.1); proof of blood lead test required for children ages 12 months and older (§41.1.5)
- Religious or medical exemption permitted with a notarized statement or health-care-provider documentation (§41.3)
Background Check Requirements
- Delaware State Police fingerprint-based State Bureau of Identification (SBI) criminal history check before the start of employment (14 DE Admin. Code 933 §28.3)
- FBI fingerprint-based national criminal history check; comprehensive background check reviewed by the Criminal History Unit (CHU) - staff may not be alone with children until CHU reviews the results (§28.3.6)
- Out-of-state fingerprinted state criminal history search and name-based child abuse/neglect registry search for staff who reside outside Delaware or resided out of state during the past 5 years (§28.3.2; comprehensive background check definition, §3.0)
- Adult Abuse Registry check through the Department of Health and Social Services (§28.4)
- Disqualification screening, including Child Protection Registry Level III/IV and offenses under 11 Del.C. §8550 (§28); consistent with federal Child Care and Development Block Grant Act requirements
Inspection Frequency
OCCL has authority to inspect centers, grounds, and files (14 DE Admin. Code 933 §5, Authority to Inspect): visits occur prior to initial licensure, at renewal, and on an as-needed basis including complaint investigations under §12 and enforcement-period visits under §13. The licensee self-conducts monthly evacuation drills (§66.2) and a monthly fire prevention inspection (§66.4).
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under 14 Del.C. §3005A (Penalties for violations, Delaware Child Care Act): OCCL may impose civil penalties not to exceed $1,000 for each violation of §3004A; a person who operates a center without a license may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both (the $1,000 / 6-month criminal tier took effect January 1, 2023). Administratively, under 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §13 (Enforcement Actions), OCCL may issue a corrective action plan, warning of probation (initially up to 6 months, renewable), probation (renewable), immediate license suspension (when children's health, safety, or well-being is in serious/imminent danger), revocation, or denial of a license application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many sections must be in a Delaware childcare parent handbook?
Delaware childcare centers are required to include at least 13 mandatory sections in their parent handbooks per state licensing regulations enforced by the Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL).
Who oversees childcare licensing in Delaware?
Childcare licensing in Delaware is regulated by the Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). You can find official licensing information at https://education.delaware.gov/families/birth-age-5/occl/.
What happens if a Delaware childcare center doesn't have a compliant handbook?
Non-compliance with Delaware parent handbook requirements can result in: Under 14 Del.C. §3005A (Penalties for violations, Delaware Child Care Act): OCCL may impose civil penalties not to exceed $1,000 for each violation of §3004A; a person who operates a center without a license may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both (the $1,000 / 6-month criminal tier took effect January 1, 2023). Administratively, under 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §13 (Enforcement Actions), OCCL may issue a corrective action plan, warning of probation (initially up to 6 months, renewable), probation (renewable), immediate license suspension (when children's health, safety, or well-being is in serious/imminent danger), revocation, or denial of a license application.
How often are Delaware childcare centers inspected?
Delaware childcare centers are subject to the following inspection schedule: OCCL has authority to inspect centers, grounds, and files (14 DE Admin. Code 933 §5, Authority to Inspect): visits occur prior to initial licensure, at renewal, and on an as-needed basis including complaint investigations under §12 and enforcement-period visits under §13. The licensee self-conducts monthly evacuation drills (§66.2) and a monthly fire prevention inspection (§66.4).
Detailed Delaware Requirements
Go deeper on a single Delaware licensing topic — each page covers the statute-cited specifics for that requirement.
Related Tools
Free tools to help your Delaware childcare center stay compliant.
Staff-to-Child Ratio Calculator
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