Delaware Childcare Licensing
Delaware Childcare Daycare Inspection Prep (2026)
Passing a Delaware childcare licensing inspection requires more than paperwork — inspectors arrive unannounced and verify staff-to-child ratios in real time, audit child files for immunization and enrollment records, check handbook compliance, and look for physical safety hazards. 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).
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamDelaware Daycare Inspection Prep: The Specifics
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.
14 DE Admin
The licensee self-conducts monthly evacuation drills (§66.2) and a monthly fire prevention inspection (§66.4).
§66.2
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
14 Del.C. §3
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).
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.
933 §13
During a Delaware childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Infant (under 12 months) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 8).
During a Delaware childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Young toddler (1 year old / 12-23 months) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:6 (max group size 12).
During a Delaware childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Older toddler (2 year old / 24-35 months) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:8 (max group size 16).
During a Delaware childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Young preschool (3 year old / 36-47 months) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:10 (max group size 20).
During a Delaware childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Older preschool (4 year old / 48+ months, not yet attending kindergarten or higher) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:12 (max group size 24).
During a Delaware childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the School-age (attending kindergarten or higher) age group must be staffed at no looser than 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.
Delaware inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Hours of Operation policy (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) 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).
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)
Delaware inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy policy (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §20 (Positive Behavior Management).
14 DE Admin. Code 933 §20 (Positive Behavior Management)
Delaware inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Illness and Exclusion Policy policy (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §62 (Child Health Exclusions).
14 DE Admin. Code 933 §62 (Child Health Exclusions)
Delaware inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Medication Administration Policy policy (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §63 (Administration of Medication).
14 DE Admin. Code 933 §63 (Administration of Medication)
Delaware Daycare Inspection Prep at a Glance
| 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 |
Delaware Daycare Inspection Prep Checklist
- Supervision gaps and ratio violations during breaks, naps, or transitions
- Expired CPR certifications or background checks for staff
- Incomplete child files (missing enrollment forms, immunization records, or emergency contacts)
- Missing or undated fire-drill logs (most states require monthly drills)
- Unsecured cleaning supplies, chemicals, or medications accessible to children
- Outlet covers missing or electrical hazards in child-accessible areas
Go Deeper
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Delaware Daycare Inspection Prep: Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Delaware inspect licensed childcare centers?
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).
What do Delaware inspectors check during a childcare inspection?
Delaware childcare inspectors typically verify: (1) staff-to-child ratios are met for every age group, (2) staff CPR/First Aid certifications and background checks are current, (3) each child's file contains required enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records, (4) fire-drill logs are complete, (5) the parent handbook covers all required policy sections, and (6) the physical environment is free of hazards such as unsecured cleaning supplies and missing outlet covers.
What happens if a Delaware childcare center fails an inspection?
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 can I prepare my Delaware childcare center for an unannounced inspection?
Use the /inspection-check tool on TotReady to run a pre-inspection self-audit. Key areas: confirm all staff ratios are met and documented, verify CPR and background-check expiration dates, audit every child file for completeness, check that fire-drill logs are current, and walk the facility for physical hazards (unsecured chemicals, missing outlet covers, blocked exits).
Which handbook sections do Delaware inspectors verify?
Delaware inspectors check that the parent handbook includes these required sections: Hours of Operation, Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy, Illness and Exclusion Policy, Medication Administration Policy. Each must be present and comply with the cited Delaware administrative code.
Delaware childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Delaware administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.