Delaware Childcare Licensing
Delaware Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)
Delaware childcare licensing is administered by the Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). A licensed Delaware center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. 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 Licensing Requirements: The Specifics
Delaware childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (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 childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (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 childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (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 childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (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 childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §66 (Emergency Planning).
14 DE Admin. Code 933 §66 (Emergency Planning)
Delaware childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per 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).
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)
Delaware Licensing Requirements at a Glance
| Hours of Operation | 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) |
|---|---|
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §20 (Positive Behavior Management) |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §62 (Child Health Exclusions) |
| Medication Administration Policy | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §63 (Administration of Medication) |
| Emergency Procedures | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §66 (Emergency Planning) |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | 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) |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §71 (Meals and Snacks); see also §21 (Food Service Policy) and §72 (Feeding of Infants) |
| Parent Communication Policy | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §23 (Center Policies-Parent/Guardian Handbook) and §38 (Parent's Right To Know) |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §12 (Complaints); center's own complaint-handling procedure required under §23.1.8 |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §19 (Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements); statutory mandate 16 Del.C. §903 (Reports required) |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §39 (Enrollment) and §40 (Child Files); §23 requires policy/handbook disclosure to parents at enrollment |
| Health and Safety Policies | 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §41 (Child Health Appraisal); Part V Physical Environment, Health and Safety (§§45-72) |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | 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) |
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Delaware Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Delaware?
Childcare licensing in Delaware is regulated by the Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). Official licensing information is published at https://education.delaware.gov/families/birth-age-5/occl/.
How many handbook policy sections does Delaware require?
Delaware requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.
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 happens if a Delaware center is out of 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.
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.