Delaware Childcare Licensing
Delaware Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Delaware sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infant (under 12 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 8). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Delaware licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamDelaware Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Delaware, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (under 12 months) age group is 1:4 (max group size 8).
In Delaware, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Young toddler (1 year old / 12-23 months) age group is 1:6 (max group size 12).
In Delaware, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Older toddler (2 year old / 24-35 months) age group is 1:8 (max group size 16).
In Delaware, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Young preschool (3 year old / 36-47 months) age group is 1:10 (max group size 20).
In Delaware, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Older preschool (4 year old / 48+ months, not yet attending kindergarten or higher) age group is 1:12 (max group size 24).
In Delaware, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age (attending kindergarten or higher) age group is 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 sets center maximum group sizes by age band distinct from ratio: infant (under 12 months) 8, young toddler (12-23 months) 12, older toddler (24-35 months) 16, young preschool/3-year-old (36-47 months) 20, older preschool/4-year-old (48 months or older not yet in kindergarten) 24, and school-age 30 (no variance above 30 granted)
no variance above 30 granted
maximum group size need not be maintained when 12 or fewer children are present in the center (DELACARE Regs for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers, Sec. 27 Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision).
DELACARE Regs for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers, Sec. 27 Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision
Delaware Staff-to-Child Ratios 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 |
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Delaware Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Delaware?
Delaware requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 (max group size 8) for the Infant (under 12 months) age group.
Does Delaware cap maximum group size?
Delaware sets center maximum group sizes by age band distinct from ratio: infant (under 12 months) 8, young toddler (12-23 months) 12, older toddler (24-35 months) 16, young preschool/3-year-old (36-47 months) 20, older preschool/4-year-old (48 months or older not yet in kindergarten) 24, and school-age 30 (no variance above 30 granted); maximum group size need not be maintained when 12 or fewer children are present in the center (DELACARE Regs for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers, Sec. 27 Ratios, Group Size, and Supervision).
How many staff do I need for my Delaware classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Delaware ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
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.