Child Care Licensing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who must be licensed?
- How do I become licensed?
- How much does this cost?
- Can I see what is
in the Compliance files?
Any person, association, agency or organization which:
1. Has in custody or control 1 child or more under the age of 18 years, unattended by parent or guardian, for the purpose of providing such child or children with care, education, protection, supervision or guidance;
2. Is compensated for their services;
3. Advertises or holds himself, herself or itself out as conducting such child care;
b. The provision of, or arranging for, the placement of children in foster care homes, adoptive homes or supervised independent living arrangements; and
c. Family child care homes, large family child care homes, day care centers, child placing agencies, residential child care facilities and day treatment programs as currently defined by regulation. Day-care centers operating part- or full-day are subject to licensure. Homes in which children have been placed by any child placing agency properly licensed to place children in this State shall not be regarded as "child care."
Contact the Office of Child Care Licensing. If interested in opening a child care program in New Castle County contact:
Office of Child Care Licensing
1825 Faulkland Road
Wilmington, DE 19805
(302) 892-5800For information for Kent and Sussex Counties contact: :
Office of Child Care Licensing
821 Silver Lake Boulevard Suite 102
Dover, DE 19904
(302) 739-5487Information will be given to anyone interested in the process. In the application packet there will be material to assist you in completing the requirements. Once an interested person or organization feels ready to move forward with licensure they will be invited to an “orientation”. Orientation is designed to review regulations, provide resource information and discuss the importance and responsibilities of child care.
Before a license is issued the Office of Child Care Licensing must make a thorough investigation and determined in accordance with Delacare Rules and Requirements:
- The good character and intention of the applicant or applicants;
- That the individual home or facility meets the physical, social, moral, mental and educational needs of the average child;
- Whether the rules and requirements of the Office of Child Care Licensing are properly met; and
- That the required criminal background checks are completed and approved.
In the case of an institution, agency, association or organization, no license shall be issued until the Office of Child Care Licensing until, in addition to the above, before issuing a license for a facility or agency, the following will be included in a thorough investigation and has made a favorable determination of:
- The present and prospective need of the service rendered;
- The employment of capable, trained and experienced workers;
- Sufficient financial backing to ensure effective work;
- The probability of the service being continued for a reasonable period of time;
- Whether the methods used and disposition made of the children served will be to their best interests and that of society;
- That the required criminal background checks are completed and approved. This includes a check of you and all your household members against the Child Abuse Registry system, Adult Abuse Registry, the State Police Bureau of Identification and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
For the specific requirements of each type of care go to the Resources page on this website.
How much does a Child Care License cost?
There is no fee for the licensing service with the Office of Child Care Licensing. However, there may be expenses incurred in order to meet some licensing requirements and to comply with Health, Fire, State and Local laws, ordinances and requirements.
Can I see what is in the Compliance files?
The Office of Child Care Licensing maintains a compliance file on each licensed facility. Each file includes copies of compliance reviews, applications for licensure, and reports of any complaints filed against the facility. These files are available for public review. If you wish to review a file, you should contact one of the Licensing Offices to schedule a time to review the file. You may contact the Office either by letter or telephone. You will be asked to put your request in writing prior to actually reviewing the file. Should you wish to have copies of documents in the record, there is a per page charge for the copying. The cost per page is $0.25(25 cents).
Notice: These files will soon be available on this website - check back frequently for this additional service!
