How to start a daycare in Delaware.

Delaware Department of Education licenses child care centers in Delaware. These are the steps, each with the state's own page.

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.

Opening a child care center in Delaware, step by step

  1. Attend an information session

    Go to an OCCL information session and orientation to learn the process and rules. You may send someone in your place.

    Source: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers

  2. Send the initial license application

    Fill out the Initial License Application and send it to OCCL.

    Source: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers

  3. Get fire marshal approval

    Get approval from the State Fire Marshal. Inside Wilmington, Newark, New Castle or Dover, it comes from the designated fire marshal.

    Source: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers

  4. Show zoning and occupancy

    Show that you meet zoning codes. Get a certificate of occupancy or use.

    Source: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers

  5. Test for radon

    Show each room used for child care is free of radon hazards, using EPA guidelines.

    Source: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers

  6. Clear background checks

    You, your administrator and your teachers each need a comprehensive background check.

    Source: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers

  7. Get a state business license

    Get a Delaware business license, or show that you are tax exempt.

    Source: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers

  8. Pass the inspection

    A licensing specialist reviews your application and inspects your center.

    Source: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers

At a glance

Who licenses centers
Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). Writes and enforces child care rules, and licenses child care facilities.Source: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers
Child care center
13 or more children, including children related to the licenseeSource: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers
First license
A six-month initial provisional licenseSource: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers
Deed or lease
Needed before the pre-licensing visitSource: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers
Insurance
Liability insurance by the pre-licensing visitSource: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers
Older buildings
A lead-paint risk assessment if built before 1978Source: DELACARE: Regulations for Early Care and Education and School-Age Centers

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Questions, answered

How do I start a daycare in Delaware?

The first step: Attend an information session. All 8 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.

Who licenses child care centers in Delaware?

Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). Writes and enforces child care rules, and licenses child care facilities.

About this page

Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.

This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.

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