In the information provided on this page is a basic outline of Delaware Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Delaware. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
DELAWARE Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Delaware Department of Children, Youth and Their Families Office of Child Care Licensing
1825 Faulkland Road Wilmington, DE 19805-1121
https://kids.delaware.gov/occl/pdf/delacare-regulations-center-2019.pdf
(302) 892-5800
License renewal is required every year.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
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< 12 Mos. |
12 – 23 Mos. |
24 – 35 Mos. |
3-4 Years |
4-5 Years |
6+ Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:6 |
1:8 |
1:10 |
1:12 |
1:15 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
280 sf. |
420 sf. |
560 sf. |
700 sf. |
840 sf. |
1050 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child
- The outdoor play area shall be large enough to hold at least 1/4 of licensed of the center at one time
- The outdoor play area has to have a least fifty square feet for each child for the maximum number of children who will use the playground at one time.
- Fencing will be sturdy, safe, and reinforced at intervals giving support. Fenced areas will have at least two exits
Building Code Requirements
2012 International Building Code
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 |
 |
 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
|
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Fire Code Requirements
|
2 |
Every two hours, the children will be provided with a meal or a snack |
30 |
A child care will have natural and artificial lighting. There must be at least thirty-foot candles on the floor where the children’s activities are. |
20 |
An early childhood administrator must be present at least twenty hours a week of the time the childcare is open. |
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Did you know . . .
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A list of numbers to call in emergencies will be posted. This includes; an Ambulance or a medical service, Police, Fire Department, Poison Control, and Child Abuse Report Line. |
 |
Monthly drills will be practiced throughout any time of the day, including nap time. |
 |
Mattresses will be covered in cleanable coverings that are cleaned weekly. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019