How to start a preschool in Delaware

Aspiring preschool founders in Delaware should be aware that the state's Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL), operating under the Department of Education, is the primary authority for regulating early care and education and school-age centers. The OCCL's mission is to ensure safeguards and enhance the quality of out-of-home care for children across Delaware. This includes overseeing various types of child care settings, from family child care homes to large child care centers. Familiarity with the DELACARE regulations is essential, as these establish the minimum standards all licensed facilities must adhere to. The OCCL provides comprehensive resources and guidance for those looking to open a child care business, including information sessions and detailed application procedures. Understanding and navigating these regulations, alongside the local business landscape, is key to successfully establishing a new early learning environment in the First State.

Regulations

Health safety: Health and safety regulations in Delaware for child care facilities are extensive, as detailed in the DELACARE regulations. Key areas include safeguarding policies, with explicit requirements for child abuse and neglect reporting. Procedures for medication administration are outlined, including the necessity for an 'administration of medication certificate' for staff. Immunisation requirements for children are mandated, with Appendix IV of the DELACARE regulations providing further detail. Illness exclusion policies are in place to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, as are strict guidelines for child accident and injury reporting. Facilities must also have well-stocked first aid kits and comprehensive emergency plans. Sanitation, handwashing, and standard precautions are rigorously enforced, particularly concerning diapering and soiled clothing, to maintain a hygienic environment.

Licensing overview: The Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) is responsible for regulating and monitoring all licensed child care programmes in Delaware. This includes family child care homes, large family child care homes, and early care and education and school-age centers. The licensing process involves attending information sessions, submitting a comprehensive application, and undergoing several inspections. Initially, facilities receive an Initial Provisional License (for the first six months for all care types in the case of a home or six months for centers) followed by an Annual License upon full compliance, valid for 12 months. Inspections occur prior to licensing, annually, and as needed, with most visits being unannounced. The OCCL investigates all complaints of regulation violations, with outcomes publicly posted as 'substantiated,' 'unsubstantiated,' or 'unsubstantiated with concern.'

Licensing authority: Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) within the Delaware Department of Education

Staff qualifications: Staff qualifications for early care and education and school-age centers in Delaware are detailed in the DELACARE regulations. While specific requirements for lead teachers and assistants are not fully outlined in the provided sources, general human resources and personnel policies are mandated. All staff members are subject to comprehensive background checks, which include searches of state criminal and sex offender registries, state child abuse and neglect registries for all states lived in over the past five years, the national crime information center, and an FBI fingerprint check. Staff must also undergo health appraisals, including TB tests or risk assessments. Ongoing training and professional development plans are required, with annual training mandated. Additionally, specific training in First Aid and CPR is compulsory for relevant staff.

Facility requirements: Facility requirements in Delaware's DELACARE regulations cover various aspects of the physical environment and safety. While specific square footage per child or fixture ratios are not detailed in the provided sources, requirements include provisions for hazardous materials, air quality, heating and cooling, indoor space, kitchen and food preparation areas, and toilet facilities. Dedicated areas for children who become ill are also mandated. Outdoor play areas are a critical component, with specific regulations that include requirements for pools, swimming, and riding toys, ensuring a safe environment. Further, sanitation, handwashing protocols, diapering procedures, and safe sleep environments for infants are explicitly addressed to maintain health standards. All facilities must comply with zoning codes, electrical evaluations, and approvals from the State, Wilmington, or Dover Fire Marshal.

Curriculum requirements: The DELACARE regulations for early care and education and school-age centers in Delaware outline requirements for programme goals and planning, lesson plans, activity areas, and activity schedules. While a specific mandated framework like EYFS or NQF is not detailed in the provided sources, the regulations emphasise the provision of early care and education that supports positive child development. Centers are expected to have a defined curriculum or programming that caters to infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children, focusing on appropriate interactions and activities for each age group. Providers may exceed minimum OCCL standards by joining 'Delaware Stars for Early Success' programs, implying alignment with quality improvement initiatives that often incorporate recognised early learning frameworks. The overall goal is to ensure a programme that provides comprehensive care, education, protection, supervision, and guidance.

Startup costs

Startup costs in Delaware can vary significantly. A small home-based family child care operation might incur lower costs, primarily for renovations to meet safety codes, initial licensing fees (which are not specified but are general), and basic educational supplies. Larger centres, especially those purpose-built or extensively renovated for 60-100 children, face higher expenses including property acquisition or long-term leases, extensive facility modifications to meet stringent DELACARE regulations, comprehensive equipment, and higher initial staffing and marketing outlays. Operating costs are influenced by staffing levels, curriculum materials, utilities, rent/mortgage, and food programs.

Timeline

1. Information Session & Orientation (1-2 months): The initial step involves attending mandatory information sessions and orientation provided by the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). These sessions are crucial for understanding the application process, familiarising yourself with the DELACARE regulations, and clarifying any initial queries. This period also allows for preliminary business planning and identifying the specific type of child care licence you intend to pursue in Delaware. Engage actively to ensure a solid foundation for your application.

2. Application and Documentation Submission (3-6 months): Following orientation, compile and submit your comprehensive application to the OCCL. This stage requires rigorous attention to detail, including providing proof of compliance with zoning codes, lead-based paint and radon hazard clearances, a state business license, and health appraisals for all staff and household members (for home-based care). Comprehensive background checks are also initiated at this point. Gathering all necessary documentation, including a sample two-week menu if meals are provided, is critical for a smooth review process.

3. Facility Inspections and Approvals (2-4 months): After submitting your application, your proposed facility will undergo several critical inspections. This includes evaluations by the State, Wilmington, or Dover Fire Marshal, depending on your location, to ensure fire safety compliance. An electrical evaluation is also a requirement. These checks verify that your prospective child care environment meets all physical environment and safety standards outlined in the DELACARE regulations, moving you closer to securing initial approval for operation.

4. Initial Licensing and Monitoring (6-12 months): Upon successful completion of inspections and documentation review, the OCCL will issue an Initial Provisional License. For centers, an unannounced 60-day visit will occur, and for all types of care, a 6-month unannounced visit is conducted during this initial licensing period. This phase involves ongoing monitoring to ensure consistent adherence to all DELACARE regulations. After this provisional period, if full compliance is maintained, an Annual License, valid for 12 months, will be issued, signifying full operational approval.

5. Ongoing Compliance and Renewal (Annually): Maintaining an Annual License requires continuous adherence to all DELACARE regulations. The OCCL conducts unannounced full compliance review visits annually. It is imperative to address any non-compliances identified during these visits promptly with a time-sensitive action plan. License renewal applications must be submitted on time. Continuous professional development for staff and up-to-date documentation are essential for seamless annual relicensing and maintaining a high-quality early learning environment in Delaware.

6. Delaware Stars for Early Success Enrollment (Ongoing): While not a mandatory licensing step, enrolling in Delaware Stars for Early Success allows providers to exceed minimum OCCL regulations and enhance quality. This quality rating and improvement system provides a framework for continuous improvement, offering resources and support. Participation can lead to increased recognition and potentially higher funding opportunities, benefiting both the program and the children it serves by fostering a commitment to excellence beyond basic compliance. This is an ongoing process of quality enhancement.

Next steps: explore the IPC curriculum, read about preschool enrollment, or browse all start-a-preschool guides.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary regulatory body for child care in Delaware and what are their key responsibilities?

The primary regulatory body for child care in Delaware is the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL), which is part of the Delaware Department of Education. Its mission is to ensure children in out-of-home care are safeguarded and receive high-quality education. The OCCL is responsible for licensing, monitoring, and enforcing DELACARE regulations across all types of child care programmes, including family child care homes, large family child care homes, and child care centers. They also investigate complaints, conduct regular and unannounced inspections, and provide resources for providers and families.

What are the different types of child care licenses available in Delaware?

In Delaware, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) issues licenses for three main types of child care: Family Child Care, Large Family Child Care, and Child Care Centers. 'Family child care' operates in a licensed home, caring for up to nine children, with specific limits based on age and provider's experience level. 'Large family child care' can be in a licensed home or business and accommodates seven to twelve infants/preschoolers plus one to three school-aged children, requiring additional staff. 'Child Care Centers' are business locations serving thirteen or more children, encompassing preschools and before/after school care, with staff-to-child ratios and group sizes based on the youngest child's age in the group.

What are the requirements for background checks for child care staff in Delaware?

All staff and household members (in family and large family homes) involved in licensed child care in Delaware must undergo comprehensive background checks. These checks are extensive and include a search of state criminal and sex offender registries for all states where the individual has resided over the past five years. Additionally, the process involves a search of state child abuse and neglect registries for the same five-year period, a national crime information center search, and a federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint check using the Next Generation Identification system. Finally, a check against the National Sex Offender Registry is also required, ensuring thorough vetting.

Are there specific health and safety requirements for child care facilities in Delaware?

Yes, Delaware's DELACARE regulations include detailed health and safety requirements for child care facilities. These cover various aspects such as proper handling of hazardous materials, maintaining air quality, and ensuring adequate heating and cooling. Facilities must have an area designated for children who become ill. Strict sanitation and handwashing protocols are enforced, as are specific procedures for diapering and managing soiled clothing. Child health exclusions are outlined to prevent illness spread, and there are explicit rules for medication administration, requiring staff certification. Furthermore, facilities must have well-stocked first aid kits and comprehensive emergency plans to ensure child safety.

What kind of inspections can a licensed child care provider expect in Delaware?

In Delaware, licensed child care providers can expect a variety of inspections from the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). These include pre-licensing visits, which are announced. After initial licensure, all other visits are unannounced. This covers initial 60-day visits for centers and 6-month visits for all care types during the provisional license period. Annual full compliance reviews are unannounced, as are complaint visits (standards investigations) which occur whenever a complaint is made to the OCCL. Additionally, enforcement visits are conducted when a provider is under an enforcement action like a warning or probation. The outcomes of complaint investigations are publicly posted.

What is 'Delaware Stars for Early Success' and how does it relate to licensing?

Delaware Stars for Early Success is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system for early care and education and school-age centers in Delaware. While distinct from basic licensing, it allows licensed providers to exceed the minimum standards set by the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). Participation in Delaware Stars demonstrates a commitment to higher quality programming and professional development beyond mere compliance with DELACARE regulations. While the OCCL ensures minimum health and safety, Delaware Stars encourages continuous improvement in areas such as curriculum, staff qualifications, and family engagement, ultimately aiming to enhance outcomes for children.