Daycare Cost in Delaware (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $1200/month in Delaware. 2% below national avg. Toddler care runs $1050/month, preschool $900/month.
Delaware average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$1200
2% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$1050
$12,600/year
Preschool (center)
$900
$10,800/year
School Age
$750
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$950
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$2,600
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Delaware vs. National Average
How Delaware compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $1,200/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $1,050/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $900/mo |
| School Age — Center | $750/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $950/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $2,600/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Delaware
Full-time infant center care in Delaware costs $14,400/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Delaware families pay $360 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$14,400
Toddler / year
$12,600
Preschool / year
$10,800
School Age / year
$9,000
Childcare Subsidies in Delaware
Delaware participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $6,800/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $900/month.
At Delaware's average infant rate of $1200/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 75% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Delaware
How much does daycare cost in Delaware?
Infant center-based daycare in Delaware averages $1200/month in 2026. That's $30 below the national average of $1230/month — one of the more affordable states for childcare. Toddler care runs $1050/month and preschool $900/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Delaware?
Center-based infant care in Delaware averages $1200/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $950/month — about 21% less. Home-based care typically has smaller groups and more flexible hours. Centers tend to offer more structured programs. Both are licensed by the state.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Delaware?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Delaware averages $2,600/month versus $1200/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $1200 each ($2,400/month) often exceeds a single nanny cost. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator to compare.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Delaware?
Yes — significantly. In Delaware: infant care ($1200/month) → toddler care ($1050/month, 13% drop) → preschool ($900/month, 25% drop from infant) → school age ($750/month, 38% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
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