Delaware childcare costs.
Median weekly prices for full-time care across 3 Delaware counties, from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Infant care at Delaware centers runs about $182 per week at the median, above the national median of $173.
Statewide medians, per child
| Age group | Center, weekly | Center, monthly | Home-based, weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant | $182 | $789 | $156 |
| Toddler | $139 | $602 | $131 |
| Preschool | $145 | $628 | $131 |
| School-age | $111 | $481 | $66 |
Medians across Delaware counties with published prices, most recent study year per county (mostly 2022).
Prices by county
| County | Infant, center | Preschool, center | Infant, home-based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent County | $182/wk | $145/wk | $156/wk |
| New Castle County | $280/wk | $210/wk | $182/wk |
| Sussex County | $182/wk | $145/wk | $155/wk |
Prices are county-level weekly medians for full-time care from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices, shown for each county’s most recent study year in that year’s dollars. Some county figures are federal estimates rather than direct survey results, and actual tuition varies widely by program, schedule, and age policies. This information is a general benchmark only, not a quote or financial advice, and Seedling makes no guarantee of its accuracy or completeness. Always confirm current rates with local providers. Source: the National Database of Childcare Prices (DOL Women's Bureau). Read the full methodology.
Staffing rules drive these prices
Staff-to-child ratios are the biggest cost driver in childcare: Delaware requires one adult for every 4 infants at licensed centers. See the full requirements by age group.
Delaware childcare ratiosCommon questions
How much does childcare cost in Delaware?
The median price for full-time infant care at Delaware centers is about $182 per week, roughly $789 per month, and preschool-age care runs about $145 per week. Prices vary a lot by county, so check your county's page for local figures.
Which Delaware county has the most expensive childcare?
Among counties with published prices, New Castle County has the highest median for center-based infant care at about $280 per week, while Kent County has the lowest at about $182 per week.
Is center-based or home-based care cheaper?
Home-based (family childcare) programs usually charge less than centers for the same age group: in Delaware, the median for infant care is about $156 per week home-based versus $182 at centers. Centers typically offer larger programs and more structured staffing, which is part of the price difference.
Where do these numbers come from?
They are county-level medians for full-time care from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices (DOL Women's Bureau), shown for each county's most recent study year. They are a benchmark, not a quote: actual tuition depends on the program, schedule, and age policies, so always confirm rates with local providers.