🏠Starting Strong: How to Open an In-Home Daycare in Delaware

Dreaming of running your own child care business from the comfort of your #home? Opening an in- #home- #daycare in Delaware is a fulfilling way to make a difference in your community while creating a flexible #career that fits your life. Whether you're passionate about #early-childhood-education or looking to turn your caregiving experience into a licensed business, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — and how to get started on the right foot with the CDA Family Child Care Credential.

📌 Step 1: Understand Delaware’s Licensing Requirements

Delaware’s Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) regulates all licensed child care programs, including family child care #homes. To operate legally as a licensed in- #home-daycare, you’ll need to meet several requirements:

Basic Qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have a high school diploma or GED

• Successfully pass criminal #background-checks

• Complete initial #health-and- #safety training, including CPR and First Aid

Space & Safety Requirements:

• Your home must meet health, fire, and safety standards

• You’ll need adequate indoor and #outdoor space for #play and learning

• You may care for up to 6 children (plus 2 school-age children before/after school), depending on your license type

You can find full licensing information by visiting the Delaware OCCL website.

🎓 Step 2: Earn Your CDA Credential

One of the best ways to prepare for running your own daycare — and meet Delaware’s licensing and quality expectations — is to earn your CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential.

For in-home providers, the most relevant option is the:

👉 CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review

This course is specifically designed for those caring for children in a home setting and includes:

• Competency-based training aligned with national standards

• Portfolio guidance and review

• Preparation for the CDA assessment process

Earning your CDA not only demonstrates professionalism and knowledge, but it can also increase your confidence, credibility, and access to state funding or programs like Delaware Stars for Early Success.

🧾 Step 3: Apply for a Family Child Care License

Once your home is prepared and your training is complete, you'll need to:

1. Submit your license application to OCCL

2. Schedule and pass a home inspection

3. Provide documentation of completed training and #background-checks

4. Meet with a licensing specialist for final approval

Delaware’s licensing process is supportive, with OCCL representatives available to guide you through each step.

📈 Step 4: Grow Your Business

Opening your doors is just the beginning! Running a successful in-home daycare means:

• Creating structured routines and engaging activities

• Building strong relationships with families

• Managing administrative tasks like enrollment, billing, and compliance

• Continuing your education through ongoing training

Many family child care providers choose to participate in Delaware Stars, a quality rating system that offers coaching, financial incentives, and professional #growth opportunities.

🌟 Why Choose an In-Home Daycare?

Opening an in-home daycare offers unique advantages:

• Lower startup costs than center-based programs

• Flexible scheduling that works for your family

• The ability to provide personalized care in a nurturing environment

• The opportunity to turn your passion into a profitable business

Best of all, you’ll be making a meaningful impact on the lives of young children — helping them grow, learn, and thrive.

🚀 Ready to Begin?

Start your journey toward owning a licensed in-home daycare with the support of cdacertification.com. Our CDA Family Child Care Credential course is designed to help you build a strong foundation in child #development, safety, and curriculum planning — all tailored for the unique needs of home-based care providers.

Empower your future, support your community, and do what you love — right from your home.

Let’s get started today at cdacertification.com.