First Cubby

Average Cost of Daycare & Preschool in Delaware (2024)

The average cost of daycare in Delaware is about $1,385 a month for an infant and $1,102 a month for a 4-year-old in a licensed center (2024 data).

Center-based preschool for a 4-year-old in Delaware averages $13,218 a year — about $1,102 a month, close to the US average of $12,503. Infant care runs higher (about $16,617/year). Source: Child Care Aware of America, 2024 Affordability Analysis, 2024.

Infant care in Delaware runs about $3,399 more a year than preschool-age care, so the cost usually falls as your child grows. Eligible Delaware families can pay far less — the state's public pre-K, Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP), is free for income- or risk-qualified children — see help paying for preschool in Delaware.

Estimate your preschool cost

Based on Delaware's average — adjust for your child's age, schedule, and program type.

Prices swing with schedule and program type — full-day costs about twice a half-day, and Montessori or private programs run well above a community or church-based one; meals, registration, and materials fees add more. What drives preschool pricing → · How to afford preschool → · Compare the real price →

See also: when your child can start in Delaware · preschool costs in other states.