Delaware Code
Chapter 30A. The Delaware Child Care Act
§ 3002A. Definitions [Effective July 1, 2024].

For the purpose of this chapter:

(1) a. “Child care” means an individual or entity that meets all of the following:

1. Has in custody or control 1 child or more under the age of 18 years, unattended by parent or guardian, for the purpose of providing care, education, protection, supervision, or guidance.
2. Is compensated for the individual's or entity's services.
3. Holds the individual's or entity's self out as conducting child care.
b. “Child care” includes all of the following:

1. Family child care homes.
2. Large family child care homes.
3. Child care centers, including early education programs for children below the grade of kindergarten that are operated by public or private schools.
4. Child placing agencies.
5. Residential child care facilities.
6. Day treatment programs.
7. Child care programs operating part-day or full-day.
c. “Child care” does not include individual foster or adoptive homes in which children have been placed by a State-licensed child placing agency.
(2) “Department” means the Department of Education.
(3) “Entity” means an estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or other legal entity.
(4) “OCCL” means the Office of Child Care Licensing within the Department of Education.