Daycare / Child Care Center Permit Requirements in Dover, DE
Complete permit and license guide for starting a daycare / child care center in Dover, Kent County, Delaware.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .
Dover / Kent County Requirements
3 requirementsDelaware Office of Child Care Licensing — Child Care Center License
Child care centers in Delaware must be licensed by the Office of Child Care Licensing. Requires background checks, health and fire safety inspections, and staff-to-child ratio compliance.
City of Dover Planning and Inspections Department — Business License
Dover requires a Certificate of Occupancy and applicable business permits for businesses operating within city limits. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.
Kent County / Dover Building and Fire Safety Inspection
Child care centers must pass building inspections for safety, ADA accessibility, fire suppression, and appropriate child-proofing standards.
Delaware State Requirements
2 requirementsDelaware — No Sales Tax
Delaware has no state or local sales tax. Instead, Delaware levies a Gross Receipts Tax on the seller of goods or provider of services, based on total receipts. Register with the Delaware Division of Revenue.
Delaware Background Check Requirement
All staff, volunteers, and household members (for family daycares) in Delaware child care facilities must undergo criminal background checks through the state and FBI.
Federal Requirements
1 requirementEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official Sources
Related Guides
Other business types in Dover, DE
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