Delaware Childcare Licensing

Delaware Childcare Immunization Requirements (2026)

Children enrolled in a licensed Delaware childcare center must show proof of age-appropriate immunization. Delaware requires documentation for 10 vaccine series, with limited medical and legally permitted exemptions.

Licensing Agency

Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Delaware Immunization Requirements: The Specifics

Delaware childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Age-appropriate immunizations as required by 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §41.1.4 and detailed in DELACARE Appendix IV (Immunizations), which follows the CDC/ACIP childhood schedule immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Delaware childcare licensing requires age-appropriate DTaP/DT (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Delaware childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Polio (IPV) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Delaware childcare licensing requires age-appropriate MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Delaware childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Varicella (chickenpox) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Delaware childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Delaware childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Hepatitis B immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Delaware childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Delaware childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Health appraisal updated every 13 months (§41.1); proof of blood lead test required for children ages 12 months and older (§41.1.5) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Delaware childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Religious or medical exemption permitted with a notarized statement or health-care-provider documentation (§41.3) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Delaware Immunization Requirements Checklist

  • Age-appropriate immunizations as required by 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §41.1.4 and detailed in DELACARE Appendix IV (Immunizations), which follows the CDC/ACIP childhood schedule
  • DTaP/DT (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
  • Polio (IPV)
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)
  • Health appraisal updated every 13 months (§41.1); proof of blood lead test required for children ages 12 months and older (§41.1.5)
  • Religious or medical exemption permitted with a notarized statement or health-care-provider documentation (§41.3)

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Delaware Immunization Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

Which vaccines does Delaware require for childcare enrollment?

Delaware requires age-appropriate immunization records for: Age-appropriate immunizations as required by 14 DE Admin. Code 933 §41.1.4 and detailed in DELACARE Appendix IV (Immunizations), which follows the CDC/ACIP childhood schedule, DTaP/DT (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), Polio (IPV), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella (chickenpox), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV), Health appraisal updated every 13 months (§41.1); proof of blood lead test required for children ages 12 months and older (§41.1.5), Religious or medical exemption permitted with a notarized statement or health-care-provider documentation (§41.3).

Are immunization exemptions allowed in Delaware?

Delaware permits documented medical exemptions and, where state law allows, certain non-medical exemptions. Confirm the current exemption rules with the Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL).

When must immunization records be on file in Delaware?

Delaware requires up-to-date immunization documentation at enrollment, with records kept current in each child's file thereafter.

Delaware childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Delaware administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.