Stay connected with up-to-date information from DIEEC and our state partners. Additionally, this site is where you’ll find health and safety information, including all relevant COVID-19 guidance information for early childhood education programs in Delaware.

Latest News

  1. Are you an enthusiastic early childhood educator with a passion for making a lasting impact? We invite YOU to apply to join the DIEEC Early

  2. Grant funding can offer exciting opportunities for programs, but navigating grants can be challenging. We can help! DIEEC has partnered with the Small Business Development

  3. We are pleased to announce that Kristy Sheffler and Heidi Beck will serve as interim co-directors of DIEEC during Rena Hallam’s term as interim dean

  4. University of Delaware’s Early Learning Center partners with families, communities and the state of Delaware to offer excellent and equitable early care It is one

  5. Rena Hallam to assume leadership as Gary Henry completes term Rena A. Hallam, a professor of human development and family sciences, will serve as interim

DIEEC Updates

State Partner Updates

Health and Safety Updates

The following resources will provide you with the most updated information to operate your program safely during COVID-19.

There are no additional requirements from the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) or the Delaware Department of Health (DPH) due to COVID-19 at this time.

All licensed programs must follow DELACARE regulations set out from the Office of Child Care Licensing. These regulations are found at https://education.delaware.gov/families/birth-age-5/occl/regulations_and_exemptions/.

It is recommended that programs follow the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for early childhood education settings.  Check back frequently, as this guidance continues to be updated.

Information regarding where to get vaccinated in Delaware and vaccine resources can be found here: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/.

Newsletters and Blogs

REACH Newsletter

November 2024

One thing we can all agree on in the early childhood education community is this: Early literacy is a critical building block of child development. The week of November 4 is national Children’s Book Week, and DIEEC staff are excited to be visiting prog

Professional Pursuits

May 2023

Do you remember the first day of being a classroom teacher? I sure do! I was so anxious and couldn’t help but doubt myself; was I ready for this? With so many of you new to the early childhood field, those first day (and year!) jitters are still fresh in your minds. The days are challenging, busy, and very full.

Coach’s Corner

Megan Pallente

January 2023

“It takes a village.” If you have raised a child, you have likely heard this phrase a time or two. The phrase reminds parents/guardians/caregivers that they cannot (and shouldn’t have to) do it all on their own.

Provider Spotlight

November 2024

Seventeen years ago, when Jessica Arce’s daughter was in preschool at the Latin American Community Center in Wilmington, Jessica was a regular volunteer. That volunteering role turned into a paid job at the community center, and she later worked at a l