Here are a few:
Delaware Afterschool Network
The Delaware Afterschool Network, along with its partners, will work to: create a long-term policy voice for afterschool programs; support policies that bolster high-quality programs; and increase public awareness regarding afterschool programs.
Children & Families First
Children & Families First (CFF) is a state-wide, private non-profit, social services agency. Please visit their website to see the many services they offer.
Child Care Resource & Referral Agency (CCR&R) in Delaware. CFF has a database of licensed and legally operating child care program in the State of Delaware. There are multiple ways that the CFF database is used, and can benefit providers, so please list your child care program with Children & Families First (CFF). Remember it is free!
There are three easy ways to list or update your program’s information.
The Early Childhood Interim Scholarship Program
This is an interim program and will run from November 2021 through June 2023. The scholarship program covers coursework and assessment fees for CDA candidates, and tuition and other fees for candidates attending an approved college/university.
Candidates can apply to begin working toward any of the following:
Complete the attached Early Childhood Scholarship Form FY22 to apply.
Questions should be directed to the CFF counselors at scholarships@cffde.org or by phone at 800-734-2388.
Capacity Grant is one of the contracts awarded to CFF by DHSS. The Capacity Grant awards are intended to provide resources that will enhance the quality of care in programs, and build the supply of child care that are in limited supply. Read more about the details and the process to apply. As of Summer of 2021 the Capacity Grant Program was put on hold. Check back for updates.
deaeyc
Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children (deaeyc) is an affiliate of the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the leading membership association for those working with and on behalf of children from birth through age eight. Founded in 1969, deaeyc serves and acts on behalf of the needs, rights, and well-being of all young children and their families in Delaware. Deaeyc has also led the state’s Advocacy work for Early Childhood Education (ECE).
Delaware Department of Education (DOE)
Delaware’s Department of Education’s (DOE) mission is to empower every learner with the highest quality education through shared leadership, innovative practices and exemplary services.
Office of Early Learning (OEL) is a part of DOE that is involved with programs relating to the younger children (birth to 8 years old), their families and child care providers. Their website has a lot of information to read.
Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). When a licensed child care provider serves nutritious meals they can receive reimbursement. The U.S. Department of Agriculture created nutrition guidelines and a way to reward providers who follow them. CACFP ensures that children in licensed child care receive nutritionally balanced meals by reimbursing child care providers for serving meals that follow the guidelines from the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Read more about the
CACFP in Delaware allows Child Care Centers to participate independently through DOE or work with one of the sponsoring agencies listed below. Family Child Care Providers (FCC) must sign an agreement with one of the sponsoring organizations.
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants (ECMHC)
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants (ECMHC) is a way to support young children’s social and emotional development in a child care program. The Division of Prevention and Behavioral Services offers ECMH consultants as a free service. There is a focus on child care programs with children ages 2 through 5 and those with a high number of POC families. All consultants are licensed mental health professionals with experience in early care and education settings. To start the process, complete the Application, and email.
EMAIL: DSCYF_ECMHC@state.de.us
or Mary.Moor@state.de.us
or Call: 302-256-9308
Purchase of Care (POC)
Purchase of Care (POC) is a program that supports families with children by helping with the cost of child care.
If you are a child care facility/provider interested in becoming a POC provider, please contact the DSS Child Care Monitor in your county.
Purchase of Care Provider Handbook_FINAL1_25_2023
Read additional information about Purchase of Care (POC) that was put together by the Institute for Public Administration at the University of Delaware.
Tiered Reimbursement Program
Tiered Reimbursement Program is a separate payment made monthly by the Delaware Department of Education (DOE) to Delaware Stars providers with a level of 3, 4 or 5 who accept POC. The reimbursement rate is determined by the type of program, county, children’s age and the Delaware Star level.
Health Care Assistance for ECE Professionals
Westside Family Healthcare is a community-minded, non-partisan health center located in Delaware. They work with small businesses and individuals to find affordable options for health care. Westside Family Healthcare Health SmallBusinessToolkit
Westside Family Healthcare Health Enrollment Services
Westside Family Healthcare Health Patient Services Flyer
Westside Family Healthcare Health Enrollment Assister
Providers Groups
Each county has a director’s support group (open to any licensed child care program, FCC or Center-Based).
We are all meeting virtually during this time.
Please feel free to share our respective information to programs that would like to connect… please use us as a resource for those that may not be connected.
Included below each contact person’s email for the county-specific director groups.
NCC – Currently not meeting. Check back for more information.
Kent – Patricia Belle-Scruggs – BGCDE – pbelle-scruggs@bgclubs.org
Sussex – Toni Dickerson – Sussex Preschools, Inc – toni.dickerson@outlook.com
Wilmington Early Childhood Education Council Resource Room
WECEC has a Professional Development Resource Center (PDRC) offering early care and education providers resources and services with the goal of increasing the quality of early care and education for the young children in the City of Wilmington. An array of services is available including a professional lending library, die cuts, laminating, scholarships for professional development, mentoring, and many more.
Please contact us by visiting our WECEC PDRC at the Stubbs Early Education Center, Room 203, 1100 North Pine Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 or through email at wececresourcecenter@gmail.com.
