Delaware County, PA Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Certified by
- PA Dept of Human Services
- Governing rule
- 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290
- Family home size
- 4 to 6 unrelated children
- Clearances
- All household adults 18+
- County role
- None (zoning is municipal)
Summary
A home daycare in Delaware County is certified by the PA Department of Human Services, not the county. Caring for four to six unrelated children requires a DHS family child care home certificate of compliance under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290, plus compliance with municipal zoning.
An applicant shall obtain a valid certificate of compliance to operate a family child care home to care for four, five or six unrelated children at a specific location.
Full Breakdown
State law controls home child care. Under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290, a home caring for four, five, or six unrelated children is a 'family child care home' and must hold a DHS certificate of compliance; caring for seven or more triggers group or child-care-center rules. Applicants complete DHS orientation, background clearances for all household members 18 and older, and health-and-safety inspections. Delaware County does not certify daycares, but your municipal zoning ordinance under the MPC may treat a family child care home as a permitted or special-exception use.
Violations & Fines
Operating a family child care home without a DHS certificate of compliance is unlawful and subject to state enforcement, fines, and closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Delaware County license my home daycare?
How many children can I watch?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Delaware County
Compare Delaware County to another location·View the Pennsylvania home business overview
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