Stay connected with up-to-date information
The focus of this page is to provide you with a “one stop shop” for recent updates 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.
The Delaware Department of Education’s (DDOE) Office of Early Learning (OEL) would like you to consider applying for Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP) and/or Redding “seats” for your program. If you’re unsure at this time, attending the voluntary pre-bid meeting (took place on January 25, 2023) could help you better understand the process and the expectations, and inform your decision to apply. Please see the flyer here.
In partnership with the DDOE and the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC), we’ve created a bidder’s companion guide to the Redding and ECAP Request for Proposal (RFP) which will help guide you through the process, highlighting some important aspects throughout the RFP. This includes a checklist of what you’ll need to submit, should you decide to apply.
Guiding questions, developed in partnership with the DDOE, are available to support potential partners in thinking through what comprehensive services look like in their program.
DIEEC associate director (leadership & administration), Jen Potts, recently sat down to get some general information on state-funded early care and education programs as well as some answers to commonly-asked questions. Check it out below:
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. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-childcare-guidance.html
Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccines is located here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
Information regarding where to get vaccinated in Delaware and vaccine resources can be found here: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/.
2023:
February 1, 2023 – Let’s Go Outside Spring 2023 Application
January 27, 2023 – Supports for New Staff
January 23, 2023 – Let’s Go Outside Update
2022:
October 18, 2022 – 1st State Family Child Care Conference Registration
September 28, 2022 – Children’s Book Week Registration
July 15, 2022 – Let’s Go Outside Round Two Announcement
July 7, 2022 – COVID-19 Test Kit Expiration Update
July 5, 2022 – Family Child Care Networks Survey Information & Reminder
June 1, 2022 – COVID-19 Test Kit Information & Distribution Details
April 15, 2022 – Let’s Go Outside Round 1 Announcement
March 9, April 12, and April 13, 2022 Updates – Working with DIEEC Webinar Recording Information
2023:
2022:
August 10, 2022 – August Provider Call Information
August 8, 2022 – Tiered Reimbursement Update
August 4, 2022 – On-Site Intervention Services
July 19, 2022 – Developmental Screening Information & Resources
June 9, 2022 – May Provider Call Minutes
May 27, 2022 – Delaware Child Care Bonus Application Information
May 26, 2022 – Formula Shortage Update
May 18, 2022 – Infant Formula Supply Shortage Supports
May 17, 2022 – Tiered Reimbursement Update
May 4, 2022 – Thank You to Dr. Kimberly Krzanowski, Office of Early Learning
May 2, 2022 – Teacher Appreciation Message from the Office of Early Learning
May 11, 2022 – April Provider Call Minutes
April 11, 2022 – March Provider Call Minutes
Have questions? Give us a call at (302) 831-3239 or send us an email at ecinsitute@udel.edu.
