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.

DIEEC News

Latest News

  1. Experts from the College of Education and Human Development share research and guidance for supporting children as they reach new K-12 milestones

    Getting back into the school routine can be challenging, but the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development has expert advice to help.

  2. What Benefits Do Family Child Care Networks Bring?  

    DIEEC is honored to be featured in the National Early Care & Education Work Center’s monthly newsletter, Research Snacks. Their latest issue highlights the vital

  3. Summer Fun with Reading

    One of DIEEC’s very own professional development coordinators, Rebecca Joella, was recently featured in a UDaily article! Rebecca and University of Delaware College of Education

  4. Empowering UD Student-Parents

    The Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) is proud to partner with the Early Learning Center (ELC) on the CCAMPIS program. This initiative

  5. DIEEC Leadership Updates

    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

All News

DIEEC Updates

Earlier Updates

State Partner Updates

Earlier 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

September 2025

The growing season for many crops may be coming to an end as we move into autumn, but at DIEEC, opportunities for growth are going strong. Perhaps you’ve been thinking about returning to school for a degree; you can find information on scholarship opti

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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.

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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.

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Provider Spotlight

September 2025

Like many other family child care educators, Kena Trader got her start in the field when she experienced difficulty finding high-quality care for her own children. She left her job in a medical facility and began providing child care through Delaware’s

 

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