Typical Daycare Costs

Choosing quality childcare can be a daunting task for any family, particularly when you factor in the high financial and emotional costs involved. It is important for families to know what to look for in a quality program and to make a selection based on both price and program features.

  1. Types

    • The two main types of daycare are childcare centers and family home daycare centers. While both may offer a quality early childhood education (ECE) curriculum, those that have been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children are preferred (see Resources). The NAEYC has established specific program standards that must be met for a center to be accredited. Such standards include "building family and community relationships and "observing, documenting, and assessing to support young children and families."

    Licensed Daycare Rates

    • While accreditation by NAEYC is beneficial, it can add to the cost of care. The cost also varies greatly by location and whether a child will attend full- or part-time. According to a 2006 report by Runzheimer International, a workforce mobility company, "The average [monthly] rate for full-time daycare in the U.S. is $611.43. Cities that are on the highest end, exceeding $1,000 monthly, are Boston and New York City. Rates for these cities are $1006.94 and $1,088.33, respectively. San Juan, PR, San Antonio, TX, and Jackson, MS, are among the most affordable locations with rates of $232.41, $356.67, and $375.56, respectively."

    Head Start and Early Head Start

    • Head Start, a federally funded program, allows children to attend preschool free of cost based on family income (see Resources). According to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, "To be eligible for Head Start services, a child must be at least three years old by the date used to determine eligibility for public school in the community in which the Head Start program is located."

    Considerations

    • Many cities across the United States also offer day care subsidies to offset the high cost of childcare. Eligibility is based on income levels and place of residence. From New York, New York to Seattle, Washington, subsidies are available to families who live within city limits and have qualifying income levels. Local government offices and government web sites provide specific qualifying information for families.

    Warning

    • Quality facilities are governed by licensing regulations; centers are licensed for a specific number of children depending on age. Daycare centers at full capacity are unable to accept new children until a space becomes available. Wait-list times can be as long as an entire year at the most sought-after centers. Local agencies, such as Childcare Resource and Referral, can assist families in finding quality care (see Resources).

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