Search over 1,400 topics on CostHelper.com
BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children cars & car maintenance education health & personal care home & garden personal finance pets & pet care small business weddings
CostHelper.com > Babies & Children  > Child Day Care

Child Day Care Cost

How Much Does Child Day Care Cost?

low cost Average: $611/month
low costHigh: $300+/week

Related Topics:

Nanny

Babysitter

Summer Day Camps

Stroller

Diapers

>> All Articles for Babies & Children
 
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are several types of child day care for youth under five: child care in a child's home; care in an organized child care center; or care in a provider's home, also known as family child care. Older children may participate in before- and after-school programs or private summer school programs.
 
Typical costs:
  • Assuming full-time day care for a 2 year old child on weekdays, according to Runzheimer International, the U.S. national average cost for full-time day care is $611 a month.
  • Large cities such as Boston and New York are most expensive, with average daycare costs of a little more than $1,000 a month. Contacting two KinderCares in the San Jose area about infant day care, we received quotes of $300-$330 a week, plus annual fees.
  • Cities like San Antonio, TX, and Jackson, MS, have the lowest average prices, around $350-$400 a month.
Discounts:
Shopping for child day care:
  • The Medem Network offers a list of criteria to consider when selecting child care, including: location, hours, licensing/accreditation, visiting policy, caregiver experience and training, staffing, fees and services.
  • BabyCenter suggests talking to other parents about their experiences with local child care centers.
  • The Better Business Bureau offers a list of child care centers.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
 
Article updated February 2007
  post E-mail post Post  
 

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Page 4 of 4   -   << Previous   1   2   3   4   

Grandmas - are they paid enough
Amount: $1,200.00 per month
Posted by: grandmajane in West Hartford, CT.Posted: August 16th, 2010 08:08PM
Provider: GrandmaChild's Age: 1yr and 4 yrs
I hope someone can help with this topic. I am a SAHG-grandma. I need to be paid to watch my Grandchildren. I want to know how much people have paid for infants, toddlers, preschoolers. I take them to playgroups, nursery school, museums, every week we do a learning experience and a playground. Plus, what I do with them everyday. In spent is what I am paid currently.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Good Daycare BUT Expensive
Amount: $1,722.00 per month
Posted by: Heather P. in Woodbridge, NJ.Posted: August 17th, 2010 02:08PM
Provider: Kinder KastleChild's Age: 4.5 & 1.5
Both of my children have gone to this D/C since they were infants. However, now I'm thinking after this year (our 4.5's last year there), we may pull our 1.5 y/o out. They charge $50 registration fee every Sept. (I saw most other places in our area charge $40), PLUS all 3.5-5 y/o classes have to pay an EXTRA $50 in September & then ANOTHER $50 in January for so-called "learning fees". On top of this, they are raising the prices this year. Which would make our monthly payments (withOUT the 3 extra fees) about $1850/month.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
In-Home Provider
Amount: $488.08 per month
Posted by: Marisa Getz in Hamilton, OH.Posted: August 17th, 2010 06:08PM
Provider: Wee CareChild's Age: 6weeks-12 months
The price posted is for a full time infant ages 6 weeks through 12 months. The part time rate for the same age group is $425.88.
F/T for ages 13 months - 2 years is $544, P/T is 348.08,
F/T for 3 years - 4 years is $486.16, P/T is $380.32,
and school age F/T is $398.72, and P/T is $283.80.
All rates are set by Butler County JFS. This is a certified In-Home Provider.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Childcare Cost
Amount: $450.00 per month
Posted by: Nichole in Quakertown, PA.Posted: September 3rd, 2010 06:09PM
Provider: Life SpanChild's Age: 7
Part-time before/after care. Breakfast is provided daily. Numerous activities are set up for the end of school day to keep children active. Caregivers also help with homework. This is a great program at a great price! Paid $550/month + $64/month membership fee at the local Y and was not impressed!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Childcare cost
Amount: $1,056.00 per month
Posted by: jasminekayla in New Berlin, WI.Posted: September 5th, 2010 09:09PM
Provider: KinderCareChild's Age: 10 and 7
Kids are there only before and after school. Total hours there 11.5 hours per week and they charge me full price
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Childcare costs
Amount: $1,825.00 per month
Posted by: NYCMom in New York, NY.Posted: September 26th, 2010 05:09PM
Provider: Tutortime NYCChild's Age: 2
In NYC daycare costs are about $475 a week or $1800 per month. Hours are 8A - 6P
Nannies are $12-15 per hour per child ...average $700 per week or $2400 a month.
NY does not have subsidized UPK.
Also you have to earn under $25K as a single parent or $50K
as a couple to qualify for govt subsidized programs where your daycare would be about $50 a week or $200 per month.
However there is a year or more waitlist.
Most middle class parents pay more for daycare than rent/ mortgage! If you are Upper Middle Class and make over $200K as a couple & pay an average of $5k per month in rent/mortgage, your daycare costs will be about $2400 per month
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Childcare Costs
Amount: $628.00 per month
Posted by: Happy Mommy in Katy, TX (Houston) in Katy, TX.Posted: October 4th, 2010 08:10AM
Provider: Children's Lighthouse Learning CenterChild's Age: 3
This center is really nice and well kept. I first thought the prices were really high, but considering the location, the prices are average. My child started here when at the age of 2. Within the first week of starting, my child was fully potty trained. Also, I must say my child is much more advanced that other kids in my family. The curriculum they use is AWESOME!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Private in-home daycare
Amount: $500.00 per month
Posted by: Bella's Mommy in Medford, NY.Posted: October 6th, 2010 08:10PM
Provider: Private (in providers home)Child's Age: 2
We have the blessing of family to help with our daughter, and my husband is able to work from home on a day or two when need be, so our provider is a trusted in-home daycare provider (no NYS license as far as I am aware) from my former church, whose children I used to babysit for many years ago. We love & trust the family - so this works for us right now.

Typical is 1:5 ratio ; rarely 1:6, and currenly it is 3 days a week we have our daughter with her. This changes, but the cost is still a great deal lower than any surrounding areas for daycare.

Once preschool pops up...we know the cost will likely sky-rocket.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Kindercare - Elgin IL
Amount: $1,291.00 per month
Posted by: Dee10 in Elgin, IL.Posted: October 20th, 2010 10:10AM
Provider: KindercareChild's Age: 6 months
We switched between 2 KC centers. One was in Naperville IL and our current one is in Elgin, IL. Naperville is about $20 more but both were great with our daughter. She is happy and rested and is crawling already :)
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
day care
Amount: $420.00 per month
Posted by: 33333333333345689 in lacey, WA.Posted: November 4th, 2010 03:11PM
Provider: mini skoolChild's Age: 10
mini skool is the worst day care ever.mrs.jammie was so mean to my chid. do i pay for giving hard time to my child or is it for daycare? mrs.heide was not nice she yells for just good manners.my child fell and NO FIRST AID KIT.I need to pay 420 for after school only.CRAZy.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
am I paying too much
Amount: $1,150.00 per month
Posted by: Kavita in Bridgewater, NJ.Posted: December 3rd, 2010 10:12AM
Provider: Child TimeChild's Age: 19 months
I pay $250 a week and lunch is not included. Wonder if I should ask them to reduce the price.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Child Care
Amount: $400.00 per month
Posted by: Nina Wagner in Lakewood, WA.Posted: December 3rd, 2010 01:12PM
Provider: MyselfChild's Age: It ranges from infant to 4 years old
I am licensed in the state of WA and through the US ARMY to be an in home child care provider. I live on post. McChord AFB. If you are interested let me know. You WILL have to go by CYSS and do the needed paperwork that they require and they will point you in the direction in which you will need to go.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
In home Day care 1 on 1
Amount: $1,300.00 per month
Posted by: MicheStan in Macomb, MI.Posted: December 7th, 2010 07:12AM
Provider: ChrisChild's Age: 8 weeks
I watch an infant in my home for 8 to 9 hours a day.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
What are reasonable rates to charge?
Amount: $0.00 per month
Posted by: Country Grandma in Liberty Hill, TX.Posted: December 12th, 2010 08:12PM
Provider: GrandmotherChild's Age: 9 weeks
I am a retired kindergarten teacher (35 years)and this is my first grandchild. I have offered to babysit for the grandbaby at my home or their home. Hours will range from 6 AM to 2:30 PM for 3 days a week. Sometimes the days will be on the weekends. I want to provide hugs & kisses as well as age appropriate learning experiences. I also do some light housekeeping when the baby sleeps. What is a reasonable rate to charge?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
private day care
Amount: $2,108.00 per month
Posted by: Evergreen in Evergreen, CO.Posted: January 7th, 2011 04:01AM
Provider: Bearly TawlChild's Age: 8 weeks and 3 years
Expensive but necessary. Also have to submit two weeks escrow per child and pay extra annual fees.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Home Daycare
Amount: $105.00 per month
Posted by: Joann in San Antonio, TX.Posted: January 10th, 2011 10:01PM
Provider: Terry MoralesChild's Age: 4
She has been caring for my daughter from the age of 2 months and she works 1 on 1 with the kids, she keeps her kids at a minimum of 4 ONLY, so that is great for 1 on 1 , planning on sending her to school in the cominyear but she will be dropped off for after school care, All others places were going to charge me no less than $200.00, Terry is great with kids!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Daycare costs for a 2yr old too high?
Amount: $1,000.00 per month
Posted by: Michey in Bothell, WA.Posted: January 15th, 2011 08:01PM
Provider: Child's Age: 2
I spend $1000.00 per month for 4 days per week. Will allowance for two weeks of vacation during the year in addition to all school holidays the center not open. Am I paying to much for my toddler?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Kids Haven - Houston TX
Amount: $450.00 per month
Posted by: Happy Mommy in HOUSTON, TX.Posted: January 18th, 2011 07:01PM
Provider: KIDS HAVENChild's Age: 0-13YRS
I have three children (2 yr old twins & 4 yr old) at Kids Haven, it has been the best experience for my children and myself. Always a clean daycare, smells fresh and safety is top priority! This is the most affordable daycare in town! I would recommend this daycare to anyone that is requiring the best environment for their children. OH.. and to add.. this is a brand new facility, with 2 different locations that are very central!

KIDS HAVEN, HOUSTON, TX IS #1!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Over priced!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amount: $784.00 per month
Posted by: not happy in Smyrna, TN.Posted: January 25th, 2011 11:01AM
Provider: LaPetite AcademyChild's Age: Infant
I am very disappointed. This daycare the facility is old and recently had a leak in the infant room. They do not have bouncers or swings so the infants lay in their crib a majority of the day. I would NOT RECOMMEND THIS DAYCARE TO ANYONE!!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Milwaukee WI
Amount: $1,248.00 per month
Posted by: mom in milwaukee in Milwaukee, WI.Posted: January 27th, 2011 12:01PM
Provider: KinderCareChild's Age: 4 months
It's 288 a week for infants and my two year old is an additional 257 a week.
Food is included but we send our own as we use organic for the infant and organic dairy and home cooked meals for the toddler.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Love the center and worth the money
Amount: $799.00 per month
Posted by: laurenkaye in Wexford, PA.Posted: February 14th, 2011 03:02PM
Provider: GoddardChild's Age: 19 month
Three days a week for one child
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Child care
Amount: $1,096.00 per month
Posted by: moshau in Mount Laurel, NJ.Posted: March 8th, 2011 06:03AM
Provider: Kindercare - Mt. LaurelChild's Age: 13 months
Includes lunch, snacks, and milk. I recently switched from another center where I paid $20 less but they did not include any food or milk.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
daycare
Amount: $500.00 per month
Posted by: ann26 in lelland, NC.Posted: March 13th, 2011 08:03AM
Provider: christian daycareChild's Age: 3
My son only goes 3 full days a week!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Parents PAY as If YOU needed to be PAID!!
Amount: $260.00 per month
Posted by: Under Paid Nanny/Housekeeper in Sylmar, CA.Posted: March 28th, 2011 11:03PM
Provider: N/AChild's Age: 7 months
I babysit 4 days a week 8 hrs a day plus a list of house keeping chores and getting underpaid! Only $130 a week. Parents need to realize us babysitters have bills too and gas isnt CHEAP! The same way Parents are trying to save $$$, were trying to make $$$. Watching babies are way more work than toddlers, feeding, changing diapers, bathing, and to top it all off HOUSE CHORES!! COME ON PEOPLE WE DONT WORK FOR FREE, CANT PAY??? WATCH YOUR OWN CHILDREN!! IT'S FREE OF CHARGE...
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Oklahoma Daycare Cost
Amount: $430.00 per month
Posted by: a user in Henryetta, OK.Posted: April 9th, 2011 06:04PM
Provider: Linda's Early Childhood Education CenterChild's Age: 2
$20 a day for 2 meals, snacks, a school-like environment in the morning and fun in the afternoon.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Denver DayCare
Amount: $900.00 per month
Posted by: megansue315 in Lakewood, CO.Posted: May 4th, 2011 01:05PM
Provider: Kinder CareChild's Age: infant
I will be paying $224 per week for 3 days per week for an infant.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
North NJ Daycare Cost
Amount: $1,056.00 per month
Posted by: toddler mother in Saddle Brook, NJ.Posted: May 17th, 2011 04:05PM
Provider: Tutor TimeChild's Age: 3
I am paying $264 per week for full time 8AM to 6PM. Everything is included in the price:meals, snacks, and drinks.

Excellent school and excellent program!!!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
I feel im under paid can i charge more?
Amount: $800.00 per month
Posted by: Jeni in AURORA, CO.Posted: June 29th, 2011 12:06PM
Provider: myselfChild's Age: 10 month 4 yrs
I watch my 4 yr old nephew and my 10 month old niece in my home. They are here 11 hours a day 5 days a week. I'm a stay at home mother/wife (I lost my job after 5 yrs) and have 3 boys (11,5,2) home with me also. I provide preschool type activities, meals, and out side play games. I'm currently getting paid $200 a week/ $800 a month. Every thing I've researched online says i should make about $1000 a month. Looking for advise and help on this topic.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Day Care Cost
Amount: $150.00 per month
Posted by: second mom in Cocoa Beach, FL.Posted: June 30th, 2011 10:06AM
Provider: N/AChild's Age: N/A
I have watched children in my home since my own children were little. I had a high paid job before and never could find decent care. Except my mom and I paid her but actually she gave me a gift. Caring for her grandchild and the gift of peace of mind while I was at work.

Over the last 20 plus years of watching other people's children I have had excellent and kindhearted people I work for but I must say 95% do not want to pay what they should. They pay a teen more than I get when they go out.

My wisdom for people working is to realize you want to keep your job for whatever reasons and need peace of mind. Realize you will not always be paying this money. One day your precious gems will be older and would you rather look back and know you had an excellent caregiver who not only cared for your child(ren) but played with them, took them places, taught them wisdom and loved them like you do. At least I fall in love with all the 80 plus kids I have kept. We also offer one special thing parents have a hard time doing. Disciplining and teaching them rules and respect. Most decent caregivers give their employer more than you could ever pay the caregiver.

Be thankful and love your nanny/ caregiver.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Daycare Cost vs. Peace of Mind/ "Babysitter vs. "Professional Childcare Provider"
Amount: $400.00 per month
Posted by: Frustrated with Parents Looking to save a buck in Salem, OR.Posted: August 9th, 2011 07:08PM
Provider: Salem OR Preschool/DaycareChild's Age: 2-12 yrs
I have done childcare for 13 years now. I run a full preschool for 2-5 year olds and I run before and after school programs for 6-12 year olds. I transport all my kids to and from school, I offer all meals and snacks, I take them on field trips some at parents expense, but most at my own. I provide arts & crafts, games, learning, work books, nutritional learning, spelling, spanish, history, reading and so much more. I make all my kids a birthday cake birthday. I even help parents with clothes and extra ordinary things for their kids. But yet I still come across parents always looking for something "Cheaper" vs. "Quality". I even run my rates along side DHS rates due to the crushing ecomony, to still be able to pay my bills and still be a quality childcare/preschool for my parents/kids. Yet I still run across parents trying to find something "Cheaper". It is frustrating, but we can only do what we can do and we will never make everyone happy I guess. I even let my parents pick the day or days to make their payments. Maybe I offer to much for too littl,e that it underminds the quality of my program? However, my program is always full, but I still feel like I need to be on the lookout for new recruits due to parents looking for a "babysitter" versus a "professional childcare provider". I don't think alot of parents know the difference. A babsitter is someone you pay to come to your house so you can have a date night with your significant other. A "professional childcare provider" is trained to be the best influence and have the best interest in your most valuable treasure in the whole world, your child. Anyways, I feel better having vented all that. So to all you over worked, under paid and under appreciated professional child care providers, keep up the good work, because it is the kids who needs us the most while they have us, so give them all you got because they will remember you!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Child care
Amount: $900.00 per month
Posted by: Elena in Philly, PA.Posted: August 10th, 2011 06:08AM
Provider: DaycareChild's Age: 14 months
Daycare is $205 per week, the total of about $820-900 per month. 5 days a week, 7am - 5pm, 3 meals included. If the baby is absent all week you pay half price
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Child Care Expense
Amount: $2,100.00 per month
Posted by: a user in Milwaukee, WI.Posted: October 31st, 2011 04:10PM
Provider: Day Care CenterChild's Age: 10 months and 4 years
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Peace of Mind
Amount: $320.00 per month
Posted by: Fortunate in Chicago in Chicago, IL.Posted: December 16th, 2011 06:12AM
Provider: Home ProviderChild's Age: 14 months
I was fortunate to have my mother step in to take care of my daughter when I returned back to work. I had the pleasure of staying home with my daughter for 4 months. There is nothing better than having peace of mind!!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam

Page 4 of 4   -   << Previous   1   2   3   4   
 

Comment On Your Experience With Child Day Care
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  * per month
Provider: Child's Age: 
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 


More Articles in Babies & Children - Infant Health, Childcare & Activities

Search More Than 1,400 Topics on CostHelper.com