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Child Day Care Cost

How Much Does Child Day Care Cost?
 
average cost Average: $611/month
 
high cost High: $300+/week
 



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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
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Recent Posts
Amount: $336.00 per month DAYCARE
Posted by: JESSICA in NAPLES, FL.Purchased: August, 2007
Provider: GRACE COMMUNITYChild's Age: 3
THIS IS A REALLY GOOD DAYCARE YOU CAN DROP BY ANYTIME AND KNOW THAT YOUR CHILD IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF.
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Amount: $1,500.00 per month Day Care
Posted by: Julianne in White Plalins, NY.Purchased: 2007
Provider: Bright HorizonsChild's Age: 3
Fabulous day care - very expensive
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Amount: $1,500.00 per month Daycare
Posted by: Jenn in Thornton, CO.Purchased: 2007
Provider: La PetiteChild's Age: 2
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Amount: $624.00 per month Daycare
Posted by: a user in Tulsa, OK.Purchased: September, 2006
Provider: KinderCareChild's Age: 4
Great Daycare...worth every penny
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Amount: $900.00 per month Daycare
Posted by: a user in Parker, CO.Purchased: January, 2008
Provider: Primrose SchoolChild's Age: 4
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Amount: $154.00 per month Daycare
Posted by: Rashieda in Seattle, WA.Purchased: 2007
Provider: Woodinville Childrens CenterChild's Age: 2&3
I pay $154 per month as a co-pay. I receive assistance through the state's childcare program. The city of Seattle also offers subsidy for working parents to offset childcare costs.
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Amount: $1,008.00 per month Daycare
Posted by: a user in Germantown, MD.Purchased: February, 2008
Provider: KinderCareChild's Age: 3
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Amount: $600.00 per month Daycare
Posted by: Jo in Denver, CO.Purchased: 2007
Provider: PrivateChild's Age: Twin 4 yr olds
This lady is a great provider. It was by luck that I found her, unfortunately she doesn't transport to preschool(not headstart)but when compared to $1000-1500 p/mo quotes I got from lower-cost traditional daycare centers (who do not transport either) I got a great deal. By the way I make $130 over the limit for child care assistance. WOW!
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Amount: $1,544.00 per month Daycare
Posted by: Dad in bloomigton, IL.Purchased: 2008
Provider: Little JewelsChild's Age: 2 and 4
Great school
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Amount: $925.00 per month Daycare
Posted by: Robin in Denver, CO.Purchased: 2008
Provider: YMCAChild's Age: 1
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