How Much Does Preschool Care Cost?
This guide covers typical preschool care rates, the factors that change them, and practical ways to compare provider quotes.
Common jobs and what they cost
| Job | What it involves | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time preschool | Several mornings or days weekly | $300 - $900 per month |
| Standard full-time preschool | Weekday classroom care | $800 - $1,800 per month |
| Full-day preschool with meals | Longer days and added services | $1,200 - $2,400 per month |
| Extended-hours private program | Early drop-off and late pickup | $1,500 - $3,000+ per month |
Ranges are typical, not quotes - the price for your job depends on scope and location, so always confirm with the provider.
What moves the price
Tuition depends heavily on city, classroom hours, child-to-teacher ratios, and whether care runs year-round or follows a school calendar. Private programs, cooperative schools, and center-based care can price differently, while meals, diapers, transportation, and enrichment may be separate charges.
Infant or toddler care usually costs more than preschool because staffing needs are higher. Registration fees, summer care, extended pickup, field trips, and occasional care can also raise the total.
How to keep the cost down
Ask for the full annual cost, not just monthly tuition, and compare what is included. A shorter schedule, school-year enrollment, sibling discount, employer benefit, or state assistance may reduce the bill.
Request written details about deposits, late fees, withdrawal rules, and holiday closures before enrolling. Comparing two or three quotes from independently reviewed providers on Reedleys shows quickly whether a number is fair.
Price questions, answered
Many programs charge an application, registration, or enrollment deposit. Ask whether it is refundable and whether it is credited toward tuition.
Programs may offer different hours, staffing ratios, calendars, meals, facilities, and teacher qualifications. A lower monthly price may also cover fewer days or exclude common add-on fees.
Sometimes, but not always. Confirm meal policies, pickup grace periods, late charges, and whether extended care is billed separately.
Recognized Preschool Care businesses
A Dallas Lutheran school with early childhood programs, including GROW Preschool and Power Hour.
San Antonio ISD offers free full-day Pre-K and early childhood education in San Antonio.
Washington, DC Spanish immersion child care center for children ages three months to five years.
Bilingual child care and educational programs for children from 2 months to 12 years at five Washington, DC locations.
Year-round early learning and child care for children ages 1 to 5 in northwest Wichita.
Child care and day care with hands-on learning and a curiosity-focused curriculum.
Chicago child care center offering age-based programs, preschool, Pre-K, after-school care, and summer camp.
Chicago home daycare offering early childhood education, imaginative play, outdoor play, and art lessons.
Chicago child care center offering play-based early learning for children from 6 weeks to 12 years.
Chicago daycare offering educational care and early childhood programs.