How Much Do Preschool Programs Cost?
This guide covers typical US preschool tuition, the factors that change it, and practical ways to compare provider quotes.
Price ranges for common jobs
| Job | What it involves | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time preschool | A few mornings or days weekly | $200 - $600 per month |
| Standard private preschool | Regular half-day or school-day care | $400 - $1,800 per month |
| Full-day preschool | Extended care, meals, and activities | $1,200 - $2,500+ per month |
Ranges are typical, not quotes - the price for your job depends on scope and location, so always confirm with the provider.
What drives the cost up or down
Tuition depends mainly on the number of days and hours, teacher-to-child ratios, curriculum, meals, and whether before- or after-care is included. Private programs in major cities and affluent suburbs often cost more than those in smaller communities.
Registration fees, supplies, field trips, late pickup, summer sessions, and enrollment deposits can add to the advertised tuition. Licensed programs with specialized classrooms or extended operating hours may also charge more.
Ways to pay less
Ask for the full annual cost, including registration, supplies, meals, and holiday closures, rather than comparing monthly tuition alone. Check local school-district programs, employer benefits, sibling discounts, sliding-scale aid, and state or federal childcare assistance.
Request written quotes from several programs and compare schedules and included services line by line. Quotes from checked, reviewed providers on Reedleys are easier to trust when comparing them with these typical ranges.
Common cost questions
Many private programs charge a registration or enrollment deposit to hold a place. Ask whether it is refundable and whether it is applied to tuition.
Programs may offer different hours, staffing ratios, meals, curricula, calendars, and included activities. A lower monthly quote may exclude extended care or school-break coverage.
Some families may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit or use a dependent care flexible spending account. Eligibility depends on household income, work requirements, and the child's care arrangement.
Recognized Preschool Programs businesses
Chicago preschool and educational day care center serving children ages 2-12.
Montessori preschool program serving children in Chicago and nearby neighborhoods.
Montessori preschool and education programs for children from infancy through junior high in Chicago.
Chicago preschool offering early learning for children of all ages.
Chicago preschool and childcare center offering weekday care and education for young children.
Preschool academy offering early childhood education and care in Chicago.
Chicago preschool offering creative, arts-focused early childhood programs for infants and preschoolers.
Bilingual preschool offering play-based early learning and childcare programs in Chicago.
Preschool and childcare center offering Montessori and Reggio-inspired learning for infants through preschoolers.
Chicago preschool offering year-round childcare, early learning, summer camp, school break, and after-school programs.