How Much Does Toddler Care Cost?
Toddler care prices depend on the care setting, schedule, provider experience, child-to-adult ratio, and local demand, so compare detailed quotes before booking.
Price ranges for common jobs
| Job | What it involves | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional babysitting | A few hours at home | $18 - $35 per hour |
| Part-time home daycare | Several weekly half-days | $250 - $800 per week |
| Full-time family daycare | Regular weekday group care | $500 - $1,200 per week |
| Toddler center care | Licensed center, weekday schedule | $800 - $1,800 per week |
| Private nanny care | One-on-one in-home care | $1,200 - $2,500 per week |
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
The biggest price drivers are hours, location, and the care arrangement. Centers and family daycare homes usually cost less per child than a private nanny because costs are shared across several children. Infant and toddler rooms can cost more than care for older children because they require closer supervision and smaller group sizes.
Extra charges may cover meals, diapers, late pickup, registration, holiday care, transportation, or occasional evening and weekend hours. A provider's experience, licensing, background checks, activities, and child-to-adult ratio can also affect the quoted rate.
Ways to pay less
Ask for an itemized quote that separates tuition, registration, supplies, meals, and late fees. Comparing full-time and part-time schedules on the same weekly basis can reveal which option actually costs less.
Book ahead, ask about sibling discounts or prepaid-term savings, and avoid paying for unused hours when a flexible schedule is available. Collecting quotes through Reedleys means every number comes from a real, checked listing.
Common cost questions
Many centers and home daycares charge a registration fee or deposit to reserve a space. Ask whether it is refundable and whether it is applied to the first billing period.
Some providers include meals and basic supplies, while others bill them separately or require families to bring them. Confirm what is included before comparing weekly totals.
Quotes reflect differences in schedule, group size, licensing, caregiver experience, location, and included services. Private one-on-one care generally costs more than shared group care.
Recognized Toddler Care businesses
Chicago child care center offering infant and toddler programs with Montessori-inspired development.
Family home daycare serving Chicago's Southwest Side with infant, toddler, and child care programs.
Chicago child care center offering play-based early learning for children from 6 weeks to 12 years.
Home daycare in Chicago offering care for children ages 6 months to 12 years.
Chicago daycare offering educational care and early childhood programs.
Chicago learning center offering infant care, toddler care, preschool, and kindergarten preparation.
Chicago child care academy offering infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-K programs.
Chicago daycare and preschool offering early education and child care.
Chicago early care and education programs for children from birth to age 5.
Licensed home-based daycare in Chicago for children ages 6 months to 12 years.




