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.

$500 - $1,800 per weektypical range
Most families pay about $500 - $1,800 per week for regular toddler care, depending on hours and setting. A short babysitting block may cost $75 - $200, while full-time private care can reach $1,200 - $2,500 per week.
Updated Sep 2026

Price ranges for common jobs

JobWhat it involvesTypical range
Occasional babysittingA few hours at home$18 - $35 per hour
Part-time home daycareSeveral weekly half-days$250 - $800 per week
Full-time family daycareRegular weekday group care$500 - $1,200 per week
Toddler center careLicensed center, weekday schedule$800 - $1,800 per week
Private nanny careOne-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

Do toddler care providers require a deposit?

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.

Are meals and diapers included in the rate?

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.

Why do toddler care quotes differ so much?

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

Sunnyside Childcare Center

Chicago child care center offering infant and toddler programs with Montessori-inspired development.

Local Services Chicago, United States
Nuevo Amanecer Child Care and Daycare

Family home daycare serving Chicago's Southwest Side with infant, toddler, and child care programs.

Local Services Chicago, United States
Kiddie College Learning Center

Chicago child care center offering play-based early learning for children from 6 weeks to 12 years.

Local Services Chicago, United States
Baby Sister's Daycare

Home daycare in Chicago offering care for children ages 6 months to 12 years.

Local Services Chicago, United States
My First Steps Daycare

Chicago daycare offering educational care and early childhood programs.

Local Services Chicago, United States
Little Angels Learning Center

Chicago learning center offering infant care, toddler care, preschool, and kindergarten preparation.

Local Services Chicago, United States
Kiddie Korral Academy

Chicago child care academy offering infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-K programs.

Local Services Chicago, United States
Tiny Town for Tots

Chicago daycare and preschool offering early education and child care.

Local Services Chicago, United States
Mary Crane Center Molade

Chicago early care and education programs for children from birth to age 5.

Local Services Chicago, United States
Trina's Little House Daycare

Licensed home-based daycare in Chicago for children ages 6 months to 12 years.

Local Services Chicago, United States
See all Toddler Care businesses →