According to CCAoA’s Catalyzing Growth: Using Data to Change Child Care report, the cost of child care is one of the highest in a family’s monthly budget. In three out of four regions, the annual price of center‑based child care for an infant exceeds the cost of housing. In all four regions, the annual price of child care exceeds the annual cost of in‑state tuition at a public four‑year university.
Quality child care provides a safe and nurturing learning environment where children can explore and grow. However, quality care often has a higher cost for families. When you need child care, it’s important to know what resources are available to help you pay for high quality care where you live.