How Much Does Daycare Cost? Understanding the Cost of Childcare

Choosing the right childcare is an important decision for parents. As one of the largest expenses for families, it’s crucial to find a place that not only fits your budget but also provides a safe and welcoming environment for your child to learn and grow in. The right daycare lays the foundation for your child’s future, making it essential to carefully consider all factors, including cost.

The cost of daycare in the United States varies widely depending on location, the type of care you choose, and the age of the child. In many states, pricing can change depending on whether you’re in a city, suburban area or small town. Costs can also be higher if you choose a daycare program that offers specialized care, such as language immersion or a unique educational program. 

At Casa de Corazón, we provide more than just childcare. As a Spanish immersion school and daycare, we offer a stimulating bilingual environment that gives children the chance to learn in both English and Spanish from a young age. This specialized care and curriculum may increase costs when comparing to other programs and care facilities. 

Average cost of infant daycare 

Infants can begin attending daycare as early as six weeks old, though there’s no requirement to start this early. While the appropriate age to transition to toddler programs can vary based on individual needs and location, most children make this shift around 17 months at Casa de Corazón.

In 2023, the national average cost for childcare was around $225 per week, totaling about $11,582 per year. Care for infants tends to be more expensive than for other age groups. In Minnesota, the average weekly cost for infant center-based care was $387, or $20,129 annually. In Wisconsin, costs were lower, averaging $261 per week, or $13,572 per year. Part-time or drop-in care rates can vary. 

Learn more about our infant program 

Learn more about the importance of early childhood education 

Average cost of toddler daycare 

The average ages in our toddler program range from 16 to 33 months.

The cost of care for toddlers tends to be a bit less. In 2023, the weekly rate for center-based toddler care in Minnesota averaged $342, or $17,784 annually. In Wisconsin, the average weekly cost was $236, totaling $12,272 per year. 

Learn more about our toddler program

Average cost of daycare in the US, Minnesota, and Wisconsin 

How to lower the cost of daycare 

Finding affordable childcare can be challenging, but there are ways to ease the financial burden without compromising on quality. Discounts, assistance programs, and employee benefits are all potential ways to make daycare more affordable for your family.

Sibling discounts 

Many daycare centers offer sibling discounts, which can help reduce costs if you have more than one child enrolled. At Casa de Corazón, several of our centers provide these discounts, making it easier for families with multiple children. Locations that offer sibling discounts include:

• St. Paul, MN – Highland Park 

• Edina, MN – 50^th and France 

• Madison, WI 

• Glendale, WI 

Service discounts 

If you’re a member of the military, police, fire department, EMS, or another public service, you may be eligible for service discounts at many daycare centers. Casa de Corazón is proud to support those who serve by offering discounts at several of our locations, including our Shorewood, WI center. 

Tax breaks 

You may also qualify for a child and dependent care credit, which can help offset daycare costs. Your federal income tax may be reduced by claiming the Credit for Child and Dependent Care expenses on your tax return. For more information, visit the IRS website to see if you qualify and learn how to apply. 

State-sponsored assistance programs 

State-sponsored assistance programs can be a valuable resource when it comes to childcare costs. For families in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy program provides assistance based on income and family size. In Minnesota, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) offers similar support to eligible families. These programs can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses, making quality daycare more accessible and manageable. 

Contact your employer and HR department 

Certain employee benefits packages may include provisions for childcare, such as dependent care accounts or employer-sponsored childcare programs. It’s a good idea to check with your HR department to see if any of these options are available to you. By taking advantage of these benefits, you can further reduce the cost of daycare, making it more affordable for your family. 

Cost of daycare at Casa de Corazón 

While specific pricing for our centers is provided directly to families, we ensure that all costs are communicated clearly after a private tour of our facilities.

At Casa de Corazon we offer an enriching daycare experience designed to support early childhood development in a bilingual setting. In addition to language immersion, we also emphasize a holistic approach to care, including organic food preparation and a commitment to creating a nurturing environment. We also make it easy to stay updated on daily reports, calendars, and more via our Casa App. For more details on our food program, curriculum, and other core values, or to explore our Spanish immersion program, we invite you to schedule a tour or request information through our contact page.