How much does childcare cost in Georgia?
How much does childcare cost in Georgia?
$950 – $2,200 average cost per month (infant)
$800 – $1,500 average cost per month (toddler)
Average childcare cost in Georgia
Finding quality childcare is one of the most important decisions parents make, but it's also one of the most expensive. In Georgia, daycare costs represent a significant portion of many families' budgets, making it essential to understand what you can expect to pay for different types of care.
The average cost of childcare in Georgia is $800 to $2,200 per month or $9,600 to $26,400 per year, depending on your child's age, the type of facility, and your location within the state. Daycare costs are higher in urban areas like Atlanta than in smaller cities and rural communities.
| Child’s age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $950 – $2,200 | $11,400 – $26,400 |
| Toddler | $800 – $1,500 | $9,600 – $18,000 |
*For full-day care
Cost of daycare in Georgia for infants
Infant care has the highest cost due to the lower child-to-caregiver ratios required for children under 18 months old. The average cost of daycare for infants in Georgia is $950 to $2,200 per month for full-time care five days per week. Monthly costs are lower for half-day care or fewer days per week.
The table below shows the average cost of infant childcare in Georgia for various schedules.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month (Full-day care) |
Average cost per month (Half-day care) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days per week | $950 – $2,200 | $800 – $1,200 |
| 3 days per week | $700 – $1,800 | $600 – $1,000 |
| 2 days per week | $600 – $1,200 | $400 – $850 |
Cost of childcare in Georgia for toddlers
The average cost of childcare for toddlers in Georgia is $800 to $1,500 per month for five days per week of full-day care, with lower costs for fewer days per week or half-day care.
The table below shows the average childcare cost for toddlers in Georgia for various schedules.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month (Full-day care) |
Average cost per month (Half-day care) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days per week | $800 – $1,500 | $650 – $1,000 |
| 3 days per week | $600 – $1,300 | $500 – $900 |
| 2 days per week | $450 – $1,000 | $350 – $800 |
What affects the cost of daycare in Georgia?
The following factors influence childcare costs in Georgia:
Child's age: Daycare costs more for infants than toddlers, as infants need more hands-on care and smaller staff-to-child ratios.
In-home daycare vs. center: Center-based daycares cost more than in-home family daycare providers, but they offer more structured programs, professional staff with early childhood education credentials, and additional amenities like playgrounds and learning centers.
Child-to-caregiver ratios: Facilities that maintain lower ratios than state requirements often charge higher fees, but this allows for more individualized attention and care.
Additional services and amenities: Some daycare centers include meals, diapers, and educational supplies in their base rate, while others charge separately for these items. Premium facilities may offer extras like music classes, foreign language instruction, or specialized curricula.
Hours of operation: Centers with extended hours or those open on weekends charge premium rates for the added convenience.
Regional daycare cost variations in Georgia
Childcare costs vary significantly across Georgia's different regions:
Metro Atlanta: The Atlanta metropolitan area, including counties like Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Cobb, has the highest childcare costs in the state. Premium daycare centers in affluent suburbs like Buckhead, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek often charge at the top of the price range.
Coastal Georgia: Savannah and surrounding coastal communities have moderate pricing, with costs falling in the middle range of statewide averages.
Central Georgia: Cities like Macon and Warner Robins often offer more affordable childcare options while still maintaining quality programs.
North Georgia: Mountain communities and smaller cities in North Georgia frequently have lower childcare costs, though options may be more limited.
South Georgia: Rural areas in South Georgia have the most affordable childcare rates, but families may have fewer choices in terms of providers and program types.
Daycare vs. other childcare options
Other childcare options may offer more flexibility to better suit your needs and schedule but cost more than daycare:
A full-time nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,400 to $2,100 per month.
Childcare assistance in Georgia
Georgia offers several programs to help families manage childcare costs:
Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) is Georgia's primary childcare assistance program, helping eligible low-income families pay for childcare while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance and supportive services to eligible families with children.
Pre-K Program: Georgia's voluntary Pre-K program provides free, high-quality early education for all 4-year-olds in the state, regardless of family income. This program can significantly reduce childcare costs for families with preschool-aged children.
Tax credits: Families may also be eligible for federal and state tax credits, including the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which can help offset childcare expenses.
FAQs about childcare in Georgia
Do daycare centers need to be licensed in Georgia?
Yes, childcare centers and in-home daycare providers in Georgia need to be licensed. There are two types of licenses available:
A Child Care Learning Center (CCLC) provides care for seven or more children and operates out of a facility that is not a private residence.
A Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) provides care for three to six children and operates from a private residence.
Georgia requires licensed childcare providers to meet specific standards for staff qualifications, background checks, health and safety requirements, and child-to-caregiver ratios. Staff members must complete annual training hours, and facilities undergo regular inspections to maintain their licenses.
Does Georgia offer free preschool or Pre-K?
Yes, Georgia's Pre-K program is available to all 4-year-olds in the state at no cost to families. The program operates in partnership with public schools, private childcare centers, and community organizations throughout the state.
How do I report a daycare in Georgia?
If you have concerns about a licensed childcare facility in Georgia, you can file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). You can make a report online through their website, by phone, or by mail. DECAL investigates all complaints and takes appropriate action to ensure children's safety and welfare.
Finding the best daycare near you
When evaluating daycare centers in Georgia, follow these steps to help you find the best care for your child:
Read reviews of daycares near you on TrustedCare and Google.
Confirm the daycare center is licensed, has passed all inspections, and has no violations.
Visit the daycare in person to evaluate the staff and confirm the facility is clean, safe, and in good condition.
Ask the director about staff qualifications, staff-to-child ratios, operating hours, and supplies and services included.
Meet with the staff to make sure they're kind, friendly, and empathetic.
Get a contract in writing before your child's first day.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare centers:
How long has your daycare been open?
What is your staff-to-child ratio?
What qualifications do the staff members have?
Do your staff members have CPR and first aid training?
What are your hours of operation?
Are you closed on holidays, and if so, which ones?
What meals and snacks do you provide?
Do your rates include any other supplies?
What enrichment activities do you offer?
How much outdoor playtime do the children get?
How often do your staff members send pictures or updates?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.