What is the average cost of daycare in Connecticut?
What is the average cost of daycare in Connecticut?
$1,000 – $2,200 average cost per month (infant)
$900 – $2,000 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in Connecticut
The average cost of childcare in Connecticut is $900 to $2,200 per month or $10,800 to $26,400 per year, depending on the daycare type, your child's age, and your location. Daycare prices are higher in areas like Hartford, Stamford, and coastal Fairfield County and lower in rural zones or small towns.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,000 – $2,200 | $12,000 – $26,400 |
| Toddler | $900 – $2,000 | $10,800 – $24,000 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Center vs. home daycare cost in Connecticut
In Connecticut, center-based daycare is more expensive due to strict staff-to-child ratios, facility costs, and expanded programming. Family or in-home daycare providers charge less and offer smaller class sizes and a homelike environment.
The following table shows the average cost of Connecticut daycare centers compared to in-home daycares.
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
Home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,300 – $2,200 | $1,000 – $1,600 |
| Toddler | $1,000 – $2,000 | $900 – $1,300 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Infant daycare prices in Connecticut
Daycare for infants in Connecticut costs $1,000 to $2,200 per month on average for full-time care five days per week. Infant programs cost the most because of higher supervision requirements. Families who only need care a few days per week will pay less, but availability for part-time infant care can be limited.
The table below shows the average cost of full-time and part-time daycare for infants in Connecticut.
| Schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,000 – $2,200 |
| Part-time | $850 – $1,600 |
Toddler daycare prices in Connecticut
Full-time daycare for toddlers in Connecticut costs $900 to $2,000 per month. Toddler care is slightly less expensive than infant care, but prices still vary widely between urban and rural settings. Programs often include early learning activities to support communication, motor skills, and social development.
The table below shows the average cost of full-time and part-time daycare for toddlers in Connecticut.
| Schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $900 – $2,000 |
| Part-time | $650 – $1,400 |
What affects the cost of daycare in Connecticut?
Several factors influence the total cost of daycare in Connecticut:
Location: Daycares in Fairfield County, Hartford, and other affluent or urban areas tend to be the most expensive. Prices are lower in smaller towns and rural counties.
Included services: Some programs provide meals, diapers, and educational materials; others require parents to supply them.
Program quality: Daycares with enhanced curricula (such as STEM, music, or second-language learning) and premium facilities often charge higher rates.
Type of care: Centers charge more than licensed home daycares because of higher staff qualifications and facility costs.
Schedule: Full-time enrollment costs more, and some providers limit part-time availability, especially for infants.
Extra fees: Expect additional fees for extended hours, optional activities, or late pickups.
You may be able to find lower rates if you enroll siblings together, pay tuition monthly instead of weekly, or if you're a first responder or military family.
Regional differences in Connecticut childcare costs
Daycare costs vary across different areas of Connecticut:
Urban areas: Childcare costs significantly more than averagein urban hubs like Hartford, Stamford, and New Haven, with some families paying $1,500 to $3,000+ per month.
Suburban areas: Daycare costs in affluent suburbs like coastal Fairfield County are often slightly less than in urban centers but still comparatively high.
Rural areas: Small towns like Litchfield, Woodbury, or Kent tend to have the lowest daycare prices in the state due to lower overhead and cost of living. However, families may have fewer providers to choose from, and programs may be smaller in size with more home daycare options.
Daycare vs. other options
Some parents choose alternatives to traditional daycare for scheduling flexibility, including:
A nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,500 to $2,250 per month.
Babysitters are useful for occasional or part-time care. Nanny shares can be helpful for families who want to split the cost of a caregiver who watches children from multiple households.
Childcare assistance in Connecticut
Families in Connecticut may be eligible to receive help for high childcare expenses through the following programs:
Connecticut's Care 4 Kids program offers subsidies to help eligible families offset childcare expenses.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs are federal programs that help children up until age 5. They offer a wide range of free services for families that meet income requirements.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance to eligible families in order to cover daycare expenses.
FAQs about childcare in Connecticut
Do daycares in Connecticut include meals?
Many licensed daycares in Connecticut participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), providing meals and snacks that meet USDA nutrition standards. Meal inclusion varies; some centers include meals in tuition, while others may charge extra or require parents to provide food.
How far in advance do I need to look for daycare in Connecticut?
Scheduling a daycare search in Connecticut ideally starts several months in advance due to limited openings and high demand, especially for infant care.
Is daycare free in Connecticut?
No, daycare in Connecticut is not free. However, some families may get subsidies and reduced rates from childcare assistance programs like Care 4 Kids.
Do all daycares in Connecticut need a license?
Yes, all daycares in Connecticut must be licensed by the state to ensure compliance with health, safety, and nutrition regulations.
How to find the best daycare near you
When looking for a daycare in Connecticut, take these steps to choose the best possible provider for your child:
Research daycare providers on TrustedCare and Google and read reviews from other families.
Visit during normal operating hours to watch activities, observe staff–child interactions, and experience the facility's atmosphere. Check for cleanliness, safety, age-appropriate equipment, and adequate play areas.
Ask about the staff's training, experience, and credentials.
Review the curriculum, daily routine, and enrichment offerings to ensure they support your child's development.
Ask about tuition rates, payment policies, and which services or supplies are included.
Confirm the provider's license status and check with the state agency for any reported violations.
Questions to ask childcare providers
When visiting daycare providers, ask these questions:
How long has the center been in operation?
What are your standard hours, holiday closure dates, and weather-related policies?
What is the current child-to-staff ratio for my child's age group?
What education, training, and certifications do your teachers have?
Do all staff members maintain CPR and first aid certification?
What meals or snacks do you provide, and how do you address dietary restrictions?
Which supplies, materials, and services are included in the tuition fee?
What curriculum and enrichment activities do you offer?
How much outdoor playtime do children get each day?
What is your illness policy?
How do you keep parents informed about daily activities, behavior, and progress?
What approach do you take to discipline and guiding behavior?
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.