What is the average cost of daycare in Illinois?
What is the average cost of daycare in Illinois?
$600 – $2,400 average cost per month
$7,200 – $28,800 average cost per year
Average cost of childcare in Illinois
Choosing the right daycare center for your child can make a big difference in terms of safety and education. However, daycare expenses differ widely depending on the kind of program and the services included.
The average cost of daycare in Illinois is $600 to $2,400 per month or $7,200 to $28,800 per year, depending on the location, your child's age, and the days per week you need care. Most daycare centers accept children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. The younger your child is, the more you're likely to pay for childcare.
| Child's age | Average monthly cost* | Average annual cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $900 – $2,400 | $10,500 – $28,800 |
| Toddler | $800 – $1,800 | $9,600 – $21,600 |
| Preschooler | $600 – $1,600 | $7,200 – $19,200 |
*For full-day care
Cost of daycare in Illinois by schedule
If you work full-time and need all-day care 5 days per week for your child, you'll pay more than you would for half days or part-time care. In addition, daycare facilities may calculate their rates differently or charge per week instead of per month.
If you have older children, after-school care costs $150 to $500 per month for school-age kids.
| Days per week | Average cost per month for full days | Average cost per month for half days |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | $1,000 – $2,400 | $800 – $1,900 |
| 3 | $800 – $2,000 | $600 – $1,700 |
| 2 | $600 – $1,600 | $500 – $1,400 |
Some daycares also have drop-in care for about $300 to $1,000 per month. This means you can drop off your child without a set schedule.
Illinois daycare cost factors
Your actual daycare costs will depend on factors like:
Location: Illinois, especially the Chicago area, has some of the highest daycare rates in the country. Daycares in areas with a lower cost of living like Kendall or Cook County generally charge less, while those in areas like Campaign or Monroe County charge more. In comparison, the national average for child care costs is $5,000 to $18,000 annually.
Building quality: Newer facilities or daycare centers with upgraded equipment usually charge more than older or more basic locations. However, it may be worth the extra cost to you.
Staff: Many daycare centers require CPR certifications or a certain amount of experience. This means they provide a safer environment but may cost more.
Special events: Some daycare centers charge higher rates but offer field trips. If your center has a special celebration or holiday party, they may ask for contributions or donations.
Late fees: Many daycare centers charge fees for late payments and late pickups. Make sure your work or school schedule aligns with their operating hours to avoid extra fees.
Supplies: If your child isn't potty-trained yet, you'll have to provide extra diapers, wipes, and spare clothing. Daycares normally change diapers or pull-ups every 2 to 3 hours, so the cost of diapers can add up.
Discounts: Ask your childcare center if they offer any discounts for siblings, military members, or employees. Low-income families may qualify for assistance, too.
Daycare services
Daycare centers vary a bit in the services they provide. Some have more structure and focus on education, while some focus on play-based learning. However, most daycares offer most or all of the following basic services:
Age-appropriate stories or lessons
Arts and crafts projects
Diaper changes
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and snacks)
Naptime
Playtime outside
Potty training
National daycare franchises like KinderCare cost more than average at about $680 to $2,400 per month. This is because of their brand recognition, lesson plans for all ages, and high staff requirements.
Subsidized daycare options for Illinois
There are a few different state and federal programs that can help qualified families pay for childcare. Contact the Illinois Department of Human Services for more information.
Illinois Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): This program helps Illinois residents pay for childcare as long as the parents are working or going to school.
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC): This service provides financial assistance to low-income families.
Head Start / Early Head Start: This federal program offers health services and early childhood education for low-income families. This only helps kids from birth to the age of five.
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP): This is a government-funded preschool program for kids ages 3 to 4 that helps kids get ready for kindergarten.
Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK): This program helps provide high-quality preschool to all children, regardless of their family's income or background.
Childcare in Illinois FAQs
Can a family member get paid for childcare in Illinois?
Some family members can receive payment for providing childcare in Illinois under the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) or Extended Family Support Program. However, if you're a parent or stepparent, you won't qualify for aid. Neither will the child's siblings if they live in the same home.
Is daycare tax deductible in Illinois?
Yes, you can write off daycare expenses in Illinois for children up to 12 years old. With the national Child Care and Dependent Care Credit, you can write off 35% of up to $3,000 for one child or 35% of up to $6,000 for 2+ children.
This tax credit includes money you've paid for traditional daycare, in-home care, summer camp, a nanny, or even a babysitter.
When are daycares usually open in Illinois?
Daycare centers in Illinois are usually open Monday to Friday from around 7 AM to 6 PM, but the exact times vary from location to location. Some centers don't open until 8 AM, and some close earlier or later than average.
Finding daycare centers in Illinois
While searching for daycare centers in Illinois, follow these important steps:
Read parents' reviews on TrustedCare and Google.
Visit the daycare in person and make sure it's a clean, safe environment.
Meet the staff to see whether they're kind and warm.
Check out our Daycare License Lookup guide to confirm the facility is licensed and has no violations.
Get a price quote or contract in writing before your child's first day.
Follow the payment schedule set by the center director.
Questions to ask daycare providers
When interviewing the daycare center director, ask the following questions:
How long have you been working with kids?
How much experience do the teachers have here?
Do all of them have CPR and first aid training?
What class will my child be in? Can I see it?
How many kids are in each of your classes?
What child-to-adult ratios do you follow here?
What discounts or assistance options do you have?
When do you open and close?
Are you open on any holidays?
How much outside play do the kids get?
What kind of food do you usually serve?
Do teachers ever send pictures or updates? How often?
What's your policy for biting, illness, or injuries?
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.