What is the average cost of daycare in Maryland?
What is the average cost of daycare in Maryland?
$1,300 – $2,400 average cost per month (infant)
$900 – $1,600 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of childcare in Maryland
Choosing the right childcare provider is essential for your child's well-being and growth, but prices vary widely based on the type of program and included services.
The average cost of daycare in Maryland is $900 to $2,400 per month or $10,800 to $28,800 per year, depending on your child's age, the type of care you select, and your location within the state. Childcare costs are higher in areas close to Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis compared to rural regions.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,300 – $2,400 | $15,600 – $28,800 |
| Toddler | $900 – $1,600 | $10,800 – $19,200 |
*For full-time care
Cost of center vs. in-home daycare in Maryland
The choice between center-based care and in-home daycare affects both the cost and type of experience your child receives. Center-based programs offer structured curricula, trained staff with early childhood education backgrounds, and comprehensive facilities, while in-home daycare provides a more intimate, family-like environment.
The table below compares the average cost at a daycare center versus an in-home daycare in Maryland.
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
In-home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,400 – $2,400 | $1,300 – $1,600 |
| Toddler | $1,100 – $1,600 | $900 – $1,400 |
*For full-time care
Cost of daycare in Maryland for infants
The average cost of daycare for infants in Maryland is $1,300 to $2,400 per month for full-time care five days per week, with lower rates for part-time care.
Most daycare centers classify children under 18 months old as infants. Infant care requires lower child-to-caregiver ratios and specialized attention, making it the most expensive age group for childcare services.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,300 – $2,400 |
| Part-time | $850 – $1,500 |
Cost of childcare in Maryland for toddlers
The average cost of childcare for toddlers in Maryland is $900 to $1,600 per month for five full-time days per week, or less for half-days or fewer days per week. Toddler programs serve children 18+ months old and incorporate more structured learning and social interaction.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $900 – $1,600 |
| Part-time | $700 – $1,000 |
What affects the cost of daycare in Maryland?
Several factors affect the cost of childcare in Maryland:
Child's age: Infant care costs more than toddler care due to requirements for lower child-to-caregiver ratios and specialized care needs.
Location within Maryland: Daycares in areas with higher costs of living, particularly those near Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Annapolis, charge premium rates compared to providers in smaller towns or rural communities throughout the state.
Center vs. in-home daycare: Childcare centers charge premium rates for their structured programs, certified staff, and advanced facilities. In-home family daycare providers charge less and maintain smaller group sizes but may not offer the same enrichment programs.
Program quality: Daycare centers with enhanced curricula and specialized enrichment programs such as music or foreign language instruction charge more for their premium services.
Staff qualifications and certifications: Programs employing teachers with early childhood education degrees charge higher rates.
Services and supplies included: Some daycare centers include diapers, meals, and educational supplies in their base rate, while others charge separately for these essentials or require parents to provide their own food and supplies. Centers that offer additional services like transportation or extended hours may charge more.
Discounts: Many daycares offer reduced rates for families enrolling multiple children simultaneously, paying tuition by the month instead of the week, or qualifying for employer-sponsored childcare benefits.
Regional daycare costs in Maryland
Childcare costs vary significantly across different parts of Maryland:
Washington D.C. metro area: Montgomery and Prince George's counties have the highest childcare costs in Maryland. Communities like Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, and College Park command premium pricing due to proximity to federal employment centers and high household incomes.
Baltimore metro area: Baltimore City and surrounding counties offer moderate to high childcare pricing. Areas such as Columbia, Ellicott City, and Towson have competitive childcare rates that reflect the region's diverse economy.
Annapolis and Anne Arundel County: Maryland's capital region has higher daycare costs due to government employment and proximity to both Baltimore and Washington D.C.
Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland: These rural areas offer the most affordable childcare rates in the state, though families may have fewer provider options.
Western Maryland: Areas around Hagerstown and Cumberland provide more affordable childcare options while maintaining access to quality programs.
Daycare cost vs. other childcare options
Other childcare alternatives may offer more flexibility to better suit your needs and schedule, but these options cost more than daycare:
A nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,400 to $2,100 per month.
Childcare assistance in Maryland
Maryland offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses:
Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program helps cover childcare costs at licensed providers throughout the state. Note that there is currently a temporary freeze on new applications for the CCS program due to high demand and limited funding.
Maryland Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve low-income families with children from birth to age 5, providing early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services at no cost to eligible families.
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Maryland's version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, provides cash assistance and supportive services to eligible families with children, which parents can use toward childcare expenses while working or participating in approved training programs.
FAQs about childcare in Maryland
Do daycares in Maryland need a license?
Yes, Maryland requires licensing for childcare providers. Licensed providers must meet health and safety standards, pass inspections, maintain the required child-to-staff ratios, and complete ongoing training requirements. Always verify a provider's current license status before enrolling your child.
Maryland offers several types of childcare licenses:
Child Care Center: Operates out of a facility specifically designed for childcare services to provide care in a group setting such as a childcare center, preschool, child development center, nursery school, school age child care, or early learning center
Large Family Child Care: Can care for 9 to 12 children in the provider's residence, with no more than four children under the age of two
Family Child Care: Can care for up to 8 children (including the provider's own children under age six) in the provider's residence, with no more than two children under the age of two
Letters of Compliance (LOC): Can provide care in a childcare center operated by a religious organization for children who attend their school
When are daycares open in Maryland?
Most Maryland daycare centers are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, though specific hours vary by provider. Some centers open as early as 6:00 AM while others remain open until 7:00 PM.
Always confirm your childcare provider's exact operating hours and late pickup policies to avoid additional fees, which can range from $1 to $5+ per minute.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating daycare centers in Maryland, follow these steps to help you choose the best provider for your child:
Read reviews of daycares near you on TrustedCare and Google.
Visit potential daycares during operating hours to observe daily activities and interactions between staff and children.
Confirm the facility is safe, clean, has age-appropriate equipment, and includes adequate indoor and outdoor play spaces.
Meet with directors and teachers to assess their qualifications, experience, and approach to early childhood education.
Review the center's curriculum and enrichment activities to ensure they align with your child's needs and your family's values.
Ask about operating hours, base rates, and services and supplies included.
Confirm the daycare is licensed and has no violations.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare centers:
How long has your daycare center been open?
What are your hours of operation, and which holidays are you closed?
What is your current child-to-staff ratio for my child's age group?
What qualifications and certifications do your teachers have?
Do all staff members maintain current CPR and first aid certifications?
What meals and snacks do you provide, and can you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Which supplies and services does your base tuition rate include?
What enrichment activities and educational programs do you offer?
How much outdoor playtime do children receive daily?
What is your sick child policy?
How do you communicate with parents about their child's daily activities and progress?
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.