What is the average cost of daycare in Ohio?
What is the average cost of daycare in Ohio?
$900 – $2,000 average cost per month (infant)
$750 – $1,500 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in Ohio
Childcare represents both a crucial investment in your child's development and one of the largest expenses many Ohio families face.
The average cost of daycare in Ohio is $750 to $2,000 per month or $9,000 to $24,000 per year, depending on your child's age, whether you choose a childcare center or in-home daycare, and your location within the state. Childcare costs are higher in urban areas like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati than in smaller cities and rural communities throughout Ohio.
| Child’s age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $900 – $2,000 | $10,800 – $24,000 |
| Toddler | $750 – $1,500 | $9,000 – $18,000 |
*For full-day care
Cost of daycare in Ohio for infants
Most daycares classify children under 18 months old as infants. The average cost of daycare for infants in Ohio is $900 to $2,000 per month for full-day care five days per week. Families that opt for fewer days per week or half-day care will pay less.
The table below shows the typical cost of infant childcare in Ohio for various schedules.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month (Full-day care) |
Average cost per month (Half-day care) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days per week | $900 – $2,000 | $700 – $1,400 |
| 3 days per week | $750 – $1,600 | $600 – $1,200 |
| 2 days per week | $500 – $1,200 | $350 – $900 |
Cost of childcare in Ohio for toddlers
The average cost of childcare for toddlers in Ohio is $750 to $1,500 per month for five days per week of full-day care, with lower rates for half-day care or fewer days per week. Toddler programs often incorporate more structured learning and enrichment activities but cost less than infant care due to the lower staffing ratio requirements.
The table below shows the average cost of childcare for toddlers in Ohio for various schedules.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month (Full-day care) |
Average cost per month (Half-day care) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days per week | $750 – $1,500 | $650 – $1,200 |
| 3 days per week | $600 – $1,200 | $500 – $1,000 |
| 2 days per week | $400 – $900 | $300 – $750 |
What affects the cost of daycare in Ohio?
Several factors influence childcare costs in Ohio:
Child's age: Infant care costs significantly more than toddler care due to higher staffing ratios and specialized care needs.
In-home daycare vs. center: Licensed childcare centers cost more than in-home family daycare providers but offer structured programs, trained staff with early childhood education backgrounds, and additional resources like playgrounds and learning materials.
Included services: Some daycare centers include meals, snacks, diapers, and educational supplies in their base rate, while others charge separately for these essentials or require parents to provide their own meals and supplies.
Program quality and accreditation: Daycare centers with national accreditation, specialized curricula, or enhanced teacher qualifications often charge higher fees for their premium services.
Location within Ohio: Daycares in urban areas like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati charge premium rates compared to providers in smaller cities or rural communities.
Discounts: Some daycares offer discounted rates for families enrolling multiple children or for those who pay monthly instead of weekly.
Regional daycare cost variations across Ohio
Childcare costs vary significantly across different parts of the state:
Major metropolitan areas:
Columbus area: Central Ohio's growing economy and population drive higher daycare demand and costs, particularly in suburbs like Dublin, Westerville, and Upper Arlington.
Cleveland area: Daycares in northeast Ohio's established communities, including Shaker Heights, Beachwood, and Strongsville, often command premium pricing.
Cincinnati area: Southwest Ohio's affluent areas like Mason, West Chester, and Blue Ash have higher childcare costs than the regional average.
Mid-sized cities:
Akron, Dayton, Toledo: These cities offer moderate daycare pricing that balances affordability with quality program availability.
Smaller communities and rural areas:
Southeast Ohio, Northwest Ohio farmland, Appalachian regions: These areas have the most affordable childcare rates, though families may have fewer provider options and longer commutes to quality facilities.
Daycare vs. other childcare alternatives
Other childcare options usually cost more than daycare, but they may offer more flexibility to better suit your needs and schedule:
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 Ohio
Ohio offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses:
Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC): The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) provides financial assistance to help low-income working families, students, and job training participants pay for quality childcare.
Ohio Head Start and Early Head Start: These programs serve low-income families with children from birth to age 5, providing comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program provides cash assistance and supportive services to eligible Ohio families with children, which can be used toward childcare expenses.
Cincinnati Preschool Promise: This non-profit organization provides tuition assistance for families in Cincinnati to access quality preschool programs for 4-year-olds. Families who qualify can choose from community-based or Cincinnati Public Schools preschool programs.
Montgomery County Preschool Promise: This initiative ensures all children in Montgomery County can attend at least one year of affordable, high-quality preschool the year before kindergarten. Participating families may receive tuition assistance for 4-year-olds in star-rated programs.
FAQs about childcare in Ohio
Do daycare centers need to be licensed in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio requires licensing for most childcare providers. The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) oversees childcare licensing. The state offers three licensing options:
Child Day-Care Centers provide care for 7 or more children simultaneously and operate out of a facility that is not a private residence.
Type A Family Day-Care Homes can care for 7 to 12 children in the provider's residence.
Type B Family Day-Care Homes can care for up to 6 children (but no more than 3 children under age two) in the provider's residence, including children related to the provider.
Licensed providers must meet health and safety standards, maintain appropriate child-to-staff ratios, conduct background checks, and complete ongoing training requirements. Always verify a provider's current license status before enrollment.
How do I report a daycare in Ohio?
If you have concerns about a licensed childcare facility in Ohio, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Commerce through one of these channels:
Online: Through the Ohio Department of Commerce website
Phone: By calling the Bureau of Workers' Compensation licensing division
Mail: By sending a written complaint to the appropriate regional office
The department investigates all reports and takes appropriate action to ensure children's safety and program compliance with state regulations.
When are daycares open in Ohio?
Most Ohio daycare centers operate Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, though specific hours vary by provider. Some centers offer:
Extended morning hours starting as early as 6:00 AM
Evening care extending until 7:00 PM or later
Limited weekend or holiday care (at premium rates)
Part-time schedules for families needing fewer than five days per week
Always confirm your childcare provider's exact operating hours and holiday closures to avoid late pickup fees, which range from $1 to $5 per minute in Ohio.
Finding the best daycare near you
When evaluating daycare centers in Ohio, follow these steps to help you choose the best provider for your child:
Read reviews of daycares near you on TrustedCare and Google.
Visit the daycares to evaluate the staff and confirm the facility is safe, clean, and in good condition.
Meet with the staff in person to make sure they're welcoming and kind.
Ask about operating hours, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios.
Confirm which supplies and services the base rate includes.
Verify that the daycare is licensed, has passed all inspections, and has no violations.
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 center been open?
What are your hours of operation?
Are you closed on holidays, and if so, which ones?
What is the staff-to-child ratio?
What qualifications and certifications do the staff members have?
Do your staff members have CPR and first aid training?
What meals and snacks do you provide?
Do your rates include any other supplies?
What enrichment activities do you offer?
How much outside playtime do the children get?
Do your staff members send pictures or updates throughout the day?
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.