What is the average cost of daycare in Pennsylvania?
What is the average cost of daycare in Pennsylvania?
$1,000 – $2,000 average cost per month (infant)
$800 – $1,600 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of childcare in Pennsylvania
The average cost of daycare in Pennsylvania is $800 to $2,000 per month or $9,600 to $24,000 per year, depending on your child's age, the type of care, and your location within the state. Childcare costs are higher than average in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and lowest in smaller towns and rural communities.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,000 – $2,000 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| Toddler | $800 – $1,600 | $9,600 – $19,200 |
*For full-time care
Cost of center vs. home daycare in Pennsylvania
Parents can choose between center-based programs and family daycare homes, each offering distinct advantages. Childcare centers provide structured educational programs and comprehensive facilities. Family daycare homes offer personalized attention in a home-like setting with smaller group sizes.
The table below compares the average cost at a daycare center versus a home daycare in Pennsylvania.
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
Home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,400 – $2,000 | $1,000 – $1,200 |
| Toddler | $1,000 – $1,600 | $800 – $1,100 |
*For full-time care
Cost of daycare in Pennsylvania for infants
Infant care in Pennsylvania costs $1,000 to $2,000 per month for full-time care five days per week, with reduced rates available for part-time schedules. Children under 18 months old require intensive supervision and specialized care routines, including feeding, diaper changes, and individualized attention for developmental milestones.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Part-time | $700 – $1,500 |
Cost of childcare in Pennsylvania for toddlers
Toddler childcare in Pennsylvania costs $800 to $1,600 per month for full-time care. Toddler programs accommodate children from 18 months through approximately 3 to 4 years old and focus on social development, early learning activities, and preparation for preschool or kindergarten.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $800 – $1,600 |
| Part-time | $600 – $1,000 |
What affects the cost of daycare in PA?
Several factors affect the cost of childcare in Pennsylvania:
Child's age: Infant care costs more than toddler care due to state-mandated lower child-to-caregiver ratios and the intensive nature of caring for babies under 18 months old.
Location within Pennsylvania: Childcare costs are highest in urban areas like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and their surrounding suburbs. Rural communities throughout the state offer more affordable options.
Center vs. in-home daycare: Licensed childcare centers charge higher rates for their educational curricula, certified teaching staff, purpose-built facilities, and comprehensive programming. Family daycare providers maintain lower overhead costs and offer more affordable rates while providing personalized care in home settings.
Program quality: Centers that offer enhanced educational programming, STEAM activities, foreign language instruction, or specialized enrichment programs charge premium rates for these additional services.
Staff qualifications: Programs that employ teachers with degrees in early childhood education, child development, or related fields command higher prices.
Services and supplies included: Some daycares include meals, snacks, diapers, and educational materials in their base tuition, while others charge separately for these items or require parents to provide them. Centers that offer transportation services or extended hours also charge additional fees.
Discounts: Many daycares offer reduced rates for families enrolling multiple children simultaneously or those paying tuition by the month or year instead of weekly.
Regional daycare costs in Pennsylvania
Childcare costs vary considerably across the state:
Philadelphia metro area: The southeastern region, including Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, has the highest childcare costs in the state, with some parents paying $2,000 to $2,500 per month for infant care and $1,400 to $2,000 per month for toddler care.
Pittsburgh metro area: Western Pennsylvania, centered around Pittsburgh and including Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Washington counties, offers moderate to high childcare pricing.
Lehigh Valley: The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area provides competitive childcare rates that balance affordability with quality programming, making it attractive for families seeking value.
Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania: The state capital region offers moderate pricing with good access to quality childcare programs.
Rural Pennsylvania: Counties in north-central and northwestern Pennsylvania have the most affordable childcare options in the state, though families may encounter fewer provider choices and longer waiting lists.
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 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers several programs to help families afford quality childcare:
Child Care Works (CCW) Program offers subsidized childcare for low-income working families, students, and those participating in job training programs. The program helps cover childcare costs at licensed providers throughout Pennsylvania, with family co-payments based on income and family size.
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides high-quality pre-kindergarten education for 3- and 4-year-old children from low- and moderate-income families at no cost. The program operates in licensed childcare centers, public schools, and Head Start programs across the state.
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 Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance and supportive services to eligible families with children, which can be used toward childcare expenses while parents work or participate in approved training programs.
FAQs about childcare in Pennsylvania
Do daycares in Pennsylvania need a license?
Yes, Pennsylvania requires licensing for most childcare providers. Licensed facilities must meet health and safety standards, maintain appropriate child-to-staff ratios, complete background checks for all employees, and participate in ongoing training and professional development.
Pennsylvania offers three different types of childcare licenses:
Child Day Care Centers: Facilities caring for 7 or more children in a non-residential setting with structured programming and certified staff
Group Child Care Homes: Providers caring for 7 to 12 children in a residential setting with additional safety and operational requirements
Family Child Care Homes: Providers caring for 4 to 6 children not related to the caregiver in a residential setting
Always verify a provider's current license status through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services before enrolling your child.
When are daycares open in Pennsylvania?
Most Pennsylvania daycare centers are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, but hours vary by provider. Some centers open at 7:00 AM to accommodate parents with early work schedules, while others don't open until 8:00 AM. Centers that open earlier tend to close earlier, often at 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM.
Many daycares charge late pickup fees ranging from $3 to $5 per minute for parents who arrive after closing time, so confirm your provider's exact hours and policies to avoid unexpected fees.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating daycare centers in Pennsylvania, follow these steps to help you choose the best provider for your child:
Research potential providers on TrustedCare and Google and read reviews from other families who have used their services.
Schedule visits during operating hours to observe daily activities, interactions between staff and children, and the overall atmosphere of the facility.
Inspect the facility for cleanliness, safety features, age-appropriate equipment, and adequate indoor and outdoor play spaces.
Meet with directors and lead teachers to discuss their qualifications, experience, and educational philosophy.
Review the center's curriculum, daily schedule, and enrichment activities to ensure they align with your child's developmental needs.
Ask about tuition rates, payment schedules, and what services and supplies are included in the base fee.
Verify the facility's current license status and check for any violations or complaints with the state licensing agency.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare centers:
How long have you been in business?
What are your operating hours, holiday schedule, and closure policies?
What is your 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 current CPR and first aid certifications?
What meals and snacks do you provide, and how do you handle food allergies or special dietary needs?
What supplies, materials, and services are included in your tuition rate?
What educational curriculum and enrichment activities do you offer?
How much time do children spend outdoors each day?
What is your policy for sick children?
How do you communicate with parents about their child's daily activities, behavior, and developmental progress?
What is your approach to discipline and behavior management?
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.