What is the average cost of daycare in Texas?
What is the average cost of daycare in Texas?
$500 – $1,900 average cost per month
$6,000 – $22,800 average cost per year
Average cost of daycare in Texas per month
Choosing the right daycare facility is vital for your child's safety and wellbeing. However, the cost of childcare varies significantly depending on the center and your location.
The average cost of daycare in Texas is $500 to $1,900 per month or $6,000 to $22,800 per year, depending on your child's age and how often they attend. Most daycare centers accept children and infants from 6 weeks to 12 years old. The younger the child, the more you'll pay.
| Child's age | Average cost per month | Average cost per year |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $800 – $1,900 | $9,600 – $22,800 |
| Toddler | $750 – $1,600 | $9,000 – $19,200 |
| Preschooler | $500 – $1,200 | $6,000 – $14,400 |
Cost of childcare in Texas by schedule
Having a child in daycare full-time or 5 days per week costs more than half days or part-time care. Some facilities calculate their rates differently than others, so make sure you get quotes for each center you visit. After-school care costs $150 to $500 per month for school-age kids.
| Daycare type | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Part-time | $500 – $1,200 |
| Full-time | $1,100 – $1,900 |
| After-school care | $150 – $500 |
Many daycares charge $25 to $100 per day for drop-ins, which means you can pick and choose when your child goes to daycare with a more flexible schedule.
Texas daycare cost factors
Texas daycare costs are generally higher than the national average for child care costs which ranges from $5,000 to $18,000 per year. The actual cost for daycare in Texas will depend on several factors:
Location: Major metro areas like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi have a wide range of options and prices, often with higher costs compared to rural areas.
Daycare quality: Newer buildings or upgraded equipment tend to cost more than daycare centers in older or simpler locations, but updated facilities may be worth the extra cost.
Staff experience: Some childcare centers require their staff to have certifications or a certain level of experience. These centers offer a safer environment for your child but usually cost more.
Special events: Some daycare centers offer field trips, celebrations, date nights, or holiday parties. They often charge higher rates or ask for contributions for extra days or activities.
Late fees: Many facilities charge a fee if you're late for pickup, so make sure your schedule aligns with the daycare's operating hours.
Supplies: For younger children, you'll normally have to provide extra diapers, wipes, and spare clothing. Daycare employees must change diapers and pull-ups at least once every 2 to 3 hours, so the cost of diapers can add up.
Discounts: Some daycares offer discounts for military members, employees, or enrolling siblings. Low-income families may also qualify for assistance.
Services
All daycare centers are slightly different in terms of what they offer and which services they provide. Some have more activities or lessons, but most childcare facilities offer most or all of the following:
Age-appropriate lessons
Arts and crafts
Diaper changes
Meals and snacks
Nap(s)
Outside play
Potty training
National daycare franchises like KinderCare cost more than average, about $680 to $2,400 per month. However, they tend to have higher educational standards and staff requirements.
Subsidy options in Texas
Daycare can be a huge financial burden on parents. There are a few state and federal programs that can help ease the stress of paying for daycare:
Child Care Management Services (CCMS): The Texas Workforce Commission oversees the CCMS program, which subsidizes childcare for low-income families.
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC): This national service gives financial assistance to low-income families, allowing parents to work or go to school.
Head Start / Early Head Start: This federal program gives early childhood education and health services to low-income families from birth to age five.
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP): This program is a state-funded preschool for ages 3 to 4 that focuses on getting kids ready for kindergarten and sets them up for academic success.
Childcare in Texas FAQs
Do I qualify for daycare assistance in Texas?
You could be eligible for daycare assistance in Texas if you meet any of the following requirements:
Your family's gross monthly income is below 85% of the state median income.
You or a family member are looking for work.
You or your spouse are attending school (at least 25 hours per week for a single-parent family or 50 hours per week for a two-parent family).
Your family's assets do not exceed $1 million.
You receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
You're a teen parent from a low-income family.
Your child has a disability.
You're currently homeless.
Does foster care pay for daycare in Texas?
All foster parents receive a stipend every month to cover living costs for the children in their care. Foster parents can get extra assistance to help cover daycare through the Texas CCMS program, although sometimes the assistance doesn't cover the full cost.
When are daycares usually open in Texas?
Most daycare centers in Texas are open Monday to Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, but the exact times for each center vary from location to location. Some centers don't open until 7:30 AM and close as late as 7:00 PM.
Do daycares drug test in Texas?
In Texas, each childcare facility establishes its own drug testing policy for employees. Many centers have mandatory testing before they hire staff, while others test randomly or only when there's an allegation of drug abuse.
Finding the best daycare center near you
When looking for daycare centers in Texas, follow these steps:
Visit multiple daycare centers in person. Make sure they're clean and in good condition.
Meet with the staff and teachers to make sure they're kind and warm.
Explore our Daycare License Lookup guide to confirm the daycare center has a license and no violations.
Get a written quote or contract before your child's first day.
Follow the payment schedule you set with the center director.
Questions to ask childcare providers
When talking to a local daycare director, ask the following questions:
How long have you been working with children?
Do your staff have CPR and first aid training?
What class will my child be in?
How many kids are in each class?
What vouchers or assistance options do you accept?
What are your hours of operation?
Are you closed on any holidays? Which ones?
How much outside playtime do the kids get?
What meals and snacks do you provide?
How often do your teachers send pictures or updates?
What's your policy for notifying parents if there's any biting or harm in class?
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.