What is the average cost of daycare in Virginia?
What is the average cost of daycare in Virginia?
$1,100 – $2,000 average cost per month (infant)
$800 – $1,600 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in Virginia
The average cost of daycare in Virginia is $800 to $2,000 per month or $9,600 to $24,000 per year, depending on your child's age, the type of provider, and where you live in the state. Childcare costs are higher in metropolitan areas and in Northern Virginia near Washington D.C. compared to smaller cities and rural communities.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,100 – $2,000 | $13,200 – $24,000 |
| Toddler | $800 – $1,600 | $9,600 – $19,200 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Cost of center vs. home daycare in Virginia
The type of provider you choose affects both the cost and your child's experience. Daycare centers offer structured educational programs, staff with early childhood development training, and larger facilities designed for learning and play. Home daycares offer a more personal, family-style environment with smaller group sizes and more individualized attention.
The table below shows the average cost at a daycare center versus an in-home daycare in Virginia.
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
Home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,400 – $2,000 | $1,100 – $1,600 |
| Toddler | $1,000 – $1,600 | $800 – $1,300 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Infant daycare cost in Virginia
Daycare for infants in Virginia costs $1,100 to $2,000 per month on average for full-time care five days per week, with lower prices for half-day care or fewer days per week. Infant care costs more than toddler care due to the higher staff-to-child ratio requirements and specialized attention needed.
The table below shows the average cost for full-time and part-time infant daycare in Virginia.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,100 – $2,000 |
| Part-time | $900 – $1,500 |
Toddler daycare cost in Virginia
The average cost of daycare for toddlers in Virginia is $800 to $1,600 per month for five days per week of full-time care, with lower prices for part-time care. Toddler programs focus on developing language skills, motor coordination, social interaction, and independence through educational activities and structured play.
The table below shows the average cost for full-time and part-time daycare for toddlers in Virginia.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $800 – $1,600 |
| Part-time | $650 – $1,300 |
What affects daycare prices in Virginia?
Several factors affect the cost of childcare in Virginia:
Child's age: Infant care costs more than toddler care due to the higher staff-to-child requirements and more intensive care needed.
Center vs. in-home daycare: In-home daycare providers tend to charge less but may not offer the same learning experience or amenities. Childcare centers charge more but have comprehensive programs, certified staff, and extensive facilities.
Program quality: Daycare centers with enhanced educational curricula, enrichment programs, premium facilities, and specialized learning activities charge higher rates.
Staff qualifications: Childcare programs that employ staff with early childhood education degrees and specialized certifications charge more.
Supplies included: Some daycare providers include diapers, meals, snacks, and educational materials in their base rate, while others charge separately for these items or require parents to provide their own supplies.
Extra-curricular activities: Many providers offer additional activities like music or art instruction, sports, or language programs for an additional fee.
Additional services: Programs that offer transportation, extended hours, or specialized services charge higher rates for these premium offerings.
Many childcare providers offer discounts for enrolling siblings together, active-duty military personnel, first responders, or families that pay monthly in advance instead of weekly.
Regional differences in Virginia daycare costs
Childcare costs vary significantly across different regions of Virginia:
Northern Virginia: The Washington D.C. area has the highest childcare costs in the state. The high concentration of federal employees, Fortune 500 companies, and affluent professionals drives up demand and pricing in this region.
Richmond metropolitan area: Virginia's capital region offers more moderate childcare pricing, but prices still tend to be on the higher end of the statewide average range.
Hampton Roads region: Daycare prices in the Norfolk-Virginia Beach area are closer to the statewide average than those in Northern Virginia.
Central and Western Virginia: Areas like Roanoke have average childcare rates while maintaining access to quality programs.
Rural areas: Small towns and rural communities throughout Virginia typically offer the lowest childcare costs, but parents may have fewer providers to choose from.
Daycare vs. other childcare options
These other childcare options cost more than daycare but 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 $1,500 to $2,250 per month.
Childcare assistance in Virginia
Virginia offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses:
Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP) provides financial assistance to eligible low-income working families, students, and job training participants, though there is currently a waitlist for new applicants due to high demand and limited funding.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve children from birth to age 5, providing a wide range of educational and supportive services at no cost to qualifying families.
Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) provides free preschool and pre-K programs for income-eligible 3- and 4-year-old children who are unserved by the federal Head Start program.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance and supportive services to eligible families with children to help cover childcare expenses.
FAQs about childcare in Virginia
Do Virginia daycare rates include meals?
Many Virginia daycare centers include meals and snacks in their base tuition rate, but specific offerings vary by provider. Always confirm the meal policies and any related fees during your initial consultation.
How far in advance should I look for daycare in Virginia?
Start your daycare search at least 9 to 12 months before you need care. In some parts of Virginia, like Alexandria and Fairfax County, waitlists can extend even longer than 12 months.
It's never too early to start looking for childcare. Applying early gives you time to visit multiple facilities, compare programs, complete the enrollment paperwork, and secure a spot on the waitlist if needed.
Do daycares in Virginia need to be licensed?
Virginia requires licensing for all childcare providers who care for more than four children. Licensed providers must maintain required staff-to-child ratios, meet comprehensive health and safety standards, and pass regular inspections. Always verify a provider's current license status before enrolling your child.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating daycares in Virginia, follow these steps to help you choose the best provider for your child:
Read reviews of childcare providers near you on TrustedCare and Google.
Visit daycares in person to evaluate the facility and staff.
Confirm the daycare is safe, clean, and well-maintained.
Meet with the director and staff to discuss their qualifications and approach to early childhood education.
Ask about staff-to-child ratios, operating hours, and services and supplies included.
Confirm the provider has a current childcare license.
Get a contract in writing before your child's first day.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare providers:
How long has your daycare been open?
What is the staff-to-child ratio for my child's age group?
What qualifications and certifications do your staff members have?
Do your staff members have CPR and first aid training?
What educational curriculum do you offer?
What enrichment programs and activities do you offer?
How much outdoor playtime do the children get?
What meals and snacks do you provide?
Which supplies and services does your base tuition rate include?
What are your hours of operation?
Are you closed on holidays, and if so, which ones?
Do you provide regular progress reports or parent-teacher conferences?
How often do your staff members send pictures or updates?
What is your sick child policy?
What is your approach to discipline?
What security measures do you have in place for pickup and drop-off?
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.