What is the average cost of daycare in Wisconsin?
What is the average cost of daycare in Wisconsin?
$1,200 – $2,000 average cost per month (infant)
$1,000 – $1,700 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in Wisconsin
The average cost of daycare in Wisconsin is $1,000 to $2,000 per month or $12,000 to $24,000 per year, depending on the type of provider, your child's age, whether they attend full-time or part-time, and your location. Childcare costs are higher in Milwaukee and Dane Counties than in smaller cities and rural areas.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,200 – $2,000 | $14,400 – $24,000 |
| Toddler | $1,000 – $1,700 | $12,000 – $20,400 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Center vs. in-home daycare rates in Wisconsin
The type of provider you select affects the cost and your child's experience. Daycare centers offer structured educational curricula, staff with early childhood development training, and larger facilities. In-home daycare providers offer a more personal, family-style environment with limited facilities but smaller group sizes.
The table below shows the average cost at a daycare center versus an in-home daycare in Wisconsin.
| Child's age | Daycare center cost per month* |
In-home daycare cost per month* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,400 – $2,000 | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| Toddler | $1,200 – $1,700 | $1,000 – $1,400 |
*For full-time care five days per week
Infant daycare cost in Wisconsin
The average cost of daycare for an infant in Wisconsin is $1,200 to $2,000 per month for full-time care five days per week, with lower prices for half-day care or fewer days per week. Infant daycare 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 Wisconsin.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Part-time | $950 – $1,500 |
Toddler daycare cost in Wisconsin
Daycare for toddlers in Wisconsin costs $1,000 to $1,700 per month on average for five days per week of full-time care, with lower prices for part-time care. Toddler programs incorporate more educational activities and structured play designed to help children develop language skills, motor coordination, social interaction, and independence.
The table below shows the average cost for full-time and part-time daycare for toddlers in Wisconsin.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,000 – $1,700 |
| Part-time | $800 – $1,300 |
What affects the cost of childcare in Wisconsin?
Several factors affect the cost of childcare in Wisconsin:
Child's age: Infant daycare 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 charge less than childcare centers but may not offer the same learning experience or amenities. In addition, the staff may not have the same experience or certifications.
Program quality: Higher quality daycares with better facilities, lower child-to-teacher ratios, extensive educational curricula, and enrichment programs charge higher rates.
Staff qualifications: Centers with more experienced and educated staff, particularly those with degrees in early childhood education, often charge more.
Supplies included: Some daycare providers include meals, snacks, and supplies like diapers and baby wipes in their fee while others charge extra or require parents to bring their own food and 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 Wisconsin daycare rates
Childcare costs vary significantly across different regions of Wisconsin:
Urban areas like Milwaukee and Madison have higher daycare costs due to the increased cost of living, higher demand for services, and greater operating expenses for providers.
Rural counties have lower daycare prices, though families may face limited availability and fewer licensed childcare centers to choose from.
Suburban counties surrounding major metropolitan areas typically fall between urban and rural pricing, with costs influenced by proximity to larger cities.
Northern Wisconsin tends to have lower daycare rates compared to southern urban centers, but access to quality licensed care can be more challenging.
Daycare vs. other childcare options
These other childcare alternatives may offer more flexibility to better suit your needs and schedule, but these options cost more than daycare:
A full-time nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A full-time babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,500 to $2,250 per month plus room and board.
Childcare assistance in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers several programs to help families manage childcare expenses:
The Wisconsin SHARES child care subsidy program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income working families, students, and job training participants to help cover the cost of daycare. The Milwaukee Early Care Administration (MECA) administers the program.
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.
The federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance and supportive services to eligible low-income families to help cover childcare expenses.
FAQs about daycare in Wisconsin
Do Wisconsin daycare rates include meals?
Many Wisconsin daycares include meals, snacks, or both in their base tuition rate, but this varies by provider. Always confirm the meal and snack policies and any related fees during your first consultation.
How far in advance should I look for daycare in Wisconsin?
Start your daycare search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care. It's never too early to start looking for childcare since many popular providers have waitlists. Applying early gives you time to visit multiple facilities, compare programs, and secure a spot on the waitlist if needed.
Do daycares in Wisconsin need to be licensed?
Wisconsin requires licensing for all providers who care for four or more children. Licensed childcare providers must maintain specific minimum staff-to-child ratios, meet comprehensive health and safety standards, and pass regular inspections.
Always verify the provider's current license status before enrolling your child.
How to find the best daycare near you
When evaluating daycares in Wisconsin, follow these steps to help you choose the best provider for your child:
Read reviews of local childcare providers on TrustedCare and Google.
Visit each daycare in person to confirm the facility is safe, clean, and well-maintained.
Meet with the director and staff to discuss their experience, qualifications, and approach to early childhood education.
Ask about operating hours, holiday closures, and staff-to-child ratios.
Confirm which services and supplies are included in the tuition rate.
Verify the provider's childcare license is current.
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 education, certifications, and experience do your staff members have?
Do your staff members have CPR and first aid training?
What is the staff-to-child ratio for kids in my child's age group?
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? Do they cost extra?
Which supplies and services does your base tuition rate include?
Do you provide regular progress reports or parent-teacher conferences?
How often do your staff members send pictures or updates?
What are your hours of operation?
Are you closed on holidays, and if so, which ones?
What measures do you have in place for secure pickup and drop-off?
What is your sick child policy?
What is your approach to discipline?
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.