Picking the right place to take care of your child is a big decision. It can make a big difference in how your child grows up. But, in a huge state like Texas, finding the best daycares in Texas can be difficult, and it can be costly too.

To help you out, we looked at 1,000 daycare and preschool websites in Texas. We put together a guide to show you the different prices you might come across and the average costs you can expect based on what you need. This guide will make it easier for you to decide where to send your child for care and education.

The average monthly cost across age groups of daycares and preschools in Texas ranged from $476 to $2,323 in 2024, with an average price of $1,100 per month.

We understand that the price is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to choosing the right daycare or preschool for your child. Various factors contribute to a provider's cost, including their curriculum, the number of students per teacher, scheduling, location, facilities, and the educational qualifications of their staff.

Our goal with this guide is to assist you in planning for the investment you'll be making. It's important to keep in mind that tuition costs tend to increase over time, so depending on when you begin your search, it's something to consider. The average increase in the cost of Daycare in Texas between 2023 and 2024 is 7.91%.

This is based on the following data from the Economic Policy Unit:

Year and Average Monthly Cost of Daycare

2022 to $720

2024 to $777

As you can see, the average monthly cost of Daycare increased from $720 in 2022 to $777 in 2024, which is an increase of 7.91%.

Several factors have contributed to the rising cost of Daycare, including:

• Inflation
• Increased demand for Daycare
• A shortage of Daycare workers

The rising cost of Daycare is a major burden for many families, especially low-income families. It is important to make Daycare more affordable and accessible for all families.

What is the average cost near you?

The most affordable Texas metro area neighborhoods for daycares are:

Austin:

1. 78724 (average cost: $784 per month)
2. 78754 (average cost: $827 per month)
3. 78712 (average cost: $850 per month)
4. 78753 (average cost: $973 per month)
5. 78726 (average cost: $979 per month)

Houston:

1. 77037 (average cost: $545 per month)
2. 77064 (average cost: $595 per month)
3. 77034 (average cost: $610 per month)
4. 77053 (average cost: $645 per month)
5. 77038 (average cost: $656 per month)

The most expensive Texas metro area neighborhoods for daycares are:

1. Houston, TX - Galleria (77027 $2,130)
2. Houston, TX - Memorial (77024 $1,786)
3. Houston, TX - River Oaks (77019 $1,765)
4. Houston, TX - Tanglewood (77027 $1,721)
5. Dallas, TX - Highland Park (75205 $2,098)

Resources: Daycare cost per month

How much does infant daycare cost in Texas?

The average monthly cost of infant daycare in Texas is $777 for full days and $389 for half days. Here is a breakdown of the average monthly cost of infant daycare in Texas by number of days per week and day length:

Full-day rates for infant daycare in Texas

1. For 5 days per week: $720 to $2,323 per month
2. For 3 days per week: the range is $540 to $1,742 per month
3. For 2 days per week: the range is $360 to $1,162 per month.

Half-day rates for infant daycare in Texas

1. For 5 days per week: $273 to $489 per month
2. For 3 days per week: $164 to $294 per month
3. For 2 days per week: $129 to $195 per month.

Drop-in rates for infant daycare in Texas

The drop-in rates for infant daycare in Texas range from $75 to $150 per day for full days and $38 to $75 per day for half days.

How much does toddler daycare cost in Texas?

The cost of toddler daycare in Texas can vary widely depending on the location, type of daycare (in-home, daycare center, or preschool), and the specific services offered. On average, parents can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1,200 per month for toddler daycare in Texas.

Keep in mind that these are approximate figures, and actual costs may differ based on your specific location and the daycare provider you choose. It's advisable to contact local daycare centers or preschools in your area for precise pricing information.

Full-day rates for toddler daycare in Texas

1. For 5 days per week: $617 to $837 per month
2. For 3 days per week: $354 to $436 per month
3. For 2 days per week: $236 to $289 per month

Half-day rates for toddler daycare in Texas

1. For 5 days per week: $365 to $960 per month
2. For 3 days per week: $275 to $720 per month
3. For 2 days per week: $219 to $576 per month.

Drop-in rates for toddler daycare in Texas

Drop-in rates for toddler daycare in Texas range from $35 to $100 per day, depending on the location, quality of care, and other factors.

Resources: How to start a daycare in Texas

How much does preschool cost in Texas?

The average monthly cost of preschool in Texas ranges from $589 to $777 for full days and $295 to $389 for half days.

Full-day rates for preschool in Texas

1. For 5 days per week: $589 to $1,904 per month
2. For 3 days per week: $393 to $1,269 per month
3. For 2 days per week: $262 to $846 per month

Half-day rates for preschool in Texas

1. For 5 days per week: $350 to $2,189 per month
2. For 3 days per week: $275 to $745 per month
3. For 2 days per week: $225 to $545 per month.

Drop-in rates for preschool in Texas

The drop-in rates for preschool in Texas range from $50 to $125 per day for full days and $25 to $63 per day for half days.

For More Readings: Average daycare cost in Michigan

How much does Pre-K cost in Texas?

The drop-in rates for preschool in Texas range from $50 to $125 per day for full days and $25 to $63 per day for half days.

Full-day rates for Pre-K in Texas

1. For 5 days per week: $300 to $3,738 per month 
2. For 3 days per week: $160 to $2,331 per month
3. For 2 days per week: 100 to $1,554 per month.

Half-day rates for Pre-K in Texas

1. For 5 days per week: $275 to $745 per month 
2. For 3 days per week: $197 to $556 per month
3. For 2 days per week: $118 to $370 per month.

How to get subsidized child care in Texas

To get subsidized child care in Texas, you must first apply for the Child Care Services (CCS) program. The CCS program is a state and federally-funded program that provides financial assistance to eligible families to help pay for Daycare costs.

To be eligible for CCS, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a Texas resident.
• You must have a child under the age of 13 who needs child care so that you can work, attend school, or participate in job training.
• Your household income must be below certain limits.

To apply for CCS, you can visit the Texas Workforce Commission website or contact your local Workforce Solutions office. You will need to provide the following information:

• Your name, address, and phone number
• The names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers of your children
• Your household income
• Proof of employment, school enrollment, or job training participation
• If you are approved for CCS, you will receive a certificate that you can use to pay for child care at any participating provider. The amount of your subsidy will be based on your household income and the cost of child care in your area.

Here are some additional tips for getting subsidized child care in Texas:

• Apply for CCS as soon as possible. The program has a limited number of slots available, and there is often a waiting list.
• Contact your local Workforce Solutions office for assistance with the application process.
• Ask your Daycare provider if they accept CCS subsidies.
• Look for Daycare providers that offer high-quality care and are located in a convenient location.

Why Does Daycare Cost So Much In Texas?

There are several reasons why daycare costs so much in Texas.

• High demand for child care. Texas is a rapidly growing state, and the demand for child care is high. This drives up prices, especially in urban areas.
• Low wages for Daycare workers. Daycare workers are typically paid very low wages, which can make it difficult to attract and retain qualified staff. This can lead to higher prices for families.
• High costs associated with running a Daycare business. Daycare providers have to pay for rent, utilities, food, supplies, and other expenses. They also have to meet strict state and federal regulations. These costs can be high, which can translate into higher prices for families.
• Lack of government subsidies. The Texas government provides relatively few subsidies to help families pay for child care. This means that families have to bear the full cost of child care, which can be a financial burden.

The high cost of daycare in Texas can have several negative consequences for families. It can make it difficult for parents to work or attend school, and it can force families to make difficult choices about their budget. It can also lead to lower-quality child care, as providers struggle to make ends meet.

There are several things that can be done to make daycare more affordable in Texas. The government can provide more subsidies to help families pay for daycare. The government can also invest in training and development programs for Daycare workers. And child care providers can work together to reduce costs and improve the quality of care.

Here are some things that families can do to make child care more affordable:

1. Look for daycare providers that offer discounts for low-income families or for multiple children.
2. Ask about financial assistance programs that may be available.
3. Consider enrolling your child in a home-based daycare, which is often less expensive than center-based daycare.
4. Share child care costs with other families.
5. Negotiate with your childcare provider.

What Are The Other Issues Parents Face When Trying To Get Child Care?

In addition to the high cost of daycare, there are several other issues that parents face when trying to get child care.

• Lack of availability. There is a shortage of Daycare providers in many parts of Texas. This can make it difficult to find a childcare provider who has openings and who meets your family's needs.
• Quality concerns. Not all Daycare providers are created equal. Some providers offer high-quality care, while others offer lower-quality care. It can be difficult for parents to assess the quality of care before they enroll their child.
• Inconsistent hours. Many Daycare providers do not offer hours that are compatible with parents' work schedules. This can make it difficult for parents to find child care that allows them to work.
• Lack of flexibility. Some Daycare providers have strict policies and procedures. This can make it difficult for parents to accommodate unexpected changes in their schedules or needs.
• Discrimination. Some Daycare providers may discriminate against children or families based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or other factors.

These issues can make it very difficult for parents to find affordable, high-quality, and accessible child care. This can have a significant impact on parents' ability to work, attend school, and participate in other activities.

What Qualifications Do Day Care Center Staff Need In Texas?

The qualifications for daycare center staff in Texas vary depending on the role. Here are the minimum qualifications for some common daycare center staff roles:

1. Director: Must have a high school diploma or GED, must be at least 21 years old, and must have at least three years of experience working in a licensed Daycare facility.
2. Lead teacher: Must have a high school diploma or GED, must be at least 18 years old, and must have at least one year of experience working in a licensed Daycare facility.
3. Teacher: Must have a high school diploma or GED, must be at least 18 years old, and must have at least six months of experience working in a licensed Daycare facility.
4. Assistant teacher: Must be at least 18 years old.

Do Family Child Care Centers Need To Be Licensed In The State Of Texas?

Yes, family daycare centers need to be licensed in the state of Texas. Family child care centers are defined as Daycare facilities that provide care for seven or fewer children in the home of the caregiver.

To become licensed, family Daycare providers must:

• Meet minimum standards for safety, health, and sanitation.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Complete required training.
• Obtain liability insurance.
• Licensed family child care centers are subject to regular inspections by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).

These are some of the childcare licensing requirements that are important to open any daycare or Daycare.

There are a few benefits to choosing a licensed family child care center:

• Licensed family child care centers must meet minimum standards for safety, health, and sanitation.
• Licensed family child care providers are subject to regular inspections by DFPS.
• Parents may be eligible for financial assistance to help pay for the cost of licensed child care.
• If you are considering a family child care center, be sure to ask if the provider is licensed and to request a copy of their license. You can also contact DFPS to verify the provider's license status.

How MyKidReports can help in this?, MyKidReports is a Daycare software and childcare app, that helps childcare owners manage their Daycare centers, and a lot of preschools are listed on MyKidReports which you can find.