How Much Does Preschool Cost Per Year and Month?

The national average cost for preschool in the USA varies widely, from $4,460 to $13,158 per year. This equates to approximately $372 to $1097 per month. This cost can be even higher in some states and cities, and the type of preschool can also affect these averages.

Preparing your child for the journey of lifelong learning is an exciting phase for any parent. Preschool plays a vital role in this journey, fostering your child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development.

However, the question looming in many parents’ minds is – how much does preschool cost per month? While the cost varies depending on numerous factors, we aim to provide you with a detailed breakdown in this blog post.

Average Cost of Preschool

On average, parents in the United States spend around $8,809 annually on preschool, which amounts to approximately $734 per month. Remember, these figures can fluctuate based on factors such as location and the specific type of preschool.

The Factors Influencing Preschool Cost

The monthly cost of preschool can range greatly depending on several factors:

• Location: Your geographical location can significantly impact preschool costs. Typically, urban areas, with a high cost of living, have pricier preschools compared to rural regions.
• Type of Preschool: The cost also varies based on the type of preschool – be it private, public, or Montessori.
• Duration of Care: Full-time enrollment is costlier than part-time. Some preschools also offer drop-in rates.
• Student-Teacher Ratio: Preschools with smaller classes and a low student-to-teacher ratio may charge more due to the higher attention each child receives.
• Additional Services: Services like extracurricular activities, field trips, and special needs support can also influence the cost.

Discover more about How to Choose a Preschool.

The Preschool Cost Breakdown

Understanding the cost of preschool breakdown can help you better plan your budget:

• Tuition: Tuition forms the bulk of the preschool costs. It pays for the basic operation of the preschool, the teachers’ salaries, and the development of educational materials and activities. It’s important to ask whether tuition is due monthly, quarterly, or annually and if there are discounts for paying upfront.
• Registration Fees: Registration fees are usually a one-time cost, often due at the time of application or acceptance. These fees cover administrative costs, like processing your child’s enrollment. Ask the school if these fees are refundable should your plans change.
• Supplies and Materials: Depending on the preschool, you may be required to provide specific supplies or materials, such as stationery, craft materials, or even a nap mat. Alternatively, the school may ask for a supply fee to cover these costs. Some preschools include this in the tuition, while others may list it separately.
• Field Trips and Extras: Extras like field trips, guest speakers, performances, or special events usually come with additional costs. Preschools might provide these as optional extras, but they can be a wonderful addition to your child’s preschool experience. Ask the school how often these occur and the usual cost.
• Food and Snacks: Does the school provide meals or snacks, or will you need to pack them for your child? If food is provided, is it included in the tuition or billed separately? Some schools may even have specific nutritional guidelines for food brought from home.
• After-School Care: If you work and require longer hours of care for your child, consider the cost of after-school programs or extended day services. This could substantially add to your total cost but could be a lifesaver for working parents.
• Uniforms: Some preschools require students to wear uniforms. In such cases, you’ll need to factor in the cost of purchasing the required uniform items.

Remember, costs can vary significantly from one preschool to another, so it’s crucial to ask for a detailed breakdown of what is included in the fee structure. This will help you avoid any surprises and budget effectively.

How to Budget for Preschool

Preschool is an investment in your child’s future. Here are some steps to help you budget for preschool effectively:

1. Understand the Costs Involved: Make a detailed list of all potential expenses, not just tuition and registration fees. Consider additional costs such as supplies, field trips, meals, and after-school care if needed. Ask the preschool for a detailed breakdown of their costs. Remember, costs can vary greatly from one preschool to another, so it’s essential to do your research.
2. Start Saving Early: The earlier you start saving for your child’s preschool education, the less financial pressure you’ll experience when the time comes. Consider setting up a dedicated savings account or a 529 plan for your child’s education expenses.
3. Explore Financial Aid and Scholarships: Many preschools offer need-based financial aid or scholarships. You can also explore government programs that may assist with preschool costs, such as the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). Don’t be shy about asking what financial aid options the school offers.
4. Consider Less Expensive Alternatives: If traditional preschools seem too costly, consider alternatives such as co-op preschools, where parents participate in the education process, which can significantly lower costs. You could also explore part-time programs or daycare facilities with educational programs.
5. Negotiate Payment Plans: Some preschools might be willing to work with you on payment plans, spreading the cost over a longer period rather than requiring a large upfront payment.
6. Tax Credits and Deductions: Depending on your country and specific situation, you may be eligible for tax credits or deductions related to child care and education expenses. Consult with a tax advisor to understand what benefits you might qualify for.
7. Plan for Incremental Costs: As your child grows, their needs and interests may change, leading to different activities and related costs. Keep this in mind and plan for incremental costs that may arise as your child progresses through preschool.

The key to budgeting for preschool effectively is planning, researching, and asking the right questions. With the correct information and a good strategy, you can navigate this process more comfortably and secure a great educational start for your child.

Additional reading: First Day of Preschool. How to Prepare Your Child

How to Save on Preschool Costs

There’s no denying that enrolling your child in a preschool curriculum can be a significant expense, but there are strategies you can employ to make it more affordable. Here are some tips to help you save on preschool costs:

1. Choose a Part-Time Program: If your schedule allows it, consider enrolling your child in a part-time program. They typically run for half a day and can significantly reduce tuition costs.
2. Opt for Cooperative Preschools: In a cooperative, or “co-op,” preschool, parents are heavily involved in the school’s operations, which can lower costs. You may be asked to help with things like snacks, cleaning, or even teaching, in exchange for reduced tuition.
3. Inquire About Sliding Scale Fees: Some preschools offer sliding scale fees based on family income. Don’t hesitate to ask the school administration if they offer this kind of arrangement.
4. Utilize Pre-Tax Dollars: If your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA), take advantage of it. This allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for preschool, effectively reducing the cost.
5. Consider a Home-Based Preschool: These types of preschools are typically cheaper than center-based ones but still provide valuable early education experiences.
6. Look for Discounts: Some preschools offer sibling discounts if you have more than one child attending. Others might have discounts for paying the entire year’s tuition upfront.
7. Shop Around: Just as with any significant purchase, it’s important to compare options. Talk to different preschools, understand their fee structures, and choose the one that provides the best value for your money.
8. Negotiate: While it may not always be possible, it doesn’t hurt to ask if the preschool is willing to negotiate on the price.
9. Volunteer Your Time or Skills: If you have some spare time or special skills, some preschools might be willing to barter these for a reduction in fees.
10. Seek Employer Assistance: Some employers provide childcare benefits, which could include helping to cover the cost of preschool. Be sure to ask your HR department about any available programs.
11. Take Advantage of Tax Credits: The Child and Dependent Care Credit can provide significant tax savings. Depending on your income, you could claim up to 35% of your childcare expenses, up to a maximum of $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more children.
12. Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA): If your preschool offers a health or after-school program, these costs could be paid with pre-tax dollars using an HSA or FSA.
13. Local Community and Nonprofit Programs: Check with your local community center or nonprofits in your area. They may offer free or low-cost preschool programs or know of available resources.

Remember, savings can be found in unexpected places, and every little bit helps. By spending time researching and exploring these avenues, you can make preschool more affordable.

Preschool Financial Assistance and Scholarships

Securing financial aid can greatly reduce the financial burden of preschool education. There are a variety of resources available, which include:

1. Government Programs: Depending on your location, there may be federal, state, or local government programs designed to assist with childcare costs. In the U.S., the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) helps low-income families with children under 13 pay for childcare. Head Start programs provide free or low-cost preschool education to children from low-income families. Start by checking your local Department of Education or Child Care Aware website for specific information and resources.
2. Preschool Scholarships: Some private and nonprofit organizations offer scholarships based on income, need, or other eligibility criteria. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs. It’s always worth asking the preschools you’re considering if they offer any scholarships, or if they know of any local scholarships available.
3. Income-Based Programs: Some programs offer sliding scale fees, which means the amount you pay depends on your income. Such programs are designed to make preschool more accessible to families of all income levels.
4. Employer Assistance Programs: Some employers offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or other assistance programs to help offset the cost of childcare, including preschool.
5. Tax Credits: There are also tax benefits available to parents of preschool children. For example, in the U.S., the Child and Dependent Care Credit can provide a tax credit of up to 35% of qualifying expenses, depending on your income.
6. Military Subsidies: If you’re in the military, you may be eligible for childcare fee assistance programs through Child Care Aware of America.

Navigating through these options may seem daunting, but the savings can be significant. Take the time to explore all avenues and remember to ask preschool administrators and other parents for their advice and recommendations. It can also be beneficial to consult with a financial advisor who is familiar with education-related expenses and aid.

Resources for Preschool Financial Assistance and Scholarships

There are several websites and resources where you can search for financial assistance and scholarships for preschool. Here are some options:

• Child Care Aware: This national organization connects families with resources and can provide information on different types of assistance available in your state. Visit their website at www.childcareaware.org.
• Head Start Programs: Head Start and Early Head Start programs promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents can check eligibility and locate a nearby program at www.acf.hhs.gov/ohs.
• The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): This organization can direct parents to accredited preschool programs that often have a sliding fee scale or scholarships available. Visit their website at www.naeyc.org.
• Department of Education: The U.S. Department of Education’s website can provide information on the state and federal resources available to help with childcare costs. Visit their website at www.ed.gov.
• IRS: For information on tax credits that can help offset the cost of preschool, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov and search for “Child and Dependent Care Credit.”
• Employer Programs: If applicable, check your employee benefits package or speak with your HR representative to learn about programs such as Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or employer-sponsored scholarships.
• Child Care Subsidy Program for Military Families: If you’re in the military, you may be eligible for childcare fee assistance programs through Child Care Aware of America. Visit www.childcareaware.org for more information.

Additionally, consider reaching out to local community centers, churches, and nonprofits in your area. They often have information on local scholarships or subsidized preschool programs. Remember, research and persistence can be key to securing aid, and every little bit helps when it comes to financing your child’s education.

Alternatives to Traditional Preschool

Alternatives to traditional preschool can be more cost-effective. These include cooperative preschools where parents and teachers share the responsibilities, home-based preschools, or online learning platforms like Kokotree, which offer a library of safe educational videos for preschoolers and toddlers.

• Cooperative Preschools – Cooperative preschools, or co-ops, are programs where parents and teachers collaborate in the child’s education. In these settings, parents contribute their time and skills in exchange for lower costs. This model not only reduces expenses but also allows parents to be actively involved in their child’s education. However, it requires a significant time commitment, so it’s not the best choice for everyone.
• Home-Based Preschools – Home-based, or family-run, preschools are another cost-effective alternative. These smaller-scale programs are often less formal and can provide a homely, nurturing environment for children. However, it’s crucial to ensure these preschools meet state licensing requirements and maintain high standards of care.
• Online Learning Platforms – In today’s digital age, online learning platforms like Kokotree provide a wealth of educational resources right at your fingertips. With a library of safe, age-appropriate educational videos, these platforms transform screen time into a learning adventure for preschoolers and toddlers. They can supplement traditional preschool or serve as a viable alternative, particularly for families on a tight budget or those living in rural areas with limited access to preschools.
• Public Prekindergarten Programs – Some states offer publicly funded prekindergarten programs, often targeting low-income families. These programs aim to provide quality early childhood education to all children, regardless of their economic status.
• Play-Based Learning Groups – Play-based learning groups or playgroups are informal settings where children learn through play under the guidance of their parents or caregivers. They can be an economical alternative to traditional preschools, fostering social skills and cognitive development.

Although the cost of preschool can seem daunting, these alternatives offer versatile and affordable solutions. It’s about finding the right fit for your family’s needs and circumstances. No matter the choice, remember that early education sets a foundation for your child’s lifelong learning journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free preschool programs available?

Yes, some free or low-cost preschool programs are available, like Head Start, state-funded preschool programs, or preschool cooperative programs.

Are preschool costs tax-deductible?

In many cases, parents can get a tax credit for preschool costs. Check with a tax professional to understand your eligibility.

How much are preschool fees in the US?

Preschool fees in the US average around $8,000 per year, or about $670 per month.

What is the minimum age for preschool in the USA?

The minimum age for preschool in the USA is typically 3 years old, though some programs accept children as young as 2. Learn more: Preschool Age. What Age is a Preschooler

Is pre-kindergarten free in the USA?

In some states, pre-kindergarten is indeed free, typically for 4-year-olds and sometimes 3-year-olds. However, availability varies by location and family income.

What is the difference between preschool and pre-kindergarten?

The difference between preschool and pre-kindergarten lies mainly in the age group and curriculum focus. Preschool is generally for children aged 3-4 and focuses on social skills and basic pre-academic skills. Pre-kindergarten is for older 4 or 5-year-olds, focusing more on academic preparation for kindergarten. Learn more: Difference Between Preschool and Kindergarten

Can you skip kindergarten in the US?

In most US states, kindergarten is not legally required. However, it’s highly recommended for child development and academic readiness.

What age do you start kindergarten in America?

The standard age to start kindergarten in America is 5 years old, with a cut-off birthdate that varies by state.

With this guide, we hope to help you navigate the financial aspect of your child’s preschool journey. Remember, every penny invested in your child’s early education yields fruitful results in their overall development.