School-Age Daycare Cost 2026: After-School and Summer Care by State
School-age before- and after-school care averages $770/month nationally for center-based programs. That’s $460 less per month than infant care. Since kids are only in care before and after school hours (roughly 6–8 hours/day versus 10 for full-time), the cost drops significantly. Summer care typically costs more than the school-year rate.
2026 School Age Care Costs at a Glance
School Age Daycare Cost by State (2026)
Full-time center-based care. 5–12 years. Source: HHS/ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey.
| State | Per Month | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $1,500 | $18,000 |
| Massachusetts | $1,380 | $16,560 |
| New York | $1,190 | $14,280 |
| Washington | $1,130 | $13,560 |
| California | $1,100 | $13,200 |
| Connecticut | $1,100 | $13,200 |
| New Jersey | $1,060 | $12,720 |
| Rhode Island | $1,060 | $12,720 |
| Colorado | $1,000 | $12,000 |
| Maryland | $1,000 | $12,000 |
| Oregon | $940 | $11,280 |
| Vermont | $940 | $11,280 |
| New Hampshire | $930 | $11,160 |
| Hawaii | $920 | $11,040 |
| Minnesota | $880 | $10,560 |
| Virginia | $880 | $10,560 |
| Illinois | $870 | $10,440 |
| Alaska | $850 | $10,200 |
| Delaware | $750 | $9,000 |
| Wisconsin | $750 | $9,000 |
| Maine | $750 | $9,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $750 | $9,000 |
| Michigan | $690 | $8,280 |
| Nebraska | $630 | $7,560 |
| North Dakota | $630 | $7,560 |
| Ohio | $630 | $7,560 |
| Montana | $630 | $7,560 |
| Iowa | $630 | $7,560 |
| Indiana | $620 | $7,440 |
| Florida | $620 | $7,440 |
| Nevada | $620 | $7,440 |
| Arizona | $620 | $7,440 |
| Utah | $600 | $7,200 |
| North Carolina | $590 | $7,080 |
| Texas | $560 | $6,720 |
| Wyoming | $560 | $6,720 |
| Missouri | $560 | $6,720 |
| Kansas | $560 | $6,720 |
| Georgia | $560 | $6,720 |
| Idaho | $550 | $6,600 |
| New Mexico | $530 | $6,360 |
| South Carolina | $530 | $6,360 |
| South Dakota | $530 | $6,360 |
| Tennessee | $530 | $6,360 |
| Kentucky | $500 | $6,000 |
| Oklahoma | $470 | $5,640 |
| West Virginia | $470 | $5,640 |
| Louisiana | $440 | $5,280 |
| Alabama | $430 | $5,160 |
| Arkansas | $420 | $5,040 |
| Mississippi | $410 | $4,920 |
School-Age Care: Before/After School vs. Full Summer Programs
School-age care splits into two distinct modes: school-year care (before/after school, typically 6–8am and 3–6pm) and summer programs (full-day, 6–8 weeks). School-year programs average $400–$800/month. Summer care often runs $1,000–$1,500/month because it’s full-day. Budget for both. Many school districts run before- and after-school programs directly — often cheaper than private programs and already on-site.
School-Age vs. Full-Time Daycare: The Cost Drop
The transition from preschool to kindergarten is the biggest single cost drop in childcare. Full-time preschool at $920/month drops to before/after care at $400–$600/month — a 40–55% reduction. For families who started with infant care at $1,230/month, school age represents a 60%+ cost reduction. That saved money often goes toward summer programs, extracurriculars, and college savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does after-school care cost in 2026?
School-age before/after school care averages $770/month nationally in 2026 for center-based programs. Low-cost states like Mississippi average $390/month; Washington DC averages $1,400/month. School district programs are typically cheaper than private after-school programs — often $300–$500/month — and already on-site. Summer programs cost more because they are full-day.
How much does summer camp or summer daycare cost?
Full-day summer programs at daycare centers average $1,000–$1,500/month nationally, since they cover full days rather than just before/after school hours. Day camps run $200–$600/week depending on the program type. The summer care cost spike is the biggest financial surprise for families transitioning from preschool to kindergarten.
How much does childcare cost drop when my child starts kindergarten?
The transition from full-time preschool to school-age care is the biggest cost drop in childcare. Full-time preschool averages $920/month nationally; before/after care averages $400–$600/month — a 40–55% reduction. For families who started with infant care at $1,230/month, school age represents a 60%+ monthly savings.
Does my school district offer before and after school care?
Many school districts offer before- and after-school programs directly, often called extended day, extended care, or SACC (School-Age Child Care). District programs are typically cheaper than private after-school centers — often $300–$500/month — and many offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Contact your school's main office or district website to find out what programs are available.
Data: ACF Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Market Rate Surveys, BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, ACF CCDF Policy Database
Last updated: January 2026
How we calculate this · Subsidy eligibility estimates are indicative only. Contact your state's childcare resource agency for current availability.