Daycare Cost in Arkansas (2026)
Infant center-based care averages $680/month in Arkansas. 45% below national avg. Toddler care runs $600/month, preschool $500/month.
Arkansas average monthly daycare costs
Infant (center)
$680
45% below national avg
Toddler (center)
$600
$7,200/year
Preschool (center)
$500
$6,000/year
School Age
$420
Before/after school care
Home-Based
$480
Family home, infant rate
Nanny
$1,700
Full-time, statewide avg
Source: ACF Child Care Market Rate Survey, 2025. Statewide averages — urban areas typically run 20–35% higher.
Arkansas vs. National Average
How Arkansas compares to the national average for each age group and care type.
| Age / Care Type | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Infant — Center-Based | $680/mo |
| Toddler — Center-Based | $600/mo |
| Preschool — Center | $500/mo |
| School Age — Center | $420/mo |
| Infant — Home-Based | $480/mo |
| Nanny (Full-Time) | $1,700/mo |
Annual Daycare Cost in Arkansas
Full-time infant center care in Arkansas costs $8,160/year. At the national average that's $14,760/year — Arkansas families pay $6,600 less per year for infant care.
Infant / year
$8,160
Toddler / year
$7,200
Preschool / year
$6,000
School Age / year
$5,040
Childcare Subsidies in Arkansas
Arkansas participates in the federal CCDF (Child Care and Development Fund) program. A family of 4 earning up to $4,500/month (85% of state median income) may qualify for subsidized care. The maximum subsidy for infant care is up to $450/month.
At Arkansas's average infant rate of $680/month, the maximum subsidy covers about 66% of the cost for qualifying families.
Common Questions About Daycare Costs in Arkansas
How much does daycare cost in Arkansas?
Infant center-based daycare in Arkansas averages $680/month in 2026. That's $550 below the national average of $1230/month — one of the more affordable states for childcare. Toddler care runs $600/month and preschool $500/month.
What is the difference between center-based and home-based daycare in Arkansas?
Center-based infant care in Arkansas averages $680/month; home-based (licensed family daycare) averages $480/month — about 29% less. Home-based care typically has smaller groups and more flexible hours. Centers tend to offer more structured programs. Both are licensed by the state.
Is a nanny cheaper than daycare in Arkansas?
For one child, no. A full-time nanny in Arkansas averages $1,700/month versus $680/month for center-based infant care. For two children sharing a nanny, the equation can flip — two daycare slots at $680 each ($1,360/month) often exceeds a single nanny cost. Use the daycare vs nanny calculator to compare.
Does daycare get cheaper as my child gets older in Arkansas?
Yes — significantly. In Arkansas: infant care ($680/month) → toddler care ($600/month, 12% drop) → preschool ($500/month, 26% drop from infant) → school age ($420/month, 38% drop from infant). This pattern holds in every state — staffing ratio requirements loosen as children age.
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