How much to charge for home daycare
Set your rates from three numbers: what other providers near you charge, what your state’s child care market rate survey says for your county, and what you need to cover your costs and pay yourself. Most home daycares charge a weekly rate per child, with a higher rate for infants, a one-time registration fee and a late pick-up fee, all written into the contract.
Where to find local prices
- Market rate survey: every state publishes one for its child care subsidy program, usually by county, age and type of care. Search your state agency site for “child care market rate survey”.
- Local referral agency: your Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency can share average prices.
- Other providers: listings and parent groups show what is normal in your area.
Your cost floor
Add up a year of food, supplies, insurance, licensing, the business share of your home costs and the income you need, then divide by the number of children and weeks you’ll be open. If the result is above local prices, look at hours, enrollment or services rather than cutting your own pay.
Common rate structure
| Item | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| Base rate | Weekly per child, full time or part time |
| Infants and toddlers | Higher than preschool rate, because ratios are lower |
| Registration fee | One-time, often one week’s tuition or less |
| Late pick-up fee | Per minute or per block of time after closing |
| Sibling discount | A percentage off the second child |
| Vacation and sick days | Paid either way, so you can plan your income |
| Rate increases | Written notice in advance, often 30 days |
Weekly or monthly billing?
Weekly billing matches how most home daycares quote rates and keeps balances small. Monthly billing is simpler for families on a salary. Whatever you choose, bill in advance and state the due date and late payment fee in your contract.
Subsidies
If you accept children with state child care assistance, the state pays up to its own rate and the family may owe a copay. Some states don’t allow you to charge subsidy families more than private families; check your state’s rules.
Rates on every invoice. Daycare Binder lets you set a weekly or monthly rate per family or per child and creates invoices and receipts from it. Pro adds automatic invoices for all families and year-end tax statements. $12 a month.
Make an invoiceQuestions
Should I charge for holidays?
Most providers charge their normal weekly rate for weeks with holidays and list paid holidays in the contract.
How often should I raise rates?
Many providers review rates once a year. Give written notice and update your contract and invoices.
Can I charge a deposit?
Yes. Many providers take the last week’s tuition in advance or a deposit to hold a spot, refundable or applied as the contract says.
General information, checked November 1, 2026. Check your state’s licensing and subsidy rules.