For a couple with 2 children, where one parent earned the average wage, and the other parent earned 67 percent of the average wage. The U.S. and Ireland had the most expensive childcare among OECD countries, with net childcare costs taking up ** and ** percent of net household income, respectively.

Proportion of annual after-tax family income spent on child care, by economic family type and age of youngest child, Canada.

For a single parent with two children earning the average wage, the United States had proportionately the most expensive childcare among selected countries, with net childcare costs taking up ** percent of net household income. This figure was around ***** percent in the OECD on average.

Graph and download economic data for Total Expenses for Child Day Care Services, Establishments Subject to Federal Income Tax (EXP6244TAXABL157QNSA) from Q2 2009 to Q4 2023 about day care, establishments, tax, child, expenditures, federal, income, rate, and USA.

The data this week comes from the National Database of Childcare Prices.

Data Dictionary

childcare_costs.csv

Survey findings on staff pay share of tuition and pay rate increases since 2020 among childcare providers.

The Evaluation of Child Care Subsidy Strategies is a multi-site, multi-year effort to determine whether and how different child care subsidy policies and procedures and quality improvement efforts help low-income parents obtain and hold onto jobs and improve outcomes for children. Funding from the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) administered by the Child Care Bureau are divided into two purposes. The vast majority are aimed at assisting children of low-income working parents whose eligibility is determined by states within broad federal guidelines, while a much smaller portion (4 percent) work with state matching funds to improve the quality of child care for all children. For this study series, four experiments were conducted, two test alternative subsidy policies for low-income families and two test approaches to the use of set-aside funds for improving child care quality for all children. The four study sites and focus of evaluation include: (1) the effectiveness of three language and literacy curricula on teaching practices and children's language and literacy outcomes (Miami Dade County, Florida); (2) the impact of alternative eligibility and re-determination child care subsidy policies on parental employment outcomes (Illinois); (3) the impact of alternative child care co-payment structures on use of child care subsidies and employment outcomes (Washington) and (4) the effectiveness of training on Learning Games curriculum in changing care-giving practices in family child care homes and children's developmental outcomes (Massachusetts).

The Washington evaluation was designed to test the impact of changing parental copayment levels on various child care and economic outcomes (such as type of care used, earnings, employment, etc.). The copayment amount refers to the amount that families who are receiving child care subsidies contribute to the cost of child care, while the copayment schedule refers to the amount or the rate at which the copayment changes as income increases or decreases. In all states, the copayment amount is larger for families with higher incomes. In Washington in 2005, a three-person family receiving child care subsidies paid 3 percent of the cost of child care if their income was 33 percent of the federal poverty threshold, but 16 percent of the cost of care if their income was 200 percent of the threshold. In the Washington child care subsidy program, families were divided into three income tiers. Families in Tier 1 had incomes at or below 82 percent of the federal poverty threshold, families in Tier 2 had incomes between 83 and 137.5 percent of the threshold, and families in Tier 3 had incomes between 137.5 and 200 percent of the threshold. Under the standard copayment schedule used by Washington in 2005, child care subsidy recipients in Tier 1 paid $15 per month, while recipients in Tier 2 paid $50 per month. Families in Tier 3 faced a sliding copayment schedule, with the copayment increasing by 44 cents for each additional dollar of income beyond 137.5 percent of the poverty threshold. In the evaluation, study participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) a control group assigned to the standard copayment schedule, and (2) a program group assigned to an alternative copayment schedule, which had copayment amounts that were equal to or lower than standard copayment schedule amounts.

The child daycare industry has navigated various challenges, including labor shortages and fluctuating demand patterns. Parents increasingly recognize the value of early childhood education, spurring demand for developmental programs. Back-to-office working conditions have also heightened the need for childcare, especially for families with both parents participating in the workforce. This heightened demand offers growth opportunities, but it is coupled with financial pressures like the need to provide competitive wages to attract qualified staff. Revenue has been growing at a CAGR of 3.4% to an estimated $74.7 billion over the five years through 2025 despite an expected 0.0% rate change in 2025. Over the past five years, the sector's profitability has felt the impact of rising operational costs, particularly in labor. Competition for labor has meant higher wages, eroding profit and challenging centers to balance budgets. Smaller providers have struggled with limited financial flexibility, relying heavily on tuition to meet operating costs. In contrast, larger organizations face the burden of elevated professional fees and rental expenses, impacting revenue shares. Meanwhile, essential supply purchases have stayed minimal and marketing costs remain low, allowing centers to direct resources toward pressing financial obligations. A robust economy and government support promise to transform the sector in the next five years. As financial stability allows families to prioritize quality care, providers must raise standards and innovate offerings to remain competitive. The shift toward structured educational environments in centers will push businesses to incorporate advanced curricula and training methods. Increased female workforce participation will demand flexible service options, while government funding could expand accessibility and improve facilities. Advancements in security and health monitoring will likely become industry norms, attracting safety-conscious parents. As businesses adapt to these changes, they will shape a more resilient, dynamic care landscape, positioning for sustained growth amid competition. Revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.0%, reaching $78.4 billion by 2030.

Users can get data on child care programs and child care expenditures. Background The Child Care Bureau is housed under the Office of Family Assistance portion of the Administration of Children and Families. The Child Care Bureau’s purpose is to promote access to affordable, high quality child care and after-school programs. Through the administration of the Child Care and Development Fund, the Child Care Bureau provides financial assistance to low-income families and oversees the implementation of state child care policies and programs. User Functionality The website provides a variety of information regarding the administration, laws and regulations of the Child Care and Development Fund. All the information is available for download in Word or PDF formats. Users can also view data tables regarding child care program statistics and Care and Development Expenditures. Child care program statistics includes information about number of children and families served, and percentages by age group, race/ ethnicity, payment method or type and place of care. Information is organized by state. All data tables can be downloaded as Excel files of PDF files. Data Notes Data tables are available for each year since 1998. The most recent data available is from 2008.

Graph and download economic data for Total Expenses for Child Day Care Services, Establishments Exempt from Federal Income Tax (EXP6244TAXEPT157QNSA) from Q2 2009 to Q2 2025 about tax exempt, day care, establishments, tax, child, expenditures, federal, income, rate, and USA.

In 2019, the state of California had the least affordable child care.The cost of care is presented as a percentage of state median income for a two-parent family. About 18 percent of the median income of a two-parent family had to be spent for full-time care for an infant in a child care center.

In 2019, the state of California had the least affordable child care for school-aged children. The cost of care is presented as a percentage of state median income for a two-parent family. A two-parent family, living in the state, spent 19 percent of their median income for full-time care of a school-aged child in a child care center.

United States - Total Expenses for Child Day Care Services, Establishments Subject to Federal Income Tax was -0.70000 % Chg. in October of 2023, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Total Expenses for Child Day Care Services, Establishments Subject to Federal Income Tax reached a record high of 25.00000 in July of 2020 and a record low of -36.60000 in April of 2020. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Total Expenses for Child Day Care Services, Establishments Subject to Federal Income Tax - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on November of 2025.

Summary

The State of Early Education and Care in Boston: Supply, Demand, Affordability, and Quality, is the first in what is planned as a recurrent landscape survey of early childhood, preschool and childcare programs in every neighborhood of Boston. It focuses on potential supply, demand and gaps in child-care seats (availability, quality and affordability). This report’s estimates set a baseline understanding to help focus and track investments and policy changes for early childhood in the city.

This publication is a culmination of efforts by a diverse data committee representing providers, parents, funding agencies, policymakers, advocates, and researchers. The report includes data from several sources, such as American Community Survey, Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Boston Public Health Commission, City of Boston, among others. For detailed information on methodology, findings and recommendations, please access the full report here

The first dataset contains all Census data used in the publication. Data is presented by neighborhoods:

• Population 0 – 5 years;
• Population 0 – 2 years;
• Population 3 – 5 years;
• Race/ethnicity for children 0 – 4 years (White, non-Hispanic; Black; Asian; Hispanic/Latinx);
• Family type (married couples, female householder, male householder);
• Poverty status;
• Family median income in the past 12 months;
• Average cost of care as a percentage of median family income (infant, preschool);
• Share of families that cannot afford care (infant, preschool)

The Boston Planning & Development Agency Research Division analyzed 2013-2017 American Community Survey data to estimate numbers by ZIP-Code. The Boston Opportunity Agenda combined that data by the approximate neighborhoods and estimated cost of care and affordability.

Additional notes:

• Record Type: Each record represents a ZIP-Code defined neighborhood. See list below for detailed information on Boston ZIP-Codes used to create each one of the 15 neighborhoods.
• Data Quality: Numbers presented here came from 2013-2017 American Community Survey data. Therefore, these are ESTIMATES and have margin of errors. The smaller the geographical unit, the greater the margin of error. The Boston Planning & Development Agency analyzed the data to estimate numbers by ZIP-Code.
• Race/Ethnicity: Non-White Hispanics may be double counted due to data limitations.
• Cost of Care: The average cost of care as a percentage of median family income was computed assuming the annual average cost of infant care was $19,877 and the average cost of preschool care was $ 13,771 (Childcare Aware of America, 2019). For each neighborhood we estimated the impact of child care (infant and preschool) on its median annual family income.
• Affordability: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) sets a standard regarding the affordability of child care, where the annual cost of child care should not exceed 10 percent of household annual income. Using this 10% threshold, we estimated that to afford market rate infant care, a family’s annual income would have to be at least $198,770. The census income bracket closest to this income was a family income of $150,000– 199,999. To afford preschool care, a family's annual income should be at least $137,710. Thus, the census income bracket that encompass this income is $125,000 - 149,999. For both infant and preschool care, we underestimated the number of families that can afford care.

For many parents, child day-care centres are necessary, whether they need to use an after-school club to work longer hours, put their kids in care during holiday periods or occasionally need help. From April 2024, parents of two-year-olds have been able to access 15 hours of childcare support, marking the beginning of the government’s awaited expansion of free childcare hours. As of September 2024, parents of children over nine months old can access 15 hours of free childcare. Children of eligible working parents over nine months have 30 free hours of childcare a week as of September 2025. However, centres have cast doubt on the feasibility of expanding free childcare hours as they grapple with high costs (like rising minimum wages) and problems with retaining and recruiting staff. Over the five years through 2025-26, revenue is slated to rise at a compound annual rate of 5.6% to £5.7 billion. Forced closures, remote working and fear among parents regarding COVID-19 infection rates in childcare settings stifled requests for places in 2020-21. Since then, demand has bounced back, climbing up to pre-pandemic levels by 2022-23. While more parents being in work is spurring demand, flexible at-home working has given parents more freedom, holding demand back slightly. Still, as child day-care centres continue to raise prices to cover costs not alleviated by government funding, revenue is anticipated to inch up by 0.6% in 2025-26, supporting profitability. Revenue is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 2.5% over the five years through 2030-31 to £6.4 billion. Expanding free childcare hours in September 2025 will heighten demand for day-care centre places. Government commitments to invest in wraparound childcare for school-age children will give after-school clubs more support and drive revenue growth and lifting profit. However, government funding for breakfast clubs at schools may cause revenue from before-school child care to dip in the short term. As companies encourage employees to come into the office more, parents will have to seek more childcare. This creates opportunities for companies to form partnerships with schools to find a mutually beneficial solution to before-school childcare.

Younger parents spent a larger proportion of their income on childcare in China compared to their predecessors. In 2020, parents born after 1995 spent on average ** percent of their monthly earnings on childcare products and services, while people born in the early *** spent only ** percent.

The global child development center market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing awareness of early childhood education's importance and rising prevalence of developmental disorders like autism. The market, estimated at $150 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $250 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several factors. Firstly, increased parental disposable income in developing economies is leading to higher spending on childcare and early intervention services. Secondly, governmental initiatives promoting early childhood development programs, coupled with rising healthcare expenditure, are significantly contributing to market expansion. Furthermore, technological advancements in assessment tools and therapeutic interventions are enhancing the effectiveness of child development centers, attracting more parents seeking specialized care. The market is segmented by application (normal children, autistic children, others) and type of center (intellectual, emotional, physical development; early intervention and treatment). The segment catering to children with autism is demonstrating particularly strong growth due to increased diagnosis rates and the rising demand for specialized therapies. Geographic expansion is also a key driver, with regions like Asia-Pacific showing significant potential due to a large child population and burgeoning middle class. However, the market faces certain challenges. High operational costs associated with specialized staff training, advanced equipment, and stringent regulatory compliance can pose a barrier to entry for new players. Furthermore, the availability of qualified professionals, particularly in specialized areas like autism therapy, remains a significant constraint in many regions. Competition among established players and the emergence of new entrants are also shaping market dynamics. To succeed, child development centers need to focus on differentiating their services through specialized programs, technological integration, and strategic partnerships to overcome these challenges and capitalize on the market's considerable growth potential. The competitive landscape includes both large established healthcare providers and smaller specialized centers, creating a dynamic and diverse market environment.

The global daycare market, valued at $60.60 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by several key factors. Increasing female participation in the workforce necessitates reliable childcare solutions, fueling demand for daycare services across various segments. Furthermore, evolving parental preferences towards structured early childhood education and development programs are significantly impacting market expansion. The rising disposable incomes in developing economies also contribute to increased affordability and accessibility of daycare services, further propelling market growth. The market is segmented by type of care (full-day, part-time, after-school), location (center-based, home-based), and ownership (public, private). Center-based care currently dominates the market due to its structured curriculum and professional staffing, though the home-based segment is experiencing growth fueled by personalized attention and convenience. The private sector holds a larger share compared to the public sector due to higher investment in infrastructure and advanced learning programs. North America and Europe currently represent significant market shares, but Asia-Pacific is exhibiting the fastest growth rate, driven by rapid urbanization and economic expansion. Competition is intense, with established players like KinderCare Education and Learning Care Group vying for market share alongside numerous smaller, localized providers. Challenges include the regulatory landscape, varying quality standards, and affordability concerns, particularly in low-income communities. Addressing these challenges through policy initiatives and investment in affordable childcare options will be crucial for sustainable market growth in the coming years. The forecast period of 2025-2033 anticipates a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.70%, projecting significant market expansion. This growth will be influenced by ongoing trends such as the increasing demand for specialized daycare services catering to specific needs like bilingual education or early childhood intervention programs. The market will also witness technological advancements, with the integration of digital tools and online platforms enhancing operational efficiency and parental engagement. However, restraints such as workforce shortages, particularly qualified childcare professionals, and the high cost of operating daycare centers will continue to pose challenges. Addressing these challenges through effective workforce training and development initiatives, as well as government support, will be crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the market and its ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality childcare. Geographic expansion into underserved regions and the development of innovative business models that address affordability concerns will further shape the future landscape of the daycare market. Recent developments include: September 2024: County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. unveiled a Family Daycare Startup Grant Program, allocating USD 250,000 to establish new home day care businesses and support the expansion of existing ones.May 2024: Three school districts in British Columbia launched a fully integrated, all-day childcare program. Early childhood educators, along with support staff from the school districts, will deliver both learning and care for children within classrooms and other school facilities.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Number of Working Parents, Increasing Awareness about Early Childhood Education. Potential restraints include: Increasing Number of Working Parents, Increasing Awareness about Early Childhood Education. Notable trends are: The Center Based Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market During the Forecast Period.

The Foster Care Program helps states and participating territories and Tribes to provide safe and stable out-of- home care for eligible children and youth until they are safely returned home, placed permanently with adoptive families or legal guardians, or placed in other planned arrangements for permanency. It also provides funding for allowable pre-placement administrative activities for eligible children determined to be at imminent risk of removal who, absent effective provision of preventive services, would be placed in foster care. The program is annually appropriated and funding is awarded as an open-ended entitlement grant. The Title IV-E agency must submit quarterly reports of estimated and actual program expenditures. Funding is contingent upon an approved title IV-E plan to administer or supervise the administration of the program. The program operates in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Tribes with approved title IV-E plans. Title IV-E agencies may elect to offer foster care to eligible young people up to the age of 21. Participating young people must be completing secondary education, attending post-secondary education, working at least 80 hours per month, participating in certain pre-employment activities, or have a medical condition that prevents them from participating in education or work activities. The following states been approved to operate a foster care program serving young people over age 18: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Hawai’i, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. For maintenance payments, the Foster Care Program provides federal matching funds at the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which ranges from 50 to 83 percent, depending on the state's or Tribe’s per capita income. Matching funds are provided based on the expenditures made on behalf of children determined eligible for the program who are placed in a family foster home or child care institution (CCI) that meets applicable licensure and safety related requirements. As amended by the Family First Prevention Services Act, the law authorizes up to 12 months of foster care payments for a child placed with a parent residing in a licensed residential family-based treatment facility for substance abuse. The law also places time limits on the ability to claim foster care maintenance payments for children placed in certain CCI’s. Administrative costs are matched at 50 percent and include costs such as eligibility determinations, case management for children in foster care, development and operation of automated information systems, and independent legal representation. There is a 75 percent match for allowable training for title IV-E agency employees, persons preparing for employment by the title IV-E agency, foster parents, private child welfare agency staff providing services to children receiving title IV-E assistance, child abuse and neglect court personnel, guardians ad litem, court appointed special advocates, and attorneys for an agency, child, or the child’s parent. In addition, $3 million annually is reserved for technical assistance and plan development/ implementation grants to eligible Tribes. FY 2022: $5,830,000,000 Metadata-only record linking to the original dataset. Open original dataset below.

The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program provides grants to States and Indian tribes for programs directed toward the goal of keeping families together. They include preventive intervention so that, if possible, children will not have to be removed from their homes. If this is not possible, children are placed in foster care and reunification services are available to encourage the return of children who have been removed from their families. Services are available to children and their families without regard to income. These funds are a small but integral part of State social service systems for families who need assistance in order to stay together. These funds, often combined with State and local government, as well as private funds, are directed to accomplish the following purposes: States can use a portion of their funds (no more than their 2005 expenditure level) for foster care maintenance payments, adoption assistance and day care related to employment or training for employment. States must limit expenditures for administrative costs 10 percent or less of their expenditures under this program. Each state receives a base amount of $70,000. Additional funds are distributed in proportion to the state's population of children under age 21 multiplied by the complement of the state's average per capita income. The state match requirement is 25 percent. Funding is approximately $282,000,000 for FY 2008. Metadata-only record linking to the original dataset. Open original dataset below.