A recent publication from the U.S. Department of Labor determined U.S. families spend 8.9 – 16.0 percent of their median income on full-day childcare for a single child. While childcare can be a large expense, it’s crucial for many working families to find safe, quality support for their children during the workday. Luckily, there are avenues you can explore to lower your childcare costs or make the expense more manageable based on your current financial situation.
Orlando childcare costs
Infant child care in Florida in 2025 is an average of $12,639 per year, according to Child Care Aware of Florida. This number continues to rise, increasing $9,238 from 2024.
Many factors can influence this cost. These include:
- Location of the facility
- Type of care provided (such as in-home care versus a licensed daycare center)
- How many children are enrolled (some providers offer sibling discounts)
- Number of days and hours a child attends (full-time care usually costs more than part-time or part-week options)
In addition to base tuition, families should budget for related expenses like transportation to and from the facility, meals or snacks if they’re not provided, and supplies such as diapers, wipes, bottles, and extra clothing. Some centers may also charge registration or activity fees. With all of these variables, planning ahead and comparing options is essential to managing childcare costs in Orlando.
Financial support for Orlando childcare costs
There are several options families can explore to better manage their childcare expenses. Depending on where you live, your child’s needs, preferences for care, and financial situation, some options may not be available.
Childcare duration
Many programs allow you to choose between a five-day, three-day, or two-day program. Similarly, you may be able to choose between a half day or a full day. If you’re struggling to afford a full five-day program, explore options to shorten your child’s time at daycare to lower the costs. While this isn’t an option for everyone, it is something to keep in mind.
Sliding scale programs
There are also pricing structures that utilize a sliding scale. For example, some daycares may establish a different annual cost based on your household income. If you have a larger household income, your childcare costs would be higher than someone with a lower income. This allows families in various financial situations access to quality care for their children.
Financial assistance
Some families may be eligible for childcare financial assistance or grants. Eligibility may be based on where you live, household income, level of need, and other factors to ensure the families most in need are receiving support. Some facilities offer private financial assistance programs where you could receive a lower rate or be able to split up payments over time.
Discounts
When planning for childcare expenses, ask about potential discounts that could help lower your overall costs. Many daycare centers offer sibling discounts, so enrolling multiple children at the same facility may save you money and simplify logistics. Some providers also offer reduced rates for single-parent households or military families. And finally, certain employers or community programs may partner with childcare centers to provide further savings. These discounts aren’t always advertised, so be sure to ask when exploring your options.
Other Orlando childcare resources
If you exhaust your options for financial assistance and discounts, you can explore other types of childcare. For example, maybe there is a family member nearby who can support at certain times of the day. Or, your neighborhood may have a cooperative childcare arrangement where you can rotate with other parents to take turns caring for the group of children.
Families may also opt to borrow money to cover annual childcare expenses. For example, a personal loan could help you borrow the funds you need for an entire year of care, but allow you to make monthly payments to spread the cost out. While there may be associated fees and interest, this can help alleviate the financial burden of full upfront payments.
Tips for affordable, quality childcare in Orlando
Caregivers are often faced with the challenge of prioritizing quality and budget when it comes to childcare. Here are some tips that can help you achieve both:
- Filter your options by budget: Start by looking only at daycares that are within your budget or affordable based on your eligibility for financial aid. This can help you avoid visiting and applying at locations that are too expensive.
- Check for licensing and accreditation: Consider choosing a childcare facility that is licensed and accredited with the right health and safety regulations for your child.
- Take a tour: Tour your options when there are children there to get a feel for how the center runs, what the staff is like, and if it could be a good fit for your child.
- Ask about staff-to-child ratios: Staff-to-child ratios can shed light on how much 1-to-1 attention your child is able to get. Some families look for low ratios to prevent issues associated with understaffing.
- Tell them about your child: Discuss your child’s personality, behavior, likes, dislikes, and more with your potential care provider. This can help you determine if it’s a good fit before paying for child care.
Keeping these tips in mind, you can work to find a childcare facility that is safe, enriching, affordable, and in line with the type of care you want for your child.
Final thoughts on Orlando childcare costs
Childcare is one of the largest yearly expenses for families. With prices increasing each year, caregivers are faced with the challenge of finding a facility that works well for the child but is also within their budget. If you’re concerned about the affordability of childcare in Orlando, look into all options for grants, financial support, discounts, or even borrowing money with a personal loan. Understanding everything available to you can help you make the best decision for you and your family.
