Infant vs Toddler vs Preschool Childcare Cost in Chatham County, NC

Childcare prices in Chatham County track a child's age closely, because state licensing rules require more staff per child for the youngest age bands. Infant center care costs $228/wk ($11,834/yr), the highest band in most counties, while preschool care runs $165/wk ($8,604/yr). That's a 27% drop — about $62/wk, or $3,230 a year, in savings as your child moves from infant to preschool.

The priciest age group in Chatham County is Infant (0-1) at $228/wk, and the cheapest is school-age (6+) at $87/wk — a spread of $140/wk between the most and least expensive bands. Cost declines steadily from infant to toddler to preschool, the typical national shape. School-age care (ages 6+) is usually the most economical at $87/wk, since those children only need before- and after-school coverage.

At $228/wk for infant center care, Chatham County runs 31% above the national median of $174/wk.

The Childcare Burden Index here is 14.1% of median household income — a moderate burden, above the 7% HHS affordability threshold.

For families looking to lower the bill, family-based (home) daycare in Chatham County runs $163/wk for infants — about 29% less than center-based care, or $3,376 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $87/wk (center) or $82/wk (family).