Infant vs Toddler vs Preschool Childcare Cost in Douglas County, CO

Childcare prices in Douglas 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 $401/wk ($20,862/yr), the highest band in most counties, while preschool care runs $276/wk ($14,370/yr). That's a 31% drop — about $125/wk, or $6,492 a year, in savings as your child moves from infant to preschool.

The priciest age group in Douglas County is Infant (0-1) at $401/wk, and the cheapest is school-age (6+) at $148/wk — a spread of $254/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 $148/wk, since those children only need before- and after-school coverage.

At $401/wk for infant center care, Douglas County runs 131% above the national median of $174/wk.

The Childcare Burden Index here is 15.0% of median household income — a high burden, more than double the 7% HHS affordability threshold.

For families looking to lower the bill, family-based (home) daycare in Douglas County runs $261/wk for infants — about 35% less than center-based care, or $7,316 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $148/wk (center) or $200/wk (family).