Infant vs Toddler vs Preschool Childcare Cost in Freeborn County, MN

Childcare prices in Freeborn 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 $211/wk ($10,972/yr), the highest band in most counties, while preschool care runs $182/wk ($9,447/yr). That's a 14% drop — about $29/wk, or $1,525 a year, in savings as your child moves from infant to preschool.

The priciest age group in Freeborn County is Infant (0-1) at $211/wk, and the cheapest is school-age (6+) at $163/wk — a spread of $48/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 $163/wk, since those children only need before- and after-school coverage.

At $211/wk for infant center care, Freeborn County runs 22% above the national median of $174/wk.

The Childcare Burden Index here is 16.7% 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 Freeborn County runs $123/wk for infants — about 42% less than center-based care, or $4,559 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $163/wk (center) or $113/wk (family).