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

Childcare prices in Jefferson 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 $415/wk ($21,590/yr), the highest band in most counties, while preschool care runs $327/wk ($17,025/yr). That's a 21% drop — about $88/wk, or $4,565 a year, in savings as your child moves from infant to preschool.

The priciest age group in Jefferson County is Infant (0-1) at $415/wk, and the cheapest is school-age (6+) at $196/wk — a spread of $219/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 $196/wk, since those children only need before- and after-school coverage.

At $415/wk for infant center care, Jefferson County runs 139% above the national median of $174/wk.

The Childcare Burden Index here is 20.9% of median household income — a severe burden, more than triple the 7% affordability threshold the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services uses.

For families looking to lower the bill, family-based (home) daycare in Jefferson County runs $271/wk for infants — about 35% less than center-based care, or $7,501 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $196/wk (center) or $197/wk (family).