Infant vs Toddler vs Preschool Childcare Cost in Josephine County, OR

Childcare prices in Josephine 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 $261/wk ($13,582/yr), the highest band in most counties, while preschool care runs $191/wk ($9,932/yr). That's a 27% drop — about $70/wk, or $3,650 a year, in savings as your child moves from infant to preschool.

The priciest age group in Josephine County is Infant (0-1) at $261/wk, and the cheapest is school-age (6+) at $86/wk — a spread of $175/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 $86/wk, since those children only need before- and after-school coverage.

At $261/wk for infant center care, Josephine County runs 50% above the national median of $174/wk.

The Childcare Burden Index here is 24.2% 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 Josephine County runs $173/wk for infants — about 34% less than center-based care, or $4,582 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $86/wk (center) or $138/wk (family).