Infant vs Toddler vs Preschool Childcare Cost in Sumter County, SC

Childcare prices in Sumter 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 $199/wk ($10,344/yr), the highest band in most counties, while preschool care runs $181/wk ($9,418/yr). That's a 9% drop — about $18/wk, or $926 a year, in savings as your child moves from infant to preschool.

The priciest age group in Sumter County is Infant (0-1) at $199/wk, and the cheapest is school-age (6+) at $138/wk — a spread of $61/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 $138/wk, since those children only need before- and after-school coverage.

At $199/wk for infant center care, Sumter County runs 15% above the national median of $174/wk.

The Childcare Burden Index here is 19.2% 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 Sumter County runs $138/wk for infants — about 31% less than center-based care, or $3,192 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $138/wk (center) or $89/wk (family).