Estimate your after-school care costs by state and program type — and find out how much you can save with tax credits and subsidies.
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After-school care costs vary significantly by state, driven by local labor costs, real estate, and the availability of subsidized programs. The table below shows average monthly costs for center-based after-school programs.
| State | Monthly (Center) | Monthly (School-Based) | Annual (Center) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington D.C. | $920 | $380 | $11,040 |
| Massachusetts | $830 | $340 | $9,960 |
| California | $780 | $310 | $9,360 |
| New York | $760 | $300 | $9,120 |
| Maryland | $720 | $290 | $8,640 |
| Virginia | $680 | $275 | $8,160 |
| Colorado | $650 | $265 | $7,800 |
| Washington | $640 | $260 | $7,680 |
| Illinois | $600 | $245 | $7,200 |
| Texas | $490 | $200 | $5,880 |
| Florida | $460 | $190 | $5,520 |
| Georgia | $440 | $180 | $5,280 |
| Ohio | $380 | $155 | $4,560 |
| Wisconsin | $370 | $150 | $4,440 |
| Indiana | $340 | $140 | $4,080 |
| Mississippi | $220 | $90 | $2,640 |
| U.S. National Average | $430 | $210 | $5,160 |
Source: Child Care Aware of America, 2025 Price of Care Report. Costs reflect full-time after-school care (5 days/week, school year only).
Families paying for after-school care have access to several federal and state programs that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Used together, these benefits can offset $2,000–$5,000 per year.
| Benefit | Max Savings/Year | Who Qualifies | How to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dependent Care FSA | $1,000–$2,000 | Employees with employer FSA plan | Enroll during open enrollment; use pre-tax dollars |
| Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit | $600–$2,100 | Families with income under $438K | File IRS Form 2441 with your tax return |
| CCDF State Subsidy | Up to full cost | Families below 85% SMI | Apply through your state child care agency |
| 21st CCLC Free Program | Full cost ($2,500–$5,000) | Students at Title I schools | Ask your school's principal or district office |
| State Tax Credits | $200–$1,000 | Varies by state | Check your state's department of revenue |
The national average cost of center-based after-school care in 2026 is approximately $430 per month ($5,160 per year) for one child. School-based programs average $210/month, and YMCA programs average $275/month. Costs range from $220/month in Mississippi to $920/month in Washington D.C.
The average weekly cost of after-school care is approximately $99 per week for center-based programs. School-based programs average $48/week and YMCA programs average $63/week. Costs typically cover pickup from school, supervision, homework help, and activities until 5:30–6:00pm.
Yes. After-school care for children under age 13 qualifies for the Dependent Care FSA (up to $5,000/year pre-tax) and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (up to 35% of $3,000 for one child, $6,000 for two or more). Together, these can save families $1,500–$2,500 per year on after-school costs.
School-based extended day programs (SACC) are typically the most affordable, averaging $150–$250/month. YMCA after-school programs average $200–$350/month. Free options include 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) in qualifying Title I schools. If you qualify for CCDF subsidies, your out-of-pocket cost could be as low as $0–$50/month regardless of program type.
Summer programs typically cost more than after-school care because they cover full days rather than just afternoons. Summer camp or full-day summer care averages $800–$1,200/month, compared to $430/month for after-school-only care. Many families use their CCDF subsidy or FSA funds to cover summer care costs as well.
After-school care is not directly "tax deductible," but it qualifies for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (a credit is better than a deduction — it reduces your tax bill dollar-for-dollar). You can claim up to 35% of $3,000 in qualifying expenses for one child ($1,050 max) or $6,000 for two or more children ($2,100 max). The program must be for a child under age 13 and must enable you (and your spouse, if married) to work.
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