Cost Of Care In Illinois: A Breakdown For 2023

Ask any parents about the struggles they face raising their children, and they’re sure to mention the cost of Child Care at some point. As the economy continues to grow bigger and faster, people continue to grapple with finding quality Child Care that they could also afford.

But nowadays, the cost of Child Care has far surpassed the reasonable percentage of income that was paid by parents in previous generations. This has left both two-parent and single-parent households desperately trying to find a balance between managing the safety of their children and paying their bills.

One place this balancing act is particularly challenging is the state of Illinois. Illinois is now considered one of the 15 least affordable states in the country. And shockingly, Child Care is actually more expensive per year than the average person’s rent.

In Illinois, the average cost of rent is $1,098 per month or $13,176 per year

While the average cost of Child Care for 1 infant in Illinois is $1,150 per month or $13,802 per year

At that price, Child Care for an infant is nearly the same as in-state tuition at a college or university. Infants spend most of their days sleeping, eating, and getting diaper changes—a far cry from the effort it takes to properly educate a college student—yet the cost for both is near equal.

Even more disturbing, a parent making minimum wage would have to work full time from January through August just to pay the daycare bill for an infant for the year. As minimum wage increases take effect in Illinois, many low-income parents are being pushed slightly above the eligibility requirements for the Child Care subsidy programs that they desperately need.

Eligibility requirements for Child Care subsidies in Illinois:

• Must live in Illinois
• Be employed or enrolled in high school, college, trade school, or other educational activity
• Have children younger than 13 or up to 19 with documented special needs
• Meet the allowable income requirements

And while these eligibility requirements seem reasonable, the income portion is often what leaves struggling families unable to receive assistance. Many of whom are making an income just above the threshold. In some cases, families may even be forced to quit a job in order to become eligible for assistance and take away some of their financial burden.

2023 Income Eligibility Brackets for Child Care Subsidies:

• 2 person household: $2,903 per month
• 3 person household: $3,660 per month
• 4 person household: $4,417 per month
• 5 person household: $5,173 per month
• 6 person household: $5,930 per month
• 7 person household: $6,687 per month
• 8 person household: $7,443 per month
• 9 person household: $8,200 per month

While these income eligibility brackets may be livable earning levels in areas with lower costs of living, these do not suffice in Illinois, a member of the 15 least affordable states.

In addition, many parents have more than one child, which further increases the percentage of their income taken up by Child Care. The cost for 2 or more children in Child Care programs can be so burdensome, women become much more likely to leave the workforce altogether.

Moreover, it’s no secret that Child Care around the country comes with a considerably higher price tag for infants. But unfortunately, Child Care for older children in Illinois is only slightly better.

The average cost for a 4-year-old child in Illinois is $864 per month or $10,372 per year

These figures shine light on the fact that the Child Care problem does not only affect those with infants and toddlers, it affects all families who haven’t quite reached grade school. This serves as another reason why two-parent households may simply decide they’re better off financially for one of them not to work. Worse yet, single-parents don’t always have that option.

Furthermore, the cost of Child Care can vary drastically depending on which city in Illinois you live in, with higher-cost-of-living areas also having the highest Child Care bills. Where you live has a greater effect on the availability of affordable Child Care than you may even know.

Here are the average costs of Child Care in several Illinois cities in 2023:

• Aurora: $800 per month or $9,600 per year
• Champaign: $1,180 per month or $14,160 per year
• Chicago: $1,577 per month or $18,924 per year
• Elgin: $922 per month or $11,064 per year
• Joliet: $700 per month or $8,400 per year
• Naperville: $1,146 per month or $13,752 per year
• Peoria: $930 per month or $11,160 per year
• Rockford: $910 per month or $10,920 per year
• Springfield: $910 per month or $10,920 per year
• Waukegan: $560 per month or $6,720 per year

As you can see, the most densely populated areas typically charge higher rates for Child Care as well.

And the advertised rates for daycare centers and in-home daycares are just the tip of the iceberg. These base rates may not be the only fees you’ll incur. Many hidden fees may be waiting to take you by surprise.

In fact, after enrolling their children in a new Child Care program, parents are often faced with finding ways to finance the additional costs that pop up on top of the advertised base rates.

Additional fees may be incurred for Child Care in Illinois for the following reasons

• Registration/Administration Fees: Some Child Care providers may charge a one-time registration or administration fee when enrolling a child into their program. This fee covers administrative costs associated with processing paperwork, securing a spot for the child, and setting up their account.
• Deposit or Security Fee: Child Care centers may require a deposit or security fee to hold a child’s spot. This fee is usually refundable and serves as a guarantee that the child will attend the program. It may be applied towards the final payment or refunded when the child leaves the program, provided there are no outstanding charges or fees.
• Late Pickup Fees: Child Care centers often have specific operating hours, and if a parent or guardian arrives late to pick up their child, they may incur a late pickup fee. This fee is intended to compensate staff for their additional time and ensure the center operates efficiently.
• Field Trip Fees: Some Child Care programs organize field trips or outings for the children, which may incur additional fees. These fees cover transportation, admission fees, and any other expenses associated with the outing. Parents are typically informed in advance about field trips and given the option to participate or opt-out.
• Extra Services or Enrichment Programs: Child Care centers may offer extra services or enrichment programs such as music lessons, language classes, or sports activities. These additional services often come with their own fees as they require specialized instructors or materials.
• Supplies and Materials: In some cases, parents may be responsible for providing specific supplies or materials for their child’s care, such as diapers, wipes, formula, or extra clothing. Child Care providers may request a supply fee to cover the costs of additional materials needed to ensure the child’s well-being and comfort during their time at the center.

It’s important for parents to inquire about any potential additional fees when researching Child Care providers in Illinois. Understanding these fees beforehand can help you plan your budget accordingly and avoid any surprises.

How Illinois Child Care Compares Against the 10 states with the highest Child Care, preschool, infant care, and day care annual costs as of 2023:

1. Massachusetts ($20,913)
2. California ($16,945)
3. Minnesota ($16,087)
4. Connecticut ($15,591)
5. New York ($15,394)
6. Maryland ($15,335)
7. Colorado ($15,325)
8. Washington ($14,554)
9. Virginia ($14,063)
10. Illinois ($13,802)

FAQs and Stats

What types of Child Care are available in Illinois?

Illinois offers various types of Child Care, including Child Care centers, family Child Care homes, and preschool programs. Parents can choose the option that best suits their needs and preferences.

How do I find licensed Child Care providers in Illinois?

To find licensed Child Care providers in Illinois, you can use the TOOTRiS platform. TOOTRiS is a comprehensive online directory that helps parents connect with licensed Child Care providers in their area.

What are the licensing requirements for Child Care providers in Illinois?

Child Care providers in Illinois must meet specific licensing requirements set by the DCFS. These requirements include background checks for staff, health and safety regulations, age-appropriate activities, and staff-to-child ratios.

Stats

• According to the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, there are approximately 3,600 licensed Child Care centers and 21,000 licensed family Child Care homes in the state.
• The average annual cost of full-time infant care in a Child Care center in Illinois is around $12,000.
• Illinois has implemented quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS) to assess and improve the quality of Child Care programs. These systems help parents make informed choices about their child’s care.
• The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the Child Care industry in Illinois, with many providers facing financial challenges and closures. Efforts are being made to support and rebuild the Child Care sector.
• The state of Illinois continues to invest in early childhood education and care, recognizing its importance in children’s development and supporting working families. Various initiatives and programs are in place to improve access and affordability of Child Care services.