Cost Of Child Care In Minnesota (Updated December 2023)

Minnesotan parents are stuck with a Child Care problem. Minnesota ranks as the 4th most expensive state for Child Care in the U.S., with the average annual fee per child coming in at an enormous $16,087. But why is it that Child Care costs in Minnesota are so high?

Although parents find solace in the fact that Child Care costs decrease as your child gets older, this cost is still unmanageable for many parents across the state. Thankfully, in-home daycare offers a way for parents to keep the cost of Child Care down for younger children. But this doesn’t change the fact that once your toddler needs to attend a center, the cost is more than the price for in-state college tuition.

Why is Child Care in Minnesota so expensive?

The cost of Child Care is often attributed to the quality of the service across the state. First, Minnesota is home to the highest percentage of nationally accredited Child Care centers. Child Care centers in Minnesota are considered to be among the safest places for children across the country.

Second, Child Care in Minnesota also has stricter teaching standards and follows a ratio of 4:1, or four children to every adult, whereas in other states, this ratio can be as high as 9:1. Lower child-teacher ratio is important for ensuring the safety and attention that children need to thrive in their early years.

However, more needs to be done to assist lower-income families in securing the same Child Care opportunities for their children. This is best represented by the fact that Child Care costs increased by 60% after the pandemic, which quickly moved Minnesota into 4th position among the most expensive states for Child Care in the US, especially Child Care in Minneapolis and other cities.

How much does Child Care cost in Minnesota 2023

Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly cost of Child Care in Minnesota:

The average monthly cost of infant care in Minnesota is $1,312 (infants in Minnesota are classified as between 0 to 12 months).
The average monthly cost of toddler care in Minnesota is $1,156 (toddlers in Minnesota are classified as between 12 to 24 months).
The average monthly cost of preschool in Minnesota is $1,028 (preschool in Minnesota is classified as between 2 to 5 years).
The average monthly cost of after school care in Minnesota is $904 (afterschool or school-aged care in Minnesota are classified as between 5 to 11 years).

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

Massachusetts ($20,913)
California ($16,945)
Minnesota ($16,087)
Connecticut ($15,591)
New York ($15,394)
Maryland ($15,335)
Colorado ($15,325)
Washington ($14,554)
Virginia ($14,063)
Illinois ($13,802)

Other Expenses

As well as the annual cost of Child Care, you’ll also have to consider things such as food, activities, and some of the hidden costs that come with full-time education.

Food

While some Child Care centers will provide children with food and snacks throughout the day, others may require that you pack food for your child to bring with them. If your children have any particularly dietary requirements, it’s worth discussing these with the center in advance, to see whether they’re able to accommodate your child or if you’ll need to provide specialized meals.

School trips

Some schools will have optional trips that your child can attend for an extra fee. This could be a visit to a local museum, historical site, or educational tour. Although these day trips are unlikely to amount to a huge cost every year, its important to factor them into your expenses.

Activities

If your child is interested in a particular subject at school, they might like to attend an after-school club that supports and nurtures their learning in the topic. These will usually be charged as an extra fee on top of the normal flat rate for enrollment.

What’s the overall cost of Child Care in Minnesota

Although the average cost figures may help you get an idea of how much of a financial commitment Child Care may be, they do not provide exact answers. Your Child Care expenses will ultimately depend on your child’s individual needs, whether that includes specialized diets or participation in extracurricular activities, your child is always the answer to turn to.

If your child wants to learn soccer, then be prepared for the extra expenses for participation and even laundry costs. If you’d like them to learn a second language, expect to pay for the extra lessons. And if your child just wants to click in and out of day care every day, then you can reasonably expect to only pay for the Child Care alone. No matter the need, now that you know the moving parts of the equation, you can help choose the right program for your child.

FAQs and STATS

What is the average cost of Child Care in Minnesota?

The average annual cost of infant care in Minnesota is $16,087—that’s $1,341 per month.
Child Care for a 4-year-old costs $12,252, or $1,021 each month.

How can I find licensed Child Care providers in Minnesota?

To find licensed Child Care providers in Minnesota, you can use TOOTRiS, a reliable online platform that connects parents with licensed Child Care providers. TOOTRiS offers a user-friendly interface where you can search for Child Care providers based on your location, preferred schedule, and specific requirements. It provides detailed profiles of licensed providers, including their qualifications, experience, facility information, and parent reviews. Simply visit the TOOTRiS website or download their mobile app to start exploring licensed childcare options in Minnesota.

Are there quality rating systems for Child Care programs in Minnesota?

Yes, Minnesota has a quality rating and improvement system called Parent Aware. It rates Child Care programs based on quality indicators and provides parents with information to make informed choices about their child’s care.
Statistics on Child Care in Minnesota:

Minnesota’s Female Population Are Disproportionately Affected

In Minnesota, women make up 46% of the labor force, but they are more likely than men to work part-time or leave the workforce due to Child Care issues. About 70% of mothers with children under the age of 18 are in the labor force, but many report difficulty finding affordable and high-quality Child Care options.
Child Care issues are often cited as a significant factor in women’s decisions to leave the workforce, with one study reporting that 32% of women who left their jobs cited Child Care as the reason.
The lack of affordable Child Care options in Minnesota not only affects women’s ability to participate in the labor force but also has a negative impact on the state’s economy.

Available, Affordable Child Care is Very Difficult to Find in Minnesota

According to Child Care Aware of America, more than half of the counties in Minnesota are considered Child Care deserts, with limited or no access to licensed Child Care providers.
Minnesota’s rural areas are particularly affected by this lack of access to Child Care, with many families struggling to find available and affordable Child Care options.
In Minnesota, only 15% of Child Care providers offer care during non-traditional hours, making it difficult for families with non-traditional work schedules to find care that fits their needs.
The lack of available, affordable Child Care in Minnesota not only affects families’ ability to work and contribute to the economy, but it also impacts children’s development and future success.