Cost of Child Care in Louisiana: A Breakdown for 2023

Child Care costs in Louisiana are a major concern for families with young children. The rising cost of quality care has become a burden for many families. The average annual cost of infant care in Louisiana is $7,724—that’s $644 per month and Child Care for a 4-year-old costs $6,906, or $576 each month.

If you are a parent in Louisiana, you may be wondering how much Child Care will cost you in 2023. The good news is that the state has allocated $52 million to the Child Care Assistance Program to help low-income families pay for Child Care. However, this program only covers a portion of the cost, and many families still struggle to afford quality childcare. Understanding the breakdown of costs in Louisiana can help you make informed decisions about your Child Care options.

Factors Influencing Child Care Costs

When it comes to Child Care costs in Louisiana, there are various factors that influence the prices you pay:

Type of Child Care
The type of Child Care you choose can significantly impact the cost. Here are some common types of Child Care and their typical costs in Louisiana:

In-home care $140-$200 per week
Family Child Care home $140-$200 per week
Child Care center $175-$300 per week
After-school program $45-$85 per week

As you can see, in-home care and family Child Care homes tend to be less expensive than Child Care centers. However, it’s important to note that the cost can vary depending on the provider’s experience, location, and other factors.

Age of the Child
Infants and toddlers typically require more attention and care, which can result in higher prices. Here are some average weekly costs for Child Care based on age:

Infants (0-12 months) $195-$350 per week
Toddlers (1-2 years) $175-$300 per week
Preschoolers (3-5 years) $155-$250 per week

Location within Louisiana
The cost of Child Care can also vary depending on where you live in Louisiana. For example, Child Care in New Orleans tends to be more expensive than in rural areas. It’s always a good idea to research and compare different Child Care options before making a decision.

Louisiana Child Care Cost Per City

New Orleans Child Care

As of July 2023, the average rate for Child Care providers in New Orleans is $16.34 per hour. The weekly cost for Child Care providers working a 40-hour week is $654 while the monthly cost is approximately $2,124 for 130 hours of work.

Baton Rouge Child Care

As of July 2023, the average rate for Child Care providers in Baton Rouge is $14.50 per hour. The weekly cost for Child Care providers working a 40-hour week is $580 while the monthly cost is approximately $1,885 for 130 hours of work.

Lafayette Child Care

As of July 2023, the average rate for Child Care providers in Lafayette is $13.08 per hour. The weekly cost for Child Care providers working a 40-hour week is $523 while the monthly cost is approximately $1,700 for 130 hours of work.

Shreveport Child Care

As of July 2023, the average rate for Child Care providers in Shreveport is $13.54 per hour. The weekly cost for Child Care providers working a 40-hour week is $542 while the monthly cost is approximately $1,760 for 130 hours of work.

Lake Charles Child Care

As of July 2023, the average rate for Child Care providers in Lake Charles is $12.61 per hour. The weekly cost for Child Care providers working a 40-hour week is $504 while the monthly cost is approximately $1,639 for 130 hours of work.