Average Cost of Daycare & Preschool in District of Columbia (2024)

The average cost of daycare in District of Columbia is about $2,183 a month for an infant and $1,748 a month for a 4-year-old in a licensed center (2024 data).

Center-based preschool for a 4-year-old in District of Columbia averages $20,981 a year — about $1,748 a month, above the US average of $12,503. Infant care runs higher (about $26,193/year). Source: Child Care Aware of America, 2024 Affordability Analysis, 2024.

Infant care in District of Columbia runs about $5,212 more a year than preschool-age care, so the cost usually falls as your child grows. That sticker price can drop to $0: District of Columbia's public pre-K, DC Universal Pre-K (PK3 and PK4), is free for all age-eligible 4-year-olds — see help paying for preschool in District of Columbia.

Prices swing with schedule and program type — full-day costs about twice a half-day, and Montessori or private programs run well above a community or church-based one; meals, registration, and materials fees add more. What drives preschool pricing → · How to afford preschool → · Compare the real price →

See also: when your child can start in District of Columbia · preschool costs in other states.