One of the most important concerns parents have regarding child care is the cost. With the prices of everything going up, daycare and early education shouldn’t break the bank. At CLC, we understand that children deserve the best start in life, which is why we offer fair pricing for your children’s early education. Here are some stats that can help you understand the average cost of daycare in Amarillo and Texas as a whole.
How much is child care in Texas?
The average cost of daycare or early childhood education varies depending on a few factors.
- Where the care is provided (at home or at a center)
- The age of your child
- The type of care your child receives (education or just daycare)
Generally, the younger the child, the higher the cost. That’s because infants need more hands-on attention and lower caregiver-to-child ratios to stay safe and thrive. According to Winnie, here’s what families across Texas can expect to pay for center-based care each month, on average.
- Infants: around $1,349 per month
- Toddlers: about $892 per month
- School-age children: about $797 per month
As you can see, infant care sits at the top of that price range, while costs tend to decrease as children grow. Home-based programs often run a little lower than center-based care, but center programs typically offer more structure, trained educators, and a full early learning curriculum.
What does daycare cost in Amarillo specifically?
Statewide averages are good to remember, but it’s likely more helpful to know what families are paying right here at home. When it comes to center-based care specifically, Amarillo tends to be more affordable than many larger Texas cities.
According to Winnie, the average monthly cost of center-based care in Texas ranges from around $797 for school-age children to $1,349 for infants. While Amarillo-specific center tuition data is limited, the city’s lower overall cost of living compared to major Texas metros like Austin and Dallas generally means families here can expect lower rates.
While child care is a real investment anywhere you go, the city’s lower overall cost of living means center-based care here tends to be more accessible than what families pay in larger Texas metros like Austin, Dallas, or Houston.
What does CLC charge?
We believe quality early education should be within reach for local families. That’s why we keep our pricing clear, fair, and easy to understand. Here’s a look at our full-time, five-day weekly rates:
- Infants (6 weeks–23 months): $200 per week
- Toddlers (24–35 months): $185 per week
- Preschoolers (3–5 years): $175 per week
- School-age (6–11 years): $160 per week
We also offer part-time and four-day options for families who need a little more flexibility in their schedules and budgets.
When you compare our weekly rates to the Care.com estimate of roughly $640 per week for care in Amarillo, you’ll see that CLC delivers real value without cutting corners on the attentive care your child deserves.
Discounts that help your family save
We know many families are juggling more than one little one, and we want to support you. That’s why we offer several discounts to help lighten the load.
- Sibling discount: $5.00 per child, per week, for up to three children
- First responder discount: 5% off per week
- Military discount: 5% off per week
- Teacher discount: 5% off per week
A one-time enrollment fee of $25.00 applies, and we ask for a minimum of four days of care per week to enroll.
Tips for making child care more affordable
Child care is one of the biggest line items in a family budget, but a few smart strategies can help stretch your dollars further.
- Look into a Dependent Care FSA. If your employer offers one, a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account lets you set aside pre-tax dollars to cover child care costs, which can add up to meaningful savings.
- Ask about subsidies. Programs like the Texas Workforce Commission’s Child Care Services, along with Head Start and Early Head Start, may reduce or even cover costs for qualifying families.
- Consider a part-time schedule. If full-time care isn’t a must, a four-day or part-time option can trim your weekly total while still giving your child rich learning experiences.
- Take advantage of sibling discounts. If you have more than one child enrolled, discounts can make a noticeable difference month to month.
- Explore tax credits. Many families qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit, so it’s worth checking with a tax professional at filing time.
A little planning goes a long way. When you combine available discounts, tax benefits, and the right schedule for your family, quality care becomes much more manageable.
At Children’s Learning Center, attentive care and whole-child development set us apart from other childcare options in Amarillo. We are proud to serve local families with six locations across Amarillo! Call our intake department today at (806) 374-5223 to get information on our latest opening.