If you have children and are moving to the United States for work, study, or just a fresh start, arranging reliable childcare will likely be high on your list. Families across the US have access to a wide range of options, from home-based care and in-home nannies to structured daycare centres and early learning programs. The right choice will depend on your child's age, your schedule, and the kind of environment you want them to grow up in.
Good to know:
There is no US federal or state-mandated program to subsidize or provide childcare to families or employees. Some employers do provide benefits to working parents, but the majority of parents are responsible for finding and paying for their child's care, which can be expensive. Many families report spending an average of 22% of their household income on childcare, and rising costs continue to place financial pressure on parents nationwide.
Home-based daycare in the USA
Some individuals operate daycare services from their homes, providing a more intimate setting for a smaller group of children. Home-based daycares can offer a more personalized experience but may have fewer resources than larger centers.
This type of care appeals to parents who prefer a more personal, home-like environment for their children. It usually takes place in a private home with one caregiver and a small group of children. Activities are often similar to those in a daycare center but tend to follow a more flexible routine. However, they may have fewer educational materials or organized learning programs. Because group sizes are small, there's no guarantee your child will have playmates of the same age.
For this kind of daycare, licensing is still required, but the rules differ by state. Because care is provided in a private home with small groups, some home-based programs may still operate without a license or outside the formal system, especially in areas with limited oversight. However, it's always safest to choose a licensed provider.
Getting licensed typically involves background checks, health and safety inspections, and proof of training in early childhood care or first aid. Licensed providers must also meet limits on group size, maintain facilities in terms of safety and hygiene, and comply with state reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Daycare centers/childcare centers in the USA
These facilities provide structured care and educational activities for children of different ages, typically from infants to preschoolers. Daycare centers are licensed and regulated, offering a safe environment for children to learn, play, and interact with others. Most facilities welcome children from three months old to five years old. The curriculum can vary from playing and guided activities with other children to preschool education.
Both the people working at a daycare and the facilities themselves must be licensed by the individual state. Each state imposes different standards, which must be followed to keep the center operating. Additionally, some daycare centers have accreditations that guide their operations or adhere to a specific educational program, like Steiner or Pikler. Reading about the licensing standards in your state and common accreditation programs can help you decide which facility is best for your family.
Preschools in the USA
Preschools are focused on early childhood education and typically serve children between the ages of 3 and 5. They offer a curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten, focusing on social, cognitive, and emotional development.
Nannies in the US
Hiring a nanny in the US involves having a caregiver come to your home to care for your child. Nannies provide personalized care and can tailor activities to your child's needs. Nannies are popular in urban and suburban areas across the United States, especially in larger cities where families may have demanding work schedules and seek personalized care for their children. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., are known to have a strong demand for nanny services. Nannies tend to be expensive, and this is generally only an option for higher-income working parents.
Digital platforms such as Care.com and Sittercity remain the main hiring channels.
How to choose a childcare service in the USA?
When most parents choose a daycare center, they will visit the provider multiple times, converse with staff, and observe the general atmosphere of the place. Basic things to look at include confirming the center is licensed and that it adheres to health and safety standards, as well as getting information on the prices and services offered by the center. On top of this, many parents are hoping to enroll their children somewhere where they trust the staff and approve of the teaching approaches and general environment. You are strongly advised to visit the site with your child to get a sense of the place.
Childcare costs can vary greatly depending on the type of program and the cost of living in your particular city. According to Care.com's 2025 report, the average weekly cost of hiring a nanny for an infant is USD 827, and daycare and family care centers both cost around USD 343.
Around 70% of daycare centers have active waitlists, and long delays are common, especially in high-demand city areas. The use of digital tools, automated scheduling, and virtual tours is becoming more standard, helping parents explore programs remotely. Though this can help narrow down the field, we would still encourage in-person visits before committing.
Funding for childcare in the USA
In the United States, government funding for daycare and childcare programs varies depending on factors such as state regulations, income level, and individual circumstances. While some government assistance programs provide financial support for childcare, it's important to note that the availability and eligibility criteria can differ from state to state. If expats are in the US on the correct permanent visa, they should be assessed for funding like any other eligible residents, so long as they meet the specific criteria set by the state in which they reside.
Some funding options include:
- Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG): This federal program provides funding to states to assist low-income families with the cost of childcare services. States use these funds to offer subsidies to eligible families, enabling them to access licensed childcare providers. The CDBG budget recently increased slightly to USD 8.83 billion.
- Head Start and Early Head Start: These federally funded programs focus on early childhood education and comprehensive services for children from low-income families. They offer a combination of educational, health, nutritional, and social services to support children's development.
- State child care subsidy programs: Many states have their child care subsidy programs that provide financial assistance to eligible low-income families. These programs can vary widely in terms of eligibility criteria, application processes, and the level of funding provided. Several states have expanded subsidies for childcare workers and middle-income families, though access remains uneven, and many programs face budget pressures.
Useful links:
ChildCare.gov – Child Care Financial Assistance Options
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