Full-time toddler daycare in New York City runs about $1,600 to $2,500 a month at licensed centers in 2026, per New York market-rate data and the Child Care Aware of America 2024 report. That is lower than infant care because the toddler ratio allows more children per caregiver. Licensed family child care homes run lower still, roughly $1,300 to $1,800.
Plan for roughly $1,600 to $2,500 a month for full-time toddler care at a licensed New York City center in 2026, based on New York market-rate data and the Child Care Aware of America 2024 report. That is about $19,200 to $30,000 a year. Manhattan and brownstone Brooklyn sit at the top of the range, while the outer boroughs and licensed home-based care run lower.
| Care setting (NYC, full-time toddler) | Monthly range | Annual range |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed center, typical | $1,600 to $2,500 | $19,200 to $30,000 |
| Licensed center, premium Manhattan | $2,500 to $3,100+ | $30,000 to $37,200+ |
| Licensed family child care home | $1,300 to $1,800 | $15,600 to $21,600 |
| Outer-borough median (toddler center) | roughly $1,500 to $2,100 | roughly $18,000 to $25,200 |
For the citywide picture and how the boroughs compare, see our New York City daycare guide and the daycare cost pillar.
Yes. Toddler care typically costs a few hundred dollars a month less than infant care in New York City, because the ratio loosens from one caregiver per four infants to one per five children ages 18 to 36 months, per OCFS day care center regulations. Each caregiver can supervise more toddlers, which lowers the labor cost per child and the tuition you pay.
If your child is aging out of the infant room, expect the monthly bill to drop, though demand for toddler spots is still high in popular neighborhoods. Compare the two stages directly with our infant daycare in New York guide.
New York State requires one caregiver for every five children ages 18 to 36 months, with a maximum group size of 12, per OCFS day care center regulations. Group centers within New York City fall under the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Article 47 of the Health Code, which sets comparable toddler ratios. NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, recommends keeping toddler groups small and well-staffed, which some higher-end centers exceed by choice.
Ratios are worth checking on a tour. Ask how many children and how many qualified caregivers are in the room at the busiest part of the day, not just on paper. Our tour questions guide gives you the full script.
A licensed family child care home in New York City usually runs below center pricing for toddlers, often around $1,300 to $1,800 a month, per Child Care Aware of America 2024 data. Homes care for a small mixed-age group in a residential setting, while centers offer dedicated toddler rooms, structured curriculum, and backup staffing. Both must be licensed or registered through New York OCFS or the city health department.
The honest tradeoff. Toddler daycare in New York City costs less than infant care, but it is still a major monthly expense, and the best programs keep waitlists even at this stage. There is no easy way around either fact. Budgeting for steady tuition and touring early are the two moves that consistently reduce the stress.
Several levers help New York families. Income-eligible households can apply for the New York Child Care Assistance Program through their local social services district, funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund. New York City families can also pursue vouchers through the Administration for Children's Services. Nearly all working parents can use a Dependent Care FSA and claim the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit, per IRS rules.
To model your own New York numbers after credits and subsidies, run them through our cost calculator.
How much does toddler daycare cost in New York, NY? About $1,600 to $2,500 a month at licensed centers in 2026, per New York market-rate data and Child Care Aware of America 2024; family child care homes run lower.
What is the toddler ratio in New York? One caregiver per five children ages 18 to 36 months, group size capped at 12, per OCFS day care center regulations; NYC centers follow Health Code Article 47.
Is toddler care cheaper than infant care? Yes, by a few hundred dollars a month, because the ratio loosens from 1:4 to 1:5.
Is there financial help? Yes, through the New York Child Care Assistance Program, NYC vouchers, a Dependent Care FSA, and the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit.
How care, ratios, and cost change from the infant room through preschool, with the questions that matter at each stage.
Read the guide → BlogWhat the most expensive year of care costs in New York City, and how to plan for it.
Read the article → Free toolPlug in your ZIP, child age, and care type for a net out-of-pocket estimate after credits and subsidies.
Try the calculator →Get our free daycare starter kit — the 27-question tour checklist, a cost-comparison worksheet, and what to ask about waitlists. One email, no spam.
Or jump in: tour questions · cost calculator · comparison checklist