A Parent’s Guide to Daycare Prices in Chicago and Chicago’s North Shore
What I Learned Navigating Daycare in Chicago and the North Shore
When I was looking for daycare for my daughter, who’s now five, I quickly realized how overwhelming the process can be. Between touring schools, comparing prices, and hearing about endless waitlists, it felt like there was no clear playbook. In the Chicago and North Shore area, daycare costs span a wide range, from under $1,500 per month to well over $2,500, depending on location, age group, and whether the care is home-based or center-based. City options tended to be more expensive overall, while some suburban programs offered a bit more flexibility, especially as kids got older.
One of the biggest surprises was how early you have to start. I heard from other parents (and experienced firsthand) that waitlists of six months to a year are common, particularly for infant and toddler spots. Some families sign up before their baby is even born, which felt wild to me at the time but quickly made sense once I was in it. Even when spots opened up, timing didn’t always align perfectly with work schedules, which forced us to stay flexible and keep backup options in mind.
What ultimately mattered most, though, wasn’t just price or availability. As a mom, I cared most about knowing my daughter was happy, safe, and truly cared for during the day. Consistent teachers, clear communication, and a warm sense of community made all the difference — and often justified the cost. Looking back, my biggest advice to parents starting this journey is to begin early, ask lots of questions, and trust your instincts. Daycare decisions are rarely simple, but finding the right fit can make a huge difference for both you and your child.
Access the Chicagoland Daycare Guide Spreadsheet
If you’re in the middle of researching daycare, or just want to see what other families in the area are experiencing, you can fill out the form below to receive a link to my Chicagoland Daycare Guide Spreadsheet.
The spreadsheet is built from a short survey completed by parents across Chicago and the North Shore. It includes real, first-hand details like which daycare their child attends, monthly cost, child age, whether there was a waitlist, and honest notes about their experience. It’s not meant to rank schools or tell you where to enroll, but to give you realistic expectations around pricing, availability, and what families actually value when choosing care.
I found that having this kind of information in one place made the process feel a lot less overwhelming — and I hope it helps you feel more confident as you navigate daycare for your own family.
