After-School Care Cost Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
- 1
Enter Daily Care Rate ($) and Care Days per Month
Use the provider’s daily price and the average number of days each child attends per month.
- 2
Enter Active Weeks per Year and Number of Children
Set the weeks care is used, excluding breaks, and the number of children enrolled. The annual estimate scales the monthly amount by Active Weeks per Year divided by 52.
- 3
Review the cost estimates
The calculator shows monthly, weekly, daily, and annual totals. The annual total includes all entered children; the percentage-of-income result compares one child's annual estimate with a fixed $65,000 benchmark.
Example Calculation
One child attends care 20 days per month at $28 per day, for 48 active weeks per year.
Daily Care Rate ($)
28
Care Days per Month
20
Active Weeks per Year
48
Number of Children
1
Results
Annual Care Cost
$6,203.08
Monthly Cost
$560.00
Weekly Cost
$129.33
Daily Cost
$28.00
Active Weeks Per Year
48
% of Median Income
9.5%
Insights card shows the estimate as a share of the calculator's $65,000 income benchmark.
Tips
At 50 active weeks, the annual estimate rises to $6,461.54 for one child
Change Active Weeks per Year from 48 to 50 to compare the cost of a shorter break schedule.
A $32 daily rate raises the monthly estimate to $640 per child
Change Daily Care Rate from $28 to $32 and keep 20 care days per month to test a provider’s higher rate.
Two children double the calculated annual total to $12,406.15
Change Number of Children from 1 to 2. This calculator assumes each child pays the same rate and attends the same number of days.
What this calculator estimates
This calculator estimates after-school care costs from a daily rate, monthly attendance, active weeks per year, and number of children. It reports the monthly amount before the active-week adjustment and scales the annual estimate by active weeks.
The income percentage is not based on your own household income. It compares the annual estimate for one child with a fixed $65,000 benchmark, so use it only as a calculator-defined reference.
How the cost calculation works
Monthly cost = Daily rate × Care days per month × Number of children
Annual cost per child = Daily rate × Care days per month × 12 × (Active weeks ÷ 52)
Total annual cost = Annual cost per child × Number of children
Weekly cost = Daily rate × Number of children × (Care days per month ÷ 4.33)
The annual formula adjusts a 12-month estimate for weeks when care is not used. The weekly estimate uses 4.33 weeks per month as its conversion factor.
For the example, monthly cost is $28 × 20 = $560. Annual cost is $28 × 20 × 12 × (48 ÷ 52) = $6,203.08. Weekly cost is $28 × (20 ÷ 4.33) = $129.33.
How attendance and family size change the budget
The table keeps the daily rate at $28 and compares attendance or enrollment changes.
| Care days per month | Active weeks | Children | Estimated annual total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 48 | 1 | $6,203.08 |
| 20 | 50 | 1 | $6,461.54 |
| 20 | 48 | 2 | $12,406.15 |
The estimate assumes every enrolled child attends for the same number of days and pays the same daily rate. If siblings receive a discount or have different schedules, calculate each child separately and add the totals.
Check assistance and tax eligibility separately
The cost estimate does not subtract subsidies, employer benefits, or tax credits. Confirm program eligibility and tax rules before treating any assistance as a reduction in your expected bill. The ChildCare.gov assistance information provides a starting point for finding state and local help.
For other family and care costs, compare the annual childcare cost calculator, summer camp cost calculator, or child care tax credit calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the annual after-school care cost calculated?
The calculator multiplies daily rate by care days per month and 12, then scales that amount by active weeks divided by 52. It multiplies the result by the number of children for the annual total.
Why is the annual estimate lower than 12 monthly payments?
The calculator scales 12 months of estimated care by Active Weeks per Year divided by 52. For example, entering 48 active weeks applies a 48/52 adjustment to the year; the monthly result itself is not reduced.
Does the percentage-of-income result use my household income?
No, it compares one child's annual estimate with a fixed $65,000 benchmark. It does not use a household-income input, and the displayed percentage is not a personalized affordability assessment.
Can I claim after-school care costs as a tax credit?
Some taxpayers may qualify for the child and dependent care credit, but eligibility depends on IRS rules and the care must meet applicable requirements. Check the IRS information on the Child and Dependent Care Credit before including a tax benefit in your budget.
Where can I look for help paying for child care?
Eligible families may be able to get help through state or territory child care assistance programs. Use the ChildCare.gov financial assistance resource to find official program information; availability and eligibility vary by location.