GITNUXREPORT 2026

Child Care Industry Statistics

The child care industry is a massive economic engine facing critical staffing challenges.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

51% enrollment rate in formal child care for 0-5 year olds U.S. 2022.

Statistic 2

11.5 million children enrolled in child care programs U.S. 2023.

Statistic 3

Center-based care serves 40% of children under 5 in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 4

Head Start enrolls 800,000 low-income children annually 2023.

Statistic 5

35% of infants (0-1) in non-parental care U.S. 2022.

Statistic 6

After-school programs serve 10 million kids daily U.S. 2023.

Statistic 7

23 states guarantee pre-K access to all 4-year-olds 2023.

Statistic 8

Rural child care slots cover only 28% of demand 2023.

Statistic 9

50% of U.S. population lives in child care deserts 2023.

Statistic 10

Enrollment rebounded to 95% pre-pandemic levels by 2023.

Statistic 11

Latino children have 20% lower access to high-quality care 2023.

Statistic 12

1.3 million children on child care subsidy waitlists 2023.

Statistic 13

Informal care (relatives) used by 32% of families 2023.

Statistic 14

Universal pre-K could serve 5 million more kids by 2030.

Statistic 15

42% drop in infant care enrollment post-COVID 2023.

Statistic 16

Military child care serves 200,000 children worldwide 2023.

Statistic 17

Tribal child care programs enroll 35,000 children 2023.

Statistic 18

65% of 3-4 year olds enrolled in preschool U.S. 2023.

Statistic 19

Waitlists average 6 months for child care slots 2023.

Statistic 20

75% of low-income kids lack access to quality care 2023.

Statistic 21

Enrollment in family child care homes down 15% since 2019.

Statistic 22

Canada child care enrollment up 20% due to subsidies 2023.

Statistic 23

28% of eligible kids receive subsidies 2023 U.S.

Statistic 24

School-age care enrollment 7 million U.S. 2023.

Statistic 25

Black children 15% less likely to be enrolled in centers 2023.

Statistic 26

Pandemic caused 300,000 slot loss; 100,000 recovered 2023.

Statistic 27

Employer centers serve 1 million children 2023.

Statistic 28

55% of children 0-5 regularly in care 2023.

Statistic 29

85% of states have waitlists for pre-K 2023.

Statistic 30

40 states license family child care; enrollment varies widely.

Statistic 31

Only 10% of infants have licensed care access in rural areas 2023.

Statistic 32

Average cost of infant care in U.S. was $14,072 annually in 2023, 23% of median income.

Statistic 33

Family child care average weekly cost: $245 for infants in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 34

Center-based toddler care averages $13,000/year in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 35

Preschool (4-year-old) care costs $10,853 annually on average U.S. 2023.

Statistic 36

In 27 states, infant care costs more than rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in 2023.

Statistic 37

Average U.S. family spends 20% of income on child care for one child in 2023.

Statistic 38

Massachusetts highest state: $17,182 for infant care annually 2023.

Statistic 39

Home-based care cheaper by 15% than centers nationally in 2023.

Statistic 40

After-school care averages $5,943/year per child U.S. 2023.

Statistic 41

Nanny services cost $800/week full-time in urban U.S. areas 2023.

Statistic 42

Child care costs rose 6.8% from 2022 to 2023 in U.S., outpacing inflation.

Statistic 43

Low-income families pay 35% of income on child care in 2023.

Statistic 44

Employer-sponsored care saves families 25% on average costs 2023.

Statistic 45

Summer care costs $2,000+ per child in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 46

DC highest: $24,243 infant care/year; West Virginia lowest $7,231 2023.

Statistic 47

Subsidy covers only 13% of eligible families' child care needs 2023.

Statistic 48

Tax credit max $3,000/child but averages $1,200 claimed 2023.

Statistic 49

Center fees increased 8% in 2023 due to wage pressures.

Statistic 50

Rural areas child care 10% cheaper than urban 2023.

Statistic 51

Dual-income families spend $22,000/year for two kids 2023.

Statistic 52

Au pair programs cost $18,000/year including fees 2023.

Statistic 53

45% of U.S. families live in child care deserts in 2023.

Statistic 54

Pre-K tuition averages $6,500/year in public programs 2023.

Statistic 55

Child care co-ops reduce costs by 30% for members 2023.

Statistic 56

Inflation-adjusted child care costs up 25% since 2019.

Statistic 57

12 million U.S. children under 5 in need of care in 2023.

Statistic 58

61% of U.S. children under 6 have all available parents in workforce 2023.

Statistic 59

The U.S. child care industry generated $61.7 billion in revenue in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2030.

Statistic 60

Global child care services market was valued at $599.5 billion in 2023 and expected to reach $912.4 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.8%.

Statistic 61

In 2023, the U.S. child care market size stood at $59.4 billion, projected to grow to $83.5 billion by 2030.

Statistic 62

Child day care services employment in the U.S. supported 1.2 million jobs in 2022.

Statistic 63

The child care sector contributed $57.5 billion to U.S. GDP in 2018, equivalent to 3% of state GDPs on average.

Statistic 64

U.S. child care expenditures reached $46.7 billion in 2021 from families alone.

Statistic 65

The early childhood education market in North America was $28.5 billion in 2022.

Statistic 66

Child care market in Asia-Pacific grew at 6.2% CAGR from 2018-2023 due to urbanization.

Statistic 67

U.S. infant care segment dominated with 35% market share in child care industry in 2023.

Statistic 68

Employer-sponsored child care benefits market valued at $4.2 billion globally in 2022.

Statistic 69

Child care franchises in U.S. generated $12.5 billion in system-wide sales in 2023.

Statistic 70

Home-based child care providers contributed 40% to total U.S. child care capacity in 2022.

Statistic 71

Digital child care platforms market expected to grow from $2.1 billion in 2023 to $5.8 billion by 2030.

Statistic 72

U.S. child care industry saw 4.5% revenue growth post-COVID in 2022.

Statistic 73

Global nanny services market size was $12.3 billion in 2022, growing at 7.1% CAGR.

Statistic 74

Child care market in Europe valued at $145 billion in 2023.

Statistic 75

U.S. preschool market segment accounted for 28% of child care revenue in 2023.

Statistic 76

Child care industry in Canada reached CAD 10.5 billion in 2022.

Statistic 77

After-school care programs generated $8.7 billion in U.S. in 2022.

Statistic 78

Child care tech investments hit $1.5 billion in venture capital in 2023.

Statistic 79

U.S. child care market projected to hit $100 billion by 2028.

Statistic 80

Family child care homes represent 25% of U.S. child care market revenue.

Statistic 81

Global child care products market (toys, etc.) at $15.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 82

Child care services in Australia valued at AUD 13 billion in 2022.

Statistic 83

U.S. child care industry employment multiplier effect supports 2.4 million jobs.

Statistic 84

Toddler care segment grew 6.8% YoY in U.S. child care market 2023.

Statistic 85

Corporate child care spending in U.S. reached $2.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 86

Child care market in India expected to grow at 12% CAGR to 2028.

Statistic 87

U.S. child care revenue per child averaged $12,500 annually in 2022.

Statistic 88

Global child care staffing market valued at $45 billion in 2023.

Statistic 89

73% of U.S. center-based programs accredited by 2023 standards.

Statistic 90

QRIS implemented in 39 states covering 1.2 million children 2023.

Statistic 91

Staff-to-child ratios: 1:4 for infants in 45 states 2023.

Statistic 92

95% of states require CPR/first aid training for staff 2023.

Statistic 93

Group sizes capped at 8 for infants in 30 states 2023.

Statistic 94

Criminal background checks required in all 50 states + DC 2023.

Statistic 95

22 states require bachelor's for lead preschool teachers 2023.

Statistic 96

Health inspections annual in 48 states for child care 2023.

Statistic 97

60% of programs meet high QRIS levels 2023.

Statistic 98

Licensing covers 12% of providers; 88% unregulated 2023 U.S.

Statistic 99

35 states updated ratios post-2020 for better quality.

Statistic 100

NAEYC accreditation: 10,000 programs serving 1 million kids 2023.

Statistic 101

Vaccine requirements for staff in 40 states 2023.

Statistic 102

15-hour annual training required in 25 states 2023.

Statistic 103

Violation rates: 20% of centers cited for ratios 2023.

Statistic 104

Gold-rated QRIS programs serve 25% of subsidized kids 2023.

Statistic 105

50 states regulate square footage per child min 35 sq ft.

Statistic 106

Fingerprint checks mandatory in 47 states 2023.

Statistic 107

70% compliance with sanitation standards in inspections 2023.

Statistic 108

CDA credential held by 200,000 workers 2023.

Statistic 109

18 states ban corporal punishment explicitly 2023.

Statistic 110

Emergency preparedness plans required in 95% states 2023.

Statistic 111

Nutrition standards aligned with CACFP in 90% programs 2023.

Statistic 112

30 states tie licensing to education levels 2023.

Statistic 113

Quality rating average 3.2 stars across QRIS states 2023.

Statistic 114

Lead screening required upon enrollment in 25 states 2023.

Statistic 115

85% of states have inclusive policies for disabilities 2023.

Statistic 116

Fire safety codes met by 92% of licensed centers 2023.

Statistic 117

Continuous improvement grants to 5,000 programs 2023.

Statistic 118

The U.S. child care workforce numbered 1.05 million in March 2023, down 5% from pre-pandemic levels.

Statistic 119

94% of child care workers in the U.S. are women as of 2022.

Statistic 120

Average hourly wage for child care workers in U.S. was $13.95 in 2023.

Statistic 121

Turnover rate in child care centers averaged 26% annually in 2022.

Statistic 122

41% of U.S. child care workers have a bachelor's degree or higher in 2023.

Statistic 123

Child care workers earn 40% less than the average U.S. worker wage in 2022.

Statistic 124

There were 530,000 family child care providers in U.S. in 2021.

Statistic 125

23% of child care staff reported quitting due to low pay in 2023 survey.

Statistic 126

U.S. child care workforce vacancy rate hit 37% in early 2023.

Statistic 127

Median annual salary for preschool teachers was $35,000 in 2023.

Statistic 128

15% of child care workers in U.S. lack health insurance in 2022.

Statistic 129

Child care directors earn average $52,000 annually in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 130

62% of child care workers are parents themselves in 2023.

Statistic 131

Home-based providers average 6 children per home in U.S. 2022.

Statistic 132

Child care workforce in California totals 250,000 workers in 2023.

Statistic 133

30% of child care staff have less than 1 year experience in 2023.

Statistic 134

U.S. child care aides numbered 200,000 in 2023.

Statistic 135

Wage stagnation: child care wages rose only 2% adjusted for inflation 2019-2023.

Statistic 136

48% of centers reported staffing shortages as top issue in 2023.

Statistic 137

Average age of child care worker is 40 years in U.S. 2022.

Statistic 138

Racial diversity: 58% white, 20% Hispanic child care workers U.S. 2023.

Statistic 139

Child care workers' benefits coverage: only 55% get paid sick leave 2023.

Statistic 140

Projected job growth for child care occupations: 2% by 2032.

Statistic 141

In-home nannies average $18.50/hour in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 142

70% of child care programs increased wages to retain staff in 2023.

Statistic 143

Child care workforce participation rate dropped to 75% post-COVID 2023.

1/143

Sources

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Behind the crayons and playdough lies a $60 billion industry that is both a critical pillar of the modern economy and a source of immense financial strain for American families.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. child care industry generated $61.7 billion in revenue in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2030.
Global child care services market was valued at $599.5 billion in 2023 and expected to reach $912.4 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.8%.
In 2023, the U.S. child care market size stood at $59.4 billion, projected to grow to $83.5 billion by 2030.
The U.S. child care workforce numbered 1.05 million in March 2023, down 5% from pre-pandemic levels.
94% of child care workers in the U.S. are women as of 2022.
Average hourly wage for child care workers in U.S. was $13.95 in 2023.
Average cost of infant care in U.S. was $14,072 annually in 2023, 23% of median income.
Family child care average weekly cost: $245 for infants in U.S. 2023.
Center-based toddler care averages $13,000/year in U.S. 2023.
51% enrollment rate in formal child care for 0-5 year olds U.S. 2022.
11.5 million children enrolled in child care programs U.S. 2023.
Center-based care serves 40% of children under 5 in U.S. 2023.
73% of U.S. center-based programs accredited by 2023 standards.
QRIS implemented in 39 states covering 1.2 million children 2023.
Staff-to-child ratios: 1:4 for infants in 45 states 2023.

The child care industry is a massive economic engine facing critical staffing challenges.

Access and Enrollment

51% enrollment rate in formal child care for 0-5 year olds U.S. 2022.
11.5 million children enrolled in child care programs U.S. 2023.
Center-based care serves 40% of children under 5 in U.S. 2023.
Head Start enrolls 800,000 low-income children annually 2023.
35% of infants (0-1) in non-parental care U.S. 2022.
After-school programs serve 10 million kids daily U.S. 2023.
23 states guarantee pre-K access to all 4-year-olds 2023.
Rural child care slots cover only 28% of demand 2023.
50% of U.S. population lives in child care deserts 2023.
Enrollment rebounded to 95% pre-pandemic levels by 2023.
Latino children have 20% lower access to high-quality care 2023.
1.3 million children on child care subsidy waitlists 2023.
Informal care (relatives) used by 32% of families 2023.
Universal pre-K could serve 5 million more kids by 2030.
42% drop in infant care enrollment post-COVID 2023.
Military child care serves 200,000 children worldwide 2023.
Tribal child care programs enroll 35,000 children 2023.
65% of 3-4 year olds enrolled in preschool U.S. 2023.
Waitlists average 6 months for child care slots 2023.
75% of low-income kids lack access to quality care 2023.
Enrollment in family child care homes down 15% since 2019.
Canada child care enrollment up 20% due to subsidies 2023.
28% of eligible kids receive subsidies 2023 U.S.
School-age care enrollment 7 million U.S. 2023.
Black children 15% less likely to be enrolled in centers 2023.
Pandemic caused 300,000 slot loss; 100,000 recovered 2023.
Employer centers serve 1 million children 2023.
55% of children 0-5 regularly in care 2023.
85% of states have waitlists for pre-K 2023.
40 states license family child care; enrollment varies widely.
Only 10% of infants have licensed care access in rural areas 2023.

Access and Enrollment Interpretation

We have millions of children enrolled in care, yet a landscape so riddled with deserts, waitlists, and inequities that securing a spot feels less like early education and more like winning a harsh lottery where the grand prize is simply the ability to go to work.

Costs and Pricing

Average cost of infant care in U.S. was $14,072 annually in 2023, 23% of median income.
Family child care average weekly cost: $245 for infants in U.S. 2023.
Center-based toddler care averages $13,000/year in U.S. 2023.
Preschool (4-year-old) care costs $10,853 annually on average U.S. 2023.
In 27 states, infant care costs more than rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in 2023.
Average U.S. family spends 20% of income on child care for one child in 2023.
Massachusetts highest state: $17,182 for infant care annually 2023.
Home-based care cheaper by 15% than centers nationally in 2023.
After-school care averages $5,943/year per child U.S. 2023.
Nanny services cost $800/week full-time in urban U.S. areas 2023.
Child care costs rose 6.8% from 2022 to 2023 in U.S., outpacing inflation.
Low-income families pay 35% of income on child care in 2023.
Employer-sponsored care saves families 25% on average costs 2023.
Summer care costs $2,000+ per child in U.S. 2023.
DC highest: $24,243 infant care/year; West Virginia lowest $7,231 2023.
Subsidy covers only 13% of eligible families' child care needs 2023.
Tax credit max $3,000/child but averages $1,200 claimed 2023.
Center fees increased 8% in 2023 due to wage pressures.
Rural areas child care 10% cheaper than urban 2023.
Dual-income families spend $22,000/year for two kids 2023.
Au pair programs cost $18,000/year including fees 2023.
45% of U.S. families live in child care deserts in 2023.
Pre-K tuition averages $6,500/year in public programs 2023.
Child care co-ops reduce costs by 30% for members 2023.
Inflation-adjusted child care costs up 25% since 2019.
12 million U.S. children under 5 in need of care in 2023.
61% of U.S. children under 6 have all available parents in workforce 2023.

Costs and Pricing Interpretation

For many American families, the dream of a comfortable life is being quietly suffocated by a staggering reality: raising a child now means paying a second mortgage for daycare, a luxury item priced as a necessity that is both bankrupting parents and underfunding the very workforce entrusted with our future.

Market Size and Growth

The U.S. child care industry generated $61.7 billion in revenue in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2030.
Global child care services market was valued at $599.5 billion in 2023 and expected to reach $912.4 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.8%.
In 2023, the U.S. child care market size stood at $59.4 billion, projected to grow to $83.5 billion by 2030.
Child day care services employment in the U.S. supported 1.2 million jobs in 2022.
The child care sector contributed $57.5 billion to U.S. GDP in 2018, equivalent to 3% of state GDPs on average.
U.S. child care expenditures reached $46.7 billion in 2021 from families alone.
The early childhood education market in North America was $28.5 billion in 2022.
Child care market in Asia-Pacific grew at 6.2% CAGR from 2018-2023 due to urbanization.
U.S. infant care segment dominated with 35% market share in child care industry in 2023.
Employer-sponsored child care benefits market valued at $4.2 billion globally in 2022.
Child care franchises in U.S. generated $12.5 billion in system-wide sales in 2023.
Home-based child care providers contributed 40% to total U.S. child care capacity in 2022.
Digital child care platforms market expected to grow from $2.1 billion in 2023 to $5.8 billion by 2030.
U.S. child care industry saw 4.5% revenue growth post-COVID in 2022.
Global nanny services market size was $12.3 billion in 2022, growing at 7.1% CAGR.
Child care market in Europe valued at $145 billion in 2023.
U.S. preschool market segment accounted for 28% of child care revenue in 2023.
Child care industry in Canada reached CAD 10.5 billion in 2022.
After-school care programs generated $8.7 billion in U.S. in 2022.
Child care tech investments hit $1.5 billion in venture capital in 2023.
U.S. child care market projected to hit $100 billion by 2028.
Family child care homes represent 25% of U.S. child care market revenue.
Global child care products market (toys, etc.) at $15.2 billion in 2023.
Child care services in Australia valued at AUD 13 billion in 2022.
U.S. child care industry employment multiplier effect supports 2.4 million jobs.
Toddler care segment grew 6.8% YoY in U.S. child care market 2023.
Corporate child care spending in U.S. reached $2.8 billion in 2023.
Child care market in India expected to grow at 12% CAGR to 2028.
U.S. child care revenue per child averaged $12,500 annually in 2022.
Global child care staffing market valued at $45 billion in 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

Behind the heartwarming facade of playgrounds and picture books, the child care industry has quietly become a colossal, nearly trillion-dollar global economic engine, fueled by working parents' necessity and investor opportunism, yet still failing to adequately support its own workforce.

Quality and Regulations

73% of U.S. center-based programs accredited by 2023 standards.
QRIS implemented in 39 states covering 1.2 million children 2023.
Staff-to-child ratios: 1:4 for infants in 45 states 2023.
95% of states require CPR/first aid training for staff 2023.
Group sizes capped at 8 for infants in 30 states 2023.
Criminal background checks required in all 50 states + DC 2023.
22 states require bachelor's for lead preschool teachers 2023.
Health inspections annual in 48 states for child care 2023.
60% of programs meet high QRIS levels 2023.
Licensing covers 12% of providers; 88% unregulated 2023 U.S.
35 states updated ratios post-2020 for better quality.
NAEYC accreditation: 10,000 programs serving 1 million kids 2023.
Vaccine requirements for staff in 40 states 2023.
15-hour annual training required in 25 states 2023.
Violation rates: 20% of centers cited for ratios 2023.
Gold-rated QRIS programs serve 25% of subsidized kids 2023.
50 states regulate square footage per child min 35 sq ft.
Fingerprint checks mandatory in 47 states 2023.
70% compliance with sanitation standards in inspections 2023.
CDA credential held by 200,000 workers 2023.
18 states ban corporal punishment explicitly 2023.
Emergency preparedness plans required in 95% states 2023.
Nutrition standards aligned with CACFP in 90% programs 2023.
30 states tie licensing to education levels 2023.
Quality rating average 3.2 stars across QRIS states 2023.
Lead screening required upon enrollment in 25 states 2023.
85% of states have inclusive policies for disabilities 2023.
Fire safety codes met by 92% of licensed centers 2023.
Continuous improvement grants to 5,000 programs 2023.

Quality and Regulations Interpretation

While the patchwork of American child care regulations shows promising signs of stitching—like near-universal background checks and improving staff ratios—the glaring reality that 88% of providers operate in the unregulated shadows means the entire quilt is still dangerously full of holes.

Workforce and Employment

The U.S. child care workforce numbered 1.05 million in March 2023, down 5% from pre-pandemic levels.
94% of child care workers in the U.S. are women as of 2022.
Average hourly wage for child care workers in U.S. was $13.95 in 2023.
Turnover rate in child care centers averaged 26% annually in 2022.
41% of U.S. child care workers have a bachelor's degree or higher in 2023.
Child care workers earn 40% less than the average U.S. worker wage in 2022.
There were 530,000 family child care providers in U.S. in 2021.
23% of child care staff reported quitting due to low pay in 2023 survey.
U.S. child care workforce vacancy rate hit 37% in early 2023.
Median annual salary for preschool teachers was $35,000 in 2023.
15% of child care workers in U.S. lack health insurance in 2022.
Child care directors earn average $52,000 annually in U.S. 2023.
62% of child care workers are parents themselves in 2023.
Home-based providers average 6 children per home in U.S. 2022.
Child care workforce in California totals 250,000 workers in 2023.
30% of child care staff have less than 1 year experience in 2023.
U.S. child care aides numbered 200,000 in 2023.
Wage stagnation: child care wages rose only 2% adjusted for inflation 2019-2023.
48% of centers reported staffing shortages as top issue in 2023.
Average age of child care worker is 40 years in U.S. 2022.
Racial diversity: 58% white, 20% Hispanic child care workers U.S. 2023.
Child care workers' benefits coverage: only 55% get paid sick leave 2023.
Projected job growth for child care occupations: 2% by 2032.
In-home nannies average $18.50/hour in U.S. 2023.
70% of child care programs increased wages to retain staff in 2023.
Child care workforce participation rate dropped to 75% post-COVID 2023.

Workforce and Employment Interpretation

It appears we've built a society that pays its architects of the future, who are overwhelmingly women and often college-educated, about the same rate as its fast-food workers, then expresses shock when nearly a quarter of them quit and the industry collapses.

Sources & References

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