Childcare 101 for New Orleans, Louisiana: Average Cost, Waitlists, Programs

Are you searching for a childcare provider in New Orleans, Louisiana? If so then you already know that there are several childcare programs available to you, including licensed childcare, home daycare, early learning centers, preschool programs and publicly funded early education.

But with all those options available to you, it can still be hard to know which to go with. And there’s so much more to know about a program before deciding on one. But don’t worry, you’ll find everything you need to help make your decision. This guide breaks down childcare costs, types of childcare programs, explains how waitlists work and how to find a great program that fits your families needs. Let’s jump right into it.

What Types of Childcare Are Available in New Orleans?

New Orleans has several childcare options for families. Between state-licensed care, home-based programs and federally-funded programs, you can find a program for infants, toddlers and even after-school care. All you need to know of what your child needs and what your family can afford.

Common childcare options include:

• Infant care
• Toddler care
• Preschool programs
• Licensed home daycares
• Full-time and part-time care
• After-school and extended care

There are many childcare options spread throughout New Orleans neighborhoods including the French Quarter, the Garden District, and Faubourg Marigny.

Average Cost of Childcare in New Orleans

Childcare costs depend on a few things. This includes the type of childcare you choose, costs differ between center and home based care. Costs also depend on which neighborhood the provider is located in as some areas may charge more than others. Lastly, costs also vary for different age groups, infant care typically costs more as infants require more care.

Center-Based Care

• Infant care: $916 per month
• Toddler care: $866 per month
• Preschool programs: $696 per month

Home-Based Care

• Infant care: $904 per month
• Toddler care: $855 per month
• Preschool programs: $687 per month

To get a statewide cost breakdown, take a look at the cost of childcare in Louisiana.

Childcare Waitlists in New Orleans

Childcare providers manage their own waitlists. This means that waitlists often work differently. As a parent on the search for childcare, here are a few simple waitlist tips that can be helpful. Some may require fees and don’t all work on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, some providers may prioritize siblings of children currently enrolled, others may prioritize children of a certain age.

The best way to know how a waitlist works is by speaking to the provider directly. You can get this information during your tour of the program. And because you are likely to tour multiple facilities, having a daycare touring checklist or preschool touring checklist can help you note if a program offers what you need. This can be anything from classroom sizes to teaching styles. Now you always have to wait until you do a program tour to find out about availability. Instead when using Winnie for your search, you are shown providers with immediate openings, removing the stress waitlists can bring.

Overview of Childcare in New Orleans

Daycare and Early Learning Programs

The great thing about childcare in New Orleans is that you have a wide range of options. This includes daycares, early learning programs and Head Start programs. With all these great options to pick from, all you need to know is what your child needs, how they learn and what kind of environment you feel they would thrive in.

Subsidized Childcare Programs

You will be pleased to know that if needed, there are childcare assistance programs in New Orleans. These programs help families take care of the costs of childcare. These programs include the state’s Child Care Assistance Program.

Planning Ahead

With loads of options to choose from and many waitlists to navigate, planning ahead is a great way to secure a spot. To do this you’ll want to start your search well in advance. You should also tour as many facilities as possible to get a good feel of the place and lastly, you will want to join multiple waitlists to help keep your options available to you.

Finding Daycare or Preschool in New Orleans

Just because you have many options, it doesn’t mean it's easier to find a daycare or preschool. After all, this is a big decision to make, but here are a few things to consider when you evaluate providers:

• Location and convenience
• Tuition and fees
• Program type
• Parent reviews
• Daily schedules and curriculum

Searching for individual providers can be quite time consuming. That’s why Winnie gives you everything you need in one search. When searching for childcare providers on Winnie, you are given several programs in your search area, find out what their program offers, schedule tours, and read reviews from other families, all in one place.

What Makes New Orleans Childcare Unique?

Unified Enrollment

You don’t have to spend hours on different websites to apply for publicly funded programs. Instead, you can use Nola, a centralized enrollment platform. You can apply to publicly funded childcare, Head Start, and Pre-K seats all in one system.

Early Learning Options

New Orleans has more than 170 publicly funded childcare centers, schools, and Head Start programs, giving families access to a wide range of early learning options.

Multiple Public Program Choices

Eligible families can choose from programs such as Head Start, Early Head Start, school-based preschool, and participating early learning centers that accept CCAP funding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Childcare in New Orleans

Is there childcare assistance available in New Orleans?

Yes, there are childcare assistance programs in New Orleans done though the Louisiana's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

How early should I apply for daycare in New Orleans?

Applying early is always a great choice as programs are in high demand and fill up quickly.

Are part-time childcare options available in New Orleans?

Yes, parents have access to childcare providers that offer flexible scheduling and part-time options.

Explore More Cities

Looking for childcare in nearby Louisiana cities?

• Baton Rouge, LA
• Metairie, LA
• Kenner, LA
• Slidell, LA