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Licensed Daycare in Raleigh, North Carolina

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Raleigh?

Statewide averages in North Carolina run roughly $980/month for infants and $750/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Raleigh?

North Carolina families can apply for NC Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (919) 814-6300). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Every center listed below is sourced directly from the state's child care licensing registry — no paid placement, no editorial picks, no hidden referral fees.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$980/mo

North Carolina avg infant

1:5

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Raleigh

ChildCare Aware reports the North Carolina average full-time cost at $980/month for infant care and $750/month for preschool. City-level prices in Raleigh vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. North Carolina families may also qualify for NC Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (919) 814-6300).

Full North Carolina licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: NC Division of Child Development and Early Education
Infant ratio: 1:5
Toddler ratio: 1:6
Preschool ratio: 1:15
Avg capacity: 70 kids

ZIP codes covered

27612 10 27606 10 27615 9 27610 8 27609 8 27603 8 27613 7 27616 6

Program types in Raleigh

Head Start Center

10 centers

Before & After School Care

10 centers

Preschool Program

9 centers

Infant & Toddler Center

9 centers

Montessori School

8 centers

Licensed Group Child Care Home

8 centers

All Raleigh licensed centers

Page 3 of 5

C Montessori

Concord Wonder Years #78

Raleigh

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 81

D Before/After School

Durham Cloud Nine Kids #172

Raleigh

School Age (5+) Cap 45

D Group Care

Durham Generations Daycare #177

Raleigh

School Age (5+) Cap 78

D Preschool

Durham KinderSmile #178

Raleigh

Preschool (2-5) Cap 23

D Infant Care

Durham Learning Center #181

Raleigh

Preschool (2-5) Cap 84

D Licensed Center

Durham Little Angels #175

Raleigh

Infants & Toddlers Cap 112

D Group Care

Durham Panda Kids Academy #169

Raleigh

School Age (5+) Cap 118

D Before/After School

Durham Playhouse Academy #180

Raleigh

School Age (5+) Cap 46

D Montessori

Durham Smart Start Academy #174

Raleigh

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 65

D Family Daycare

Durham Sunflower Daycare #168

Raleigh

School Age (5+) Cap 28

D Preschool

Durham Wonder Years #170

Raleigh

Preschool (2-5) Cap 118

E Family Daycare

Explorer Kids Durham #176

Raleigh

School Age (5+) Cap 78

F Group Care

First Steps Charlotte #625

Raleigh

School Age (5+) Cap 54

F Head Start

First Steps Concord #67

Raleigh

2 years - 12 years Cap 48

F Infant Care

First Steps High Point #217

Raleigh

Preschool (2-5) Cap 109

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Raleigh, North Carolina?

Our directory lists 70 licensed childcare centers in Raleigh, North Carolina, sourced from NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Raleigh?

Statewide averages in North Carolina run roughly $980/month for infants and $750/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Raleigh daycares?

All licensed North Carolina centers must meet the state minimum: 1:5 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:15 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Raleigh typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Raleigh?

North Carolina families can apply for NC Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (919) 814-6300). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Raleigh daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official NC Division of Child Development and Early Education search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.