Financing Child Care in Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland

What is the cost of childcare in Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland?

The rising cost of childcare has become a major concern for over half of American families with working parents and young children.
According to bankrate.com the average weekly cost of a single child in full-time childcare in the US is $226 (this almost doubles for two children). Hiring a full-time Nanny starts, on average, at around $700/wk but can be an economical option for families with multiple children needing full-time care. Families relying on Home Childcare or Family Care, hiring a childcare provider as and when needed, paid on average around $200 per child per week.

Here are some of the programs that can help with the cost.

Employer-sponsored Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA)

If you can no longer do double duty or if you are seeking structure and stimulation for your child or infant, full-time daycare is still the best most affordable childcare choice. Just because you desire flexibility doesn’t mean it is the right choice for your child or children. And as they grow their needs may change, too.

Childcare discounts

With any provider you are going to use it’s wise to ask about what discounts they may offer. Some will offer a discount if you are able to pay for the month or the year in full. Another discount that may be available is a sibling discount. Some providers will take a percentage of a specific amount off a child’s weekly or monthly fee if a sibling is also enrolled. They may also waive the registration fee. If you are a current or former member of the military, they may offer a military discount. Local nonprofit organizations may offer assistance or scholarships. Ask the provider if they offer discounts or honor locally sponsored discounts.

Government programs

States receive funding from federal programs to help families with lower incomes afford childcare. These federally funded programs provide financial assistance to help working parents stay in work, or return to the workforce while their children are safely looked after. Head Start and Early Head Start are programs designed for children from birth to age 5 and help prepare them for school by supporting the early learning and development. Eligibility requirements and funding vary state by state for these programs and full details can be found on the childcare.gov website See your State's Resources page which offers a resource guide to these programs.

Child tax credits

The Child Tax Credit can help you get a tax break for the money you put towards childcare each year. To be eligible for the Child and Dependant Care Credit you must have paid expenses for the care of a qualifying individual to enable you (and your spouse if filing a joint return) to work or actively look for work.

To be a qualifying child for the 2022 tax year, your dependent must:

• Be under age 17 at the end of the year.

• Be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild, niece, or nephew).

• Provide no more than half of their own financial support during the year.

• Have lived with you for more than half the year.

• Be properly claimed as your dependent on your tax return.

• Not file a joint return with their spouse for the tax year or file it only to claim a refund of withheld income tax or estimated tax paid.

• Have been a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien.

The IRS website provides great information here: Child Tax Credit | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov).

Plan ahead to make childcare affordable

Whether you chose to use an in-home daycare, a nanny, or a traditional daycare exploring these child-related program options may help with the costs of paying for childcare. Figuring out your budget and researching what programs that may apply to you is something you should consider as soon as possible. Often there are waiting lists and most families start thinking through this before the baby arrives. It can feel overwhelming but taking it one step at a time by researching each option separately can help keep your stress low.

Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland In‑Home Childcare from OndeCare

In-home caregiver avatar Yasmine Preschool Teacher
Yasmine
Available in
Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
Preschool Teacher
Services
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  • + 7 more
Pet friendly
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In-home caregiver avatar Bethelehem Teacher
Bethelehem
Available in
Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
Teacher
Services
  • virtual learning assistance
  • light housekeeping
  • homework help
  • pet care
  • + 7 more
COVID-19 vaccinated
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In-home caregiver avatar Amanda Registered Nurse (RN)
Amanda
Available in
Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
Registered Nurse (RN)
Services
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  • virtual learning assistance
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  • + 6 more
COVID-19 vaccinated
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In-home caregiver avatar Cassandra Teacher
Cassandra
Available in
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Teacher
Services
  • homework help
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  • light housekeeping
  • virtual learning assistance
  • + 11 more
Pet friendly
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In-home caregiver avatar Loqua Nanny/Au Pair
Loqua
Available in
Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
Nanny/Au Pair
Services
  • doctor's visits
  • errands/excursions
  • pet care
  • transportation
  • + 13 more
Client transportation
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In-home caregiver avatar Sharnita Teacher
Sharnita
Available in
Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
Teacher
Services
  • light housekeeping
  • homework help
  • laundry
  • meal preparation
  • + 7 more
COVID-19 vaccinated
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In-home caregiver avatar Triana Teacher
Triana
Available in
Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
Teacher
Services
  • socialization/entertainment
  • recreational activities
  • errands/excursions
  • tutoring
  • + 10 more
COVID-19 vaccinated
BACKGROUND CHECKED
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In-home caregiver avatar Shontae Home Health Aide
Shontae
Available in
Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
Home Health Aide
Services
  • recreational activities
  • light housekeeping
  • socialization/entertainment
  • laundry
  • + 5 more
COVID-19 vaccinated
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In-home caregiver avatar Trinita Teacher's Assistant
Trinita
Available in
Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
Teacher's Assistant
Services
  • homework help
  • tutoring
  • doctor's visits
  • laundry
  • + 10 more
COVID-19 vaccinated
BACKGROUND CHECKED
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In-home caregiver avatar Latisha Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Latisha
Available in
Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Services
  • tutoring
  • pet care
  • virtual learning assistance
  • transportation
  • + 9 more
COVID-19 vaccinated
BACKGROUND CHECKED
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In-home caregiver avatar Jael Nanny/Au Pair
Jael
Available in
Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
Nanny/Au Pair
Services
  • laundry
  • pet care
  • errands/excursions
  • light housekeeping
  • + 11 more
COVID-19 vaccinated
BACKGROUND CHECKED
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In-home caregiver avatar Elaine Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
Elaine
Available in
Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
Personal Care Assistant (PCA)
Services
  • meal preparation
  • recreational activities
  • doctor's visits
  • light housekeeping
  • + 8 more
Pet friendly
BACKGROUND CHECKED
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In-home caregiver avatar Frankie Tutor
Frankie
Available in
Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland
Tutor
Services
  • tutoring
  • house cleaning
  • pet care
  • recreational activities
  • + 10 more
COVID-19 vaccinated
BACKGROUND CHECKED
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See more fully vetted, background checked caregivers that provide in-home childcare available in Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland.

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We've served over 200 families in Northeast Ohio, D.C., Virginia and Maryland.

Maria was absolutely amazing! She instantly bonded with my father and immediately took care of his needs. She engaged him in conversation and made him feel alive and whole. She went above and beyond to care for him. She surpassed my expectations at such short notice. She's God sent and I highly recommend her to care for your loved one.

Chiquita, Washington DC, DC
Adult & Elder Care

Leigh is very friendly and conscientious. Our mom enjoys Leigh's company and we appreciate that our mom is getting excellent care.

Georgia, Chagrin Falls, OH
Adult & Elder Care

Ms. T gives great care to my boys. I am so happy that we chose each other

Andrea, Capitol Heights, MD
Child Care

Patricia is very kind and professional. My husband was comfortable with her and so was I. She is experienced and took care of my husband with planning and critical thinking. We will definitely be happy to have her return to us to provide care. Thank you.

Margaret, Euclid, OH
Adult & Elder Care

Great work! Betty is super thorough and goes above and beyond to do her best. I'll be working with Betty again!

Keri, Washington DC, DC
Adult & Elder Care

Stefana was awesome. She listened to my instructions I left to a T. She played games with my kids. Took my daughter to and from a play date. When I came in they were watching a nature show and talking about animals.

Jen, Solon, OH
Child Care

Very patient and nice. Works well with my son. Will book again in the future if available.

Talita, Odenton, MD
Special Needs Care

Aukia did a fantastic job! You can tell she has a strong education background because she took time out of the day to do some lessons with my kids, including learning the days of the week! Would absolutely book again.

Brandon, Cleveland Heights, OH
Child Care

I’m so glad Zachary had a fun day with Latonya. She was great and it really made my life easier to know he was in great hands this week.

Michelle, Montgomery Village, MD
Child Care

Artrez is wonderful! Punctual, friendly, and my kids loved him. He went above and beyond (cleaning and creating entertaining activities for the kids). Highly recommend!

Elizabeth, Lyndhurst, OH
Child Care

Toni was a great help, very patient with my Mom. Positive vibe overall. Thank you for the great work.

Tarsilla, Silver Spring, MD
Adult & Elder Care

Really appreciated her willingness to adapt to our last minute changes. Took well to the kids and assisted with care

Tina, Painesville, OH
Child Care

Anwar was amazing!

Andre, Ashburn, VA
Adult & Elder Care

Kelsey was super communicative, on time, and asked great questions to make sure she provided good care for our daughter. She definitely had a lot of experience with infants and really kept her cool when the baby was losing it.

Emily, Cleveland Heights, OH
Infant Care

Cori is great! She arrived on time, with short notice. She was very kind and patient with my child as well as my nervous pup. Super friendly, professional and helpful. Highly recommended!!

Susan, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Child Care

Patricia is kind , caring , fun and responsible with our special needs son . He looks forward to seeing her. So happy to have met :)

Melissa, Shaker Heights, OH
Special Needs Care

OndeCare served its exact purpose for me yesterday. I woke up sick at 5.30 AM, booked Adailia at 7 AM, and she was here at 9 AM to save me (and take care of my twin infants).

Amanda, Chagrin Falls, OH
Infant Care

Shertarra was great! She is very conscientious and made herself available at very short notice, even on Christmas Day!

Marc, Orange, OH
Adult & Elder Care

Patricia is great! Very knowledgeable, kind/caring, capable, and easy to get along with - it would be hard to find anyone better.

David, Euclid, OH
Adult & Elder Care

Christina has been an absolute Godsend for us. She is doing a phenomenal job and we're actually going to see if she can help us out even more. We are more than pleased with her help!

Walter, Aurora, OH
Adult & Elder Care

Jessica is always the best ,reliable great care and excellent company.

Don, Lakewood, OH
Adult & Elder Care

Andrea was booked last minute & we really lucked out! She was warm, attentive and really made my parents feel comfortable immediately.

Amor, Mentor, OH
Adult & Elder Care

Jennifer has cared for my Mom and daughter. She is fantastic all around! She has a wonderful attitude and goes above and beyond with everything. I trust her completely to care for our family and I can't recommend her enough.

Molly, Gates Mills, OH
Adult & Elder Care

Overall I had a great experience and I am very pleased with Jaynine and I look forward to a nice working relationship. I have seen a lot of caregivers when I was in a rehab facility for three months and I am now able to judge their character, Jaynine made a great impression on me.

Olivera, Streetsboro,OH
Adult & Elder Care

Cherita did a wonderful job taking care of my Mom. She was prompt, professional and quickly learned the morning routine. She related well to my Mom and we look forward to having her come back.

Betty, Independence, OH
Adult & Elder Care

Nicole was wonderful! She was on time and understood the need for PPE. She was willing to enthusiastically do anything I asked her to do, and her medical knowledge was invaluable. Great job Nicole!!

Constance, Richmond Heights, OH
Adult & Elder Care

Chereve was fantastic with our son! She showed up early, was fantastic with my four year old when he wasn’t feeling well. My son said he loved her!

Elizabeth, Beachwood, OH
Child Care

Heaven did a phenomenal job keeping my multiple kids well taken care of the entire evening. She played with them, made dinner, and cleaned up leaving everyone and everything better than when I left!

Michelle, Chagrin Falls, OH
Child Care

Amber was great. She arrived early and immediately engaged with our girls (19 months & 5 years) and managed bath and bedtime routine. She even took the time to clean our counters and then some. I’d definitely rehire and recommend.

Sharilyn, Beachwood, OH
Child Care

Alice is becoming a fan-favorite here at Fellowship City Church! She is incredibly professional, but also very warm and welcoming. She's great with the kids, and always works well with whatever other childcare worker she is paired with. We can't wait to use her more and more in the future!

Allison, Chagrin Falls, OH
Child Care

Rae was excellent. My son was happy & had fun. She went above and beyond to help me in tasks that are challenging bc of my health when she didn’t have to do that. Very thankful to have had her help. Highly recommend!

Elizabeth, Lakewood, OH
Child Care

Marc is very upbeat and seems to be bonding well with my son. We are lucky to have him to help take care of my son 

Meghan, Chagrin Falls

Shanelle cared for my boys over the summer and consistently went above and beyond what was expected of her! Both boys are very fond of her, and I was able to work and know they were safe and well cared for - an experience we couldn't get from daycare centers. I will absolutely be looking forward to working with her more in the future!

Sarah, Cuyahoga Falls

Manny is a great companion for our son. He is very cognizant that primary caregivers get the relief they need while his client gets the attention, independence and community interaction he needs. And just a really great guy!

Kathy, Hudson, OH

Tracee has been great with our grandson. She is kind, patient, and very calming for his energy. She is reliable and very good with him. He likes spending time with her

Emma, Olmsted, OH

Lee has done everything that I have asked of her and now I can breathe when my son, who has special needs, and requires constant monitoring for his medical condition is in her care. I can trust lee with his life.

Julie, Akron, OH
Special Needs Care

Our four girls loved Aukia. She was fantastic and helped us out for portions of 8 days over a 2-week period. Very calm and comforting demeanor and engaging with the kids. Was always early. We would highly recommend Aukia and look forward to seeing her again.

David, Shaker Heights, OH
Child Care

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