Preschool Cost & Budget Worksheet

Download the free PDF

What this worksheet is

The Preschool Cost & Budget Worksheet is a simple PDF you can fill out as you research programs. It helps you compare tuition, hours, extra fees, and possible savings side by side.

Many families hear one price first, then learn there are other costs later. For example, a program may have a registration fee, supply fee, late pickup fee, or a different price for part-time and full-time care. This worksheet gives you one place to write it all down.

Cubby Road is a free matching and guide service. We help families get matched, free with preschool, daycare, and early-childhood programs, but we do not run programs or decide prices.

• Good for preschool, daycare, Pre-K, and other early-childhood options
• Helpful if you are comparing two programs or ten
• Made for families who want clear numbers before they decide

What is inside the PDF

The worksheet includes space to write the basic monthly tuition and the details that often change the true cost. You can use one page per program, or compare several programs at once.

It also includes space for notes about schedule, transportation, and financial help. Financial help means money support, like subsidy, tuition assistance, scholarship, Head Start, or public Pre-K, if your family qualifies. If you want to learn more, read help paying for preschool and our costs guide.

You will see sections for things like these:
- monthly tuition
- registration or application fee
- hours included in the price
- early drop-off, late pickup, or extended care fees
- meals, supplies, uniforms, or field trip costs
- transportation costs
- possible discounts or financial help
- total estimated monthly cost

• There is also room for questions and follow-up notes
• You can print it or fill it in on your phone or computer

How to use it at home or on a tour

You can use the worksheet before you visit, during a tour, or after you call a program. Start by writing the name of the program, the schedule you need, and the price you were told. Then ask what is included in that price.

On a tour, bring the worksheet with you so you do not have to remember everything later. If a staff member says, "It depends," that is okay. Write down the range they give you and what makes the price change. For example, the cost may be different for 3 days a week, full-time care, or longer hours.

If you are still making your school list, these guides can help: preschool tour checklist, questions to ask on a tour, and how to choose a preschool.

• Ask for the monthly total, not only the weekly or yearly number
• Ask whether fees are one time, monthly, or only if you use extra hours
• Write down who gave you the information and the date

Why it helps families

A lower tuition number does not always mean a lower monthly cost. One program may look cheaper at first, but become more expensive after transportation, meals, or late pickup fees. Another program may cost more each month but include longer hours, which can save money somewhere else.

This worksheet helps you compare the full picture. That matters if you are balancing work hours, more than one child, changing schedules, or waiting to hear about financial help.

For one family, the worksheet made a big difference. They first chose the program with the lowest tuition. After writing down all the extra fees, they saw a second option actually fit their budget better because it included meals and had hours that matched the parent's work shift.

• Helps you make a calmer decision
• Makes it easier to compare programs fairly
• Can help you prepare questions before you apply

A few important reminders

Prices, hours, and aid rules can change. Always confirm the current cost directly with each program. If a program has a waitlist, the price you hear today may be different later.

Cubby Road cannot promise admission, a spot, or a certain price. We also do not rate program quality or check safety for you. Please visit in person and verify the state license yourself. Our guide on how to check a preschool license can help.

If you want help finding options that fit your schedule, language, or budget, you can get matched, free. You can also explore types of programs like bilingual preschool, play-based preschool, daycare and child care, and Head Start and public Pre-K.

• The PDF on this page is free to download
• Use it with your own notes, tour photos, and application deadlines