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Lake Charles

Licensed

Licensed Daycare in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Lake Charles?

Statewide averages in Louisiana run roughly $870/month for infants and $680/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 Lake Charles?

Louisiana families can apply for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) (intake: (225) 342-3947). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

15 licensed daycares in Lake Charles, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Louisiana licensing records.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$870/mo

Louisiana avg infant

1:5

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Lake Charles

ChildCare Aware reports the Louisiana average full-time cost at $870/month for infant care and $680/month for preschool. City-level prices in Lake Charles 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. Louisiana families may also qualify for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) (intake: (225) 342-3947).

Full Louisiana licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Louisiana Department of Education — Licensing Division
Infant ratio: 1:5
Toddler ratio: 1:8
Preschool ratio: 1:14
Avg capacity: 52 kids

ZIP codes covered

70615 11 70601 9 70605 5 70607 4 70611 3

Program types in Lake Charles

Before & After School Care

All Lake Charles licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

A Before/After School

Alexandria KinderSmile #4

Lake Charles

School Age (5+) Cap 49

L Before/After School

Lake Charles Playhouse Academy #92

Lake Charles

School Age (5+) Cap 15

S Before/After School

Shreveport Childcare Academy #22

Lake Charles

School Age (5+) Cap 49

Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.

Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Lake Charles, Louisiana?

Our directory lists 15 licensed childcare centers in Lake Charles, Louisiana, sourced from Louisiana Department of Education — Licensing Division. 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 Lake Charles?

Statewide averages in Louisiana run roughly $870/month for infants and $680/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 Lake Charles daycares?

All licensed Louisiana centers must meet the state minimum: 1:5 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:14 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Lake Charles typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Lake Charles?

Louisiana families can apply for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) (intake: (225) 342-3947). 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 Lake Charles daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Louisiana Department of Education — Licensing Division search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.