Childcare Costs in Fort Smith, AR

Population 89,100 | 20.4% above Arkansas average

$7,740

Infant/yr

$645/mo

$6,860

Toddler/yr

$572/mo

$6,290

Preschool/yr

$524/mo

Fort Smith vs State & National Averages

Care Type	Fort Smith	AR Avg	National Avg
Infant (Center)	$7,740	$7,980	$13,032
Toddler (Center)	$6,860	$7,080	$11,275
Preschool (Center)	$6,290	$6,480	$10,153

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Infant (Center)$645/mo

Toddler (Center)$572/mo

Preschool (Center)$524/mo

Arkansas Childcare Overview

State Cost Rank: #50 of 51

Quality System: Better Beginnings

Median Income: $56,335

Subsidies: Available

View all Arkansaschildcare data →

👶

ChildCarePeek Editorial TeamChildcare Data Specialists

The ChildCarePeek editorial team aggregates and verifies childcare cost data from Child Care Aware of America. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against official sources before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.

Sourced from Child Care Aware of AmericaQuarterly reviewNo paid placements

Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does daycare cost in Fort Smith, AR?

In Fort Smith, AR, infant center-based daycare costs about $7,740/year ($645/month). Toddler care averages $6,860/year and preschool is $6,290/year.

Is childcare in Fort Smith more expensive than the Arkansas average?

Childcare in Fort Smith is 20.4% above the Arkansas state average. The average annual center-based cost in Fort Smith is approximately $6,963.

What is the most affordable childcare option in Fort Smith?

Preschool programs are typically the most affordable center-based option in Fort Smith at $6,290/year. Family home daycare is usually 25-35% cheaper than center-based care. Before/after school programs are the most affordable overall for school-age children.

What childcare assistance is available in Arkansas?

Arkansas offers childcare subsidies through the CCDF program. The state's "Better Beginnings" quality rating system helps parents find rated providers. Federal tax credits (Child and Dependent Care Credit) and Flexible Spending Accounts can also offset costs.

Where does ChildCarePeek get Fort Smith childcare cost data?

All childcare cost data comes from Child Care Aware of America (2024), supplemented with local cost-of-living adjustments. Actual costs may vary by provider, quality rating, and specific care needs.

Explore the DataPeek Network

ElderCarePeek FuneralCostPeek DreamWize VocabWize VocabLibre DicionarioWize WortWize KalimaWize KotobaPeek NameBlooms WagePeek NetPayPeek SalaryByCity CostByCity BizTaxWize GrantPeek

Care Type

Fort Smith

AR Avg

National Avg

Infant (Center)

$7,740

$7,980

$13,032

Toddler (Center)

$6,860

$7,080

$11,275

Preschool (Center)