Childcare in Cheyenne: Costs and Care Planning

Match care to your schedule

Write down the earliest drop-off and latest pickup you need, including travel time. Separate regular weekdays from school breaks, evening shifts and occasional sitter visits. Ask each candidate to confirm coverage for that schedule and your child’s age before arranging a tour.

Wyoming DFS distinguishes family child care homes serving 3–10 children, family child care centers serving up to 15, and child care centers serving 16 or more. Ask which category applies to the setting you are considering, who will supervise your child and how the provider covers staff absences. [5]

For care in your home, interview the caregiver about references, infant or child CPR, first aid, transportation and backup coverage. Put duties in writing, including meals, homework, driving and any household work. Ask DFS whether the proposed arrangement requires licensing or qualifies for an exemption.

Compare tuition and upfront payments

LCCC publishes full-time first-child monthly rates of $1,229 for infants and toddlers, $996 for junior preschool and $932 for preschool. Its September 2026–August 2027 schedule also lists discounted rates for a second child. Use these as a local budget reference and request a quote for your child’s classroom. [1]

At enrollment, LCCC charges a $25 fee and requires a refundable deposit equal to one month of tuition. For an opening several months away, the center may request a $200 holding fee, which it applies toward the deposit. You lose that holding fee if you decide not to attend after paying it. [1]

Ask each provider to separate recurring tuition from deposits, supply charges and other fees. Request written terms for absences, closures, late pickup, withdrawal and refunds. Compare the amount due to secure care with the amount due each month; keep refundable deposits separate from ongoing expenses.

Check safety and regulatory status

DFS says licensing staff visit licensed facilities at least twice per year, including one unannounced visit. Its guidance requires national fingerprint and Wyoming Central Registry background checks for providers, directors, staff, volunteers, substitutes and household members over the age of 18. Ask about the facility’s current status and recent findings. [5]

During a visit, discuss infant sleep, allergies, medication, discipline, authorized pickup and emergency reunification. DFS says licensed facilities do not have to administer medication. If your child needs it during care, confirm the provider’s policy and procedures before enrolling. [5]

LCCC states that its Children’s Discovery Center, as a college entity, is outside Wyoming’s child care licensing process. The center reports NAEYC accreditation and says it follows licensing regulations. Ask the center how families review its oversight and report concerns; treat accreditation and state licensing as separate questions. [1]

Check assistance and your remaining payment

Wyoming families can use ECARES to search providers and check potential assistance eligibility. DFS determines eligibility using financial and approved activity criteria. If two parents or caretakers live in the household, DFS says both must participate in an approved activity during the same hours. [3] [4]

Ask the provider whether it accepts DFS assistance and ask DFS which hours it will authorize. Parents may owe a share of care costs and any amount above DFS’s maximum reimbursement rate. Obtain both the provider’s charges and your assistance determination before deciding whether the arrangement fits your budget. [4]

Plan school transportation and closure coverage

Cheyenne’s Latchkey program serves kindergarten through sixth grade at Pioneer Park Center, 1331 Talbot Court. For August 24, 2026 through June 1, 2027, the city lists hours of 6:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. The city provides transportation to most schools but warns that availability is limited. [2]

The city provides Latchkey care on half days, teacher in-service days and most holiday breaks. It also follows city holidays and closures and LCSD#1 weather closures. Compare those exceptions with your work calendar. The city closes its child care programs when the school district closes for bad weather. [2]

Keep summer planning separate from school-year enrollment. The city lists its completed 2026 summer camp as full and has not provided 2027 terms in this source. Request the next summer’s schedule before relying on it for work coverage. [2]

LCCC full-time monthly tuition by program

Choose the next step for your care needs

Your hiring checklist

1. Write down your child’s age, start date, weekly schedule and school.
2. Confirm an opening and, if needed, a school transportation place.
3. Ask about licensing or exemption status and review available oversight records.
4. Tour the care setting and discuss supervision, sleep, allergies and medication.
5. Request tuition, deposits, extra fees and refund terms in writing.
6. Confirm assistance approval and your remaining payment before committing.
7. Compare closure calendars with your work schedule and arrange backup care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for full-time care?

LCCC’s published first-child tuition ranges from $932 to $1,229 per month for September 2026 through August 2027, depending on the program. These are one center’s rates. Budget separately for its enrollment fee and deposit, and request quotes from other providers. [1]

Can I use ECARES without receiving assistance?

Yes. DFS says parents who do not qualify for assistance can use ECARES to search and review local providers. Confirm openings and enrollment terms with each provider. [3]

Does Latchkey cover snow days?

The city closes its child care programs when the school district closes for bad weather. Arrange separate coverage for those days, even if you use Latchkey for regular school days. [2]

How can I check complaints about a licensed facility?

Ask the local child care licenser for the facility’s substantiated complaint and compliance history. DFS says these records are available upon request. For a concern about licensing requirements, contact the licenser or local DFS office with the provider’s name, location and incident details. [4]