Childcare in Irving, TX: Costs and Care Options

Choose care that covers your actual schedule

Write down the care you need from arrival through pickup, including your commute. Separate school-day care from evenings, school closures and summer needs. Ask each provider to confirm those periods in writing so you can identify any gap before paying a deposit.

Irving ISD’s published schedules give families two different pickup deadlines: 6:30 p.m. for YMCA elementary afterschool care and 5:30 p.m. for tuition-based PreK. Use the deadline for your child’s program when testing whether you can reach pickup after work. [1] [2]

For an infant, a younger toddler or a family seeking care outside those schedules, request age-specific hours and a written quote from prospective caregivers. Describe feeding, naps, toileting, allergies and any transportation duties. Ask who would provide care if your usual caregiver could not attend.

Compare published fees with the care included

Irving ISD lists its YMCA elementary afterschool program at $31 per child per week for the 2026–2027 registration period. The district also lists a no-cost snack, homework assistance, enrichment activities and physical activities. [1]

The district lists tuition-based PreK at approximately $100 per week. For 3-year-olds who qualify for free half-day PreK, it lists approximately $50 per week to enroll in the full-day tuition-based program. The district includes meals, a snack and afterschool care through 5:30 p.m. [2]

Treat these figures as prices for the named school programs. Request separate quotes for private daycare, home-based care, nannies or sitters rather than using school-program fees as their price benchmark. Ask each provider to itemize registration charges, deposits, meals, supplies, late pickup charges and payments during absences or closures.

Check PreK eligibility and campus fit before enrolling

Irving ISD offers tuition-based PreK for children who do not meet its free PreK eligibility criteria. Children must be 3 or 4 by September 1, and the district accepts registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Check free-program eligibility before choosing a tuition arrangement. [2]

The district places tuition-based classes at Kinkeade Early Childhood School in southwest Irving, Pierce Early Childhood School in southeast Irving and Clifton Early Childhood School in north Irving. Ask which campus has space for your child, then test the journey from that campus to home and work. [2]

Before accepting a place, ask for the attendance calendar, arrival procedure, pickup authorization rules and enrollment documents. Explain any medication, communication or accessibility needs and ask staff how they would handle them during both class and afterschool care.

Explore assistance and screen the care arrangement

Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas describes child care scholarships for eligible families who meet federal income guidelines and are working, searching for a job or attending education or training. Its regional family resources also include referrals and support for children with special needs. [3]

Ask the regional program to assess your circumstances and explain the application steps, provider choices and any family payment. Keep a separate plan for care while you await a decision; do not commit to a fee you cannot cover without confirmed assistance.

For any arrangement, ask who will supervise your child, how staff handle emergencies and how you will receive updates. Request references and details of relevant training. For group or home-based care, ask for the operation’s regulatory status and inspection information to review. For care in your home, agree on duties, authorized visitors, outings and backup arrangements before the first shift.

Published weekly fees for Irving ISD care programs

Match the published option to your care needs

Your hiring checklist

1. Record your child’s age, required start date, arrival time and latest pickup time.
2. Confirm space, enrollment acceptance and the exact campus or care address.
3. Request a written fee breakdown and payment, cancellation and refund terms.
4. Compare the attendance calendar with workdays, school closures and summer needs.
5. Discuss allergies, medication, toileting, naps and communication needs.
6. Review caregiver references, relevant training and emergency procedures.
7. Name authorized pickup adults and agree on a backup care plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Irving ISD afterschool care cost?

The district’s 2026–2027 YMCA page lists $31 per child per week for elementary afterschool care. It lists service from dismissal until 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Confirm enrollment and any additional charges before budgeting. [1]

Does tuition-based PreK include afterschool care?

Yes. Irving ISD lists breakfast, lunch, a snack and afterschool care through 5:30 p.m. within its tuition-based PreK program. Ask how the program handles school holidays and other closures before relying on it for your work schedule. [2]

Can a 2-year-old enroll in this tuition-based PreK?

The district requires children to be 3 or 4 by September 1. Compare that cutoff with your child’s birthday before applying, and arrange another care option if your child does not meet it. [2]

Where can families explore child care financial assistance?

Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas lists scholarships for eligible families meeting federal income guidelines who work, search for a job or attend education or training. Ask for an eligibility assessment and application requirements before assuming assistance will cover your chosen arrangement. [3]