Pricing Data Sources for Early Childhood Education Cost Estimation

This guide outlines various data sources that can be utilized for estimating the costs associated with early childhood education (ECE) programs. It emphasizes the importance of aligning input prices in cost models with specific goals, such as achieving high-quality care. The document details several tools and resources, including the Provider Cost of Quality Calculator, which assists childcare providers in estimating operational costs using state-specific and national prices. It also mentions the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Operational Outlook Handbook for identifying wage ranges for different childcare staff positions. Furthermore, the guide discusses the use of publicly available teacher salary scales, national retailer websites for materials pricing, and insurance company ranges for triangulating costs. Additional resources include accreditation websites and databases maintained by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for rental rates, as well as training organization websites for estimating training costs for childcare providers.