Why am I only receiving 1200 for child care credits when that doesn't equal 20% of what we paid?

[KathrynG3]

It depends on the rest of your circumstances. If the costs were paid from pre-tax dollars, they cannot be used for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. There are income limits to the credit which would phase out the benefit to higher wage earners. 

For more details, see the following resources:

What is the Child and Dependent Care Credit?

Video: What is Form 2441?

Filing Form 2441

2019 Instructions to Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Credit, and

2019 IRS Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses.

[AmeliesUncle]

You can only use up to $3000 of expenses per child, up to 2 children.

So if you have two children, you can use up to $6000.  And 20% of $6000 is $1200.