To claim child care expenses in my deductions, do they need to be work related?

[ericdavidkramer]

For example, if the older children went to day care but my wife stayed home with the baby (not on maternal leave), would those qualify?

I am guessing that kindergarten would not be deductible in any case?

[MargaretL · Accepted solution]

You are correct that daycare expenses must be work-related unless your wife is also a full-time student.  Otherwise, the fact that your wife is staying at home with the baby is disqualifying you for the credit, unfortunately. 

And yes, kindergarten fees can only be deducted as dependent care expenses, not as education expenses for federal tax purposes.  Some states, however, do offer education deduction for kindergarten level; please be sure to go through your state questions.