Parents share concerns over 45% tuition hike at Columbia child care center for children with disabilities
Olivia Hayes
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Parents are raising concerns after the United Way’s United Cerebral Palsy Heartland approved a 45% tuition increase at its Columbia Child Development Center over the next two years.
According to a letter from UCP Heartland shared to ABC 17 News by a parent, who wishes to stay anonymous to avoid impacts to their child’s care, starting April 1, 2026, tuition rates will increase by 25% and raise another 20% on Jan. 1, 2027. The letter was received by families on Monday.
“We have budgeted for the typical annual increase but were completely taken by surprise when we opened our letter,” said the concerned parent in a statement to ABC 17 News. “This is one of a very few number of centers that accepts these kids. Where are they going to go if they don’t qualify for assistance?”
The parent wished not to be identified out of concerns over possible impacts to their child care.
The Child Development Center provides child care for children with ranging disabilities.
“There are families who have been with UCP for 5-8 years and are now faced with the decision to pay an additional $3K – $8K a year for the same service or uproot their child’s safe space and sense of community,” the parent wrote.
The letter shows the Child Development Center charges weekly rates, with current costs sitting at:
Infants (0 to 1-year-olds): $305/ per week.
Red room (1 to 2-year-olds): $305/ per week.
Blue room (2 to 3-year-olds): $250/ per week.
Yellow room (3 to 4-year olds): $235/ per week.
School age (5+ years): $110/ per week.
In April those rates will increase to:
Infants and Red room: $381.25/per week.
Blue room: $312.50/per week.
Yellow room: $293.75/per week.
School age: $137.50/per week.
In January 2027, the rates will increase to:
Infants and Red room: $457.50/per week.
Blue room: $375/per week.
Yellow room: $352.50/per week.
School age: $165/per week.
A second parent, who wishes to remain anonymous due to avoid impacts to their children’s care, told ABC 17 News she has two children enrolled at Child Development Center and with the looming tuition increase, her family has had to look at other options for child care.
“It’s a daunting task to be put on so short notice,” the parent said.
She went on to explain how the current tuition costs already take a toll on her family.
“It’s definitely affected us growing our family more,” the parent said. “Being able to move to a better neighborhood, being able to take a holiday together.”
In the letter, UCP Heartland cited low enrollment numbers and low tuition revenue over several years as the reason for the increase. The letter goes onto say UCP Heartland believes that the increase in tuition costs will help ensure long-term sustainability.
UCP Heartland’s Interim President and CEO Jane Kaiser echoed similar sentiments in a statement to ABC 17 News.
“We’re experiencing rising costs for staffing and operations, and this adjustment simply brings our pricing in line with what we believe to be industry standards,” the statement reads.
The organization said in its letter to parents that all currently enrolled children may remain enrolled until they transition to kindergarten. Scholarships are also available for children with medically diagnosed disabilities if the financial need exists, according to the letter.
The second parent ABC 17 News spoke with says her family makes just enough to not qualify for federal assistance programs, so she is unsure of what scholarships her children could qualify for. She said there has been little to no communication from UCP about the scholarships offered or how to apply. Regardless the increased costs go far beyond what her family can afford.
“There’s definitely not another $1,200 a month in our budget just for childcare,” she said.
She also said she was confused about the reasoning UCP provide for the tuition increase being low revenue and enrollment. The parent noted no concerns over finances had been expressed by the organization in the four years her children have attended.
“The previous daycare director even reached out talking about that they were trying to expand,” she said.
The nonprofit wants to focus on boosting its enrollment in 2026. Kaiser said UCP Heartland’s top priority is providing high-quality and inclusive care for Columbia families.
Both parents told ABC 17 News that UCP’s corporate offices have yet to return their phone calls and emails with questions about the rate increase.