KSS changes in tuition?
Hi all, I am sure there are other parents out there who got a confusing email from KSS last night 2/13 about changes in their tuition for 2023-2024. We literally just joined in February of this year and feel like we got the bait and switch - if I am doing my math correctly, the cost of full time childcare goes from about $2,000 a month to $2,700 a month starting this August? I have sent an email asking for clarification but am wondering if there are other parents in the same boat. It feels almost like extortion knowing what the childcare market is and that they are taking advantage of already desperate parents. If I knew the money was going to the teachers directly I think I could stomach it but I just feel like we are being taken advantage of. Anybody else have thoughts?
Parent Replies
Hello, We also joined earlier this fall and are in complete shock by yesterday's email regarding the tuition change. We were aware of the increase from 2021-2022 which was only $60 so we confidently enrolled our daughter assuming it would be a similar change for this upcoming school year. If they planned to drastically change the programming they should have informed us at the beginning of the school year and given us a fair warning of the potential increase before having us commit. It is extremely unfortunate that they were not transparent and we are now left with only 2 days before re-enrollment. I feel extremely compromised with very little options. Additionally I feel sad that my daughter has been friends and established a good relationship with the teachers there and there's a strong chance she will not be returning next year due to this drastic increase/change.
You are correct. Many of us are extremely angry. Can you (and anyone interested in discussing more) please message me or email me at bbme3001 [at] gmail.com?
Hi There! We are at KSS Albany and all the families are very upset. My son only joined in November 22 and we were given no warning. One of our parents posted to BPN as well and is welcoming families from other KSS locations to email her. The Albany families will be fighting back and posting to Yelp, contacting our local governments and news sites, possibly even protesting!
We are not at KSS but at UC Berkeley early childhood education program. The costs have increased steadily (about $100/month) per year.
This year Infant <2 was $2720. Once our kid turned 2 she was moved to the toddler class, which costs. us a mere $2420 (half of our take-home paycheck from Cal!)
We are in a similar situation as feeling as though they have us over a barrel. Our kid loves the spot, her teachers, and her friends. It is a bitter pill to swallow and we can only trust at this that this tuition continues to be wisely invested in good teachers and facilities and not supporting bloated administrative salaries.
Yes! See my other post, I think it's closer to a $900 / month increase or a 45% yoy increase... but it's so confusing in how it's being communicated that it's hard to know for sure! It'd be good to get a group of parents that feel similarly shocked by this change for some collective action. Happy to discuss with anyone!
Unfortunately I think this related to inflation as well as the specific challenges of recruiting and retaining educators at a time when many are considering leaving. Our preschool also just notified us that costs for the next year will be increasing by about $6000. We hadn't been planning on doing public school TK but we are now reconsidering it.
Just fyi La Plazita in Oakland and San Leandro is also a Spanish immersion preschool and they charge like 1700 a month for full time care. I know they just opened up a new campus too…we’ve been really happy there.