2026-27 Fee Adjustment FAQs

Fees were updated following a comprehensive review of the district's before and after school childcare program. Rather than applying a simple annual percentage increase, the district analyzed employee salaries and benefits; staffing requirements; projected enrollment; operating expenses; state licensing requirements; nursing support; and comparable rates charged by neighboring districts. The updated fees are intended to more accurately reflect the cost of operating the program. 

For the complete 2026-27 fee structure, view the program’s Parent Handbook, page 5.

No. The district does not make money from the Before and After School Childcare Program. The revised fee structure is intended to allow the program to cover its operating expenses while continuing to provide services to participating families. The district will continue to monitor program expenses and compare them to initial cost estimates. 

No. Employee compensation is only one component of the program's overall operating costs. The district's review also included employee benefits, supplies, additional staffing for student support, nursing services, projected enrollment, and other operating expenses. 

The updated fees are not based solely on employee wage increases. Instead, the district reviewed the total cost of operating the program, including salaries, employee benefits, program supplies, additional one-to-one student support, nursing services, projected enrollment, and other operating expenses. The resulting fee adjustment reflects the combined impact of these costs and is intended to allow the program to operate on a break-even basis. 

No. The updated fees reflect a comprehensive review of the total cost of operating the program. 

As student needs have evolved, the district evaluated additional supports, including nursing services and staffing, to provide a level of care more consistent with the supports available during the regular school day. The program must maintain required staff-to-student ratios and comply with all state licensing regulations. Additionally, some students require individualized support or one-on-one assistance, which increases staffing needs.

The district reviewed rates charged by neighboring school districts as part of its fee analysis. The 2026-27 rates are comparable based on our research.

Yes, the district will continue to monitor enrollment and how the 2026-27 fees compare to other district-run and third-party programs.

The fee review was completed as part of the district's annual budget development process. The 2026-27 budget was approved by the school board on May 28, 2026. Once the fee schedule was finalized at the June 25, 2026 board business meeting, registration was opened the following Monday, June 29. The district understands that any increase in childcare costs can affect family budgets and seeks to communicate program changes as early as possible.

Yes, any family eligible for free/reduced meals can apply for subsidized childcare through the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC). ELRC can be reached at: Early Learning Resource Center, 333 N. Oxford Valley Rd., Suite 402-403 Fairless Hills, PA 19030, at 215-486-2524, and online.