Ballard announces the new 7% tuition model!

Ballard Introduces 7% model!

Around 1 in 4 families live paycheck to paycheck in our community.  Childcare can be hugely cost prohibitive, with the average Kansas family spending 20% of their wages on childcare. This leads to incredibly difficult choices for parents between care and work, relying on family and friend care, or taking time off and out of the workplace, which can have a lasting impact on families. Affordable childcare has amazing benefits not only for the child, but for the family and community. The need for affordable care is immediate and essential.

Based on the US Health & Human services standards, childcare is affordable when it costs no more than 7% of household income, which is why this year the Ballard Center has launched a 7 % Tuition Model. This model ensures that no family pays more than seven percent of their household income for childcare.

Ballard’s 7 % Tuition Model aligns tuition with family income, guaranteeing that parents pay only what they can afford while preserving access to high-quality early education for children aged two to five.

Income based sliding scale: Families submit basic income information, and Ballard caps tuition at seven percent of household income—far below current average childcare costs.

Expanded scholarships: DCF childcare subsidies, local and in-house scholarships, and private donations from our community bridge the gap between what families pay and the true cost of care, ensuring no child is turned away because of cost.

Living wage workforce: Ballard is expanding health benefits and retirement contributions for staff and will continue paying educators a living wage in 2026.

Affordable access: With childcare costs consuming roughly one-fifth of Kansans’ income, the new model frees up money for rent, food, health care and savings.

High-quality early learning: Research shows that high-quality early childhood education supports children’s health and development and provides lifelong benefits, especially for children from low-income households.

Wraparound services: Families benefit from Ballard’s longstanding support network, including a food and clothing pantry, emergency rent and utility assistance and family stabilization programs.

“The greatest investment our society can make to combat inequality is through quality, fully accessible, early-childhood education and intervention, for all.” said Ballard CEO Kyle Roggenkamp. “, This incredible community has put Ballard in a position to not only offer this 7% model to deserving families but also provide a living wage to educators.  These new initiatives mark the future of our industry, where the pay of teachers is never passed on to the families with children in their care.”

Affordable, accessible early childhood education helps parents remain in the workforce, pursue education and improve their earnings. Paying living wages supports economic security, reduces turnover and boosts the local economy. Together, these policies generate ripple effects throughout Douglas County: more parents working or studying, healthier children, reduced poverty and a more resilient early education workforce.