You’ve found the perfect preschool. You tour, you love the vibe, your kid loves the play kitchen—and then they hit you with a $100 application fee. Non-refundable. Just to apply.
You’re not alone. And you’re not overreacting.
This isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It’s part of a larger system that makes families pay—literally—for the chance to be considered. Let’s break down why this is happening, what’s going on behind the scenes, and what we can do about it.
What’s the Deal with These Fees?
Many childcare centers, especially private or “high-quality” ones, charge between $50 to $150 just to apply. You’re told it covers:
- Administrative processing
- Staff time for tours/interviews
- Commitment filtering (to weed out “non-serious” families)
But let’s be clear—these reasons are rarely explained, never itemized, and completely unregulated.
So Where Is That Money Going?
Short answer? You don’t know.
Longer answer? It varies wildly, and that’s part of the problem.
Some for-profit centers use those fees to fund:
- Marketing materials
- Administrative overhead
- Technology platforms and scheduling tools
- Padding their operational budgets
They don’t have to tell you. And unless you’re in a state with strict disclosure laws, they legally don’t owe you transparency.
What You’re Really Paying For
Here’s the dirty truth:
You’re paying for scarcity.
You’re paying for the privilege of being one of many applicants, knowing full well that there may only be a handful of available spots.
Some elite preschools have acceptance rates lower than Harvard. Yet they collect thousands in application fees every cycle from families who will never hear back.
Who This System Favors—and Who It Leaves Behind
Families with higher incomes? They apply to 8–10 programs “just in case.”(and even then its usually more than that). But even then, they are still spending their money on application fees when it could be going to a mortgage or other needed funds.
Working-class or lower-income families? They may only be able to afford the application fee at one or two places. If they get denied or ghosted, they’re out of options—and out of cash.
The result?
- Less access to high-quality programs
- More stress and financial strain
- A system where privilege buys more opportunity
Public Programs Don’t Do This—So Why Are Private Ones Allowed To?
Public programs like Head Start, state-funded pre-K, and many district-run models do not allow application fees.
They understand that access is part of the mission.
But in the private sector? It’s the Wild West. And it’s especially rampant in programs that claim high-quality accreditation.
Yes—even “gold star” programs with beautiful mission statements and shiny quality seals can charge hefty fees just to apply.
What Needs to Change
This isn’t just frustrating—it’s unethical. And it’s fixable.
Here’s what could move the needle:
- Fee transparency laws: States like Colorado are now requiring programs to disclose what those fees cover and even offer partial refunds if no seat opens up.
- Application fee bans for subsidized families: Vermont now prohibits charging fees to families using childcare assistance.
- Stronger accountability in accreditation: High-quality programs should be held to high-equity standards too.
- Public investment in child care: If programs weren’t scraping by, they wouldn’t have to nickel-and-dime parents to stay afloat.
What You Can Do as a Parent
- Ask for a breakdown of what the application fee covers. Even if they don’t provide it, the question matters.
- Push your local representatives to support transparency and cap fee policies.
- Support and apply to programs that don’t charge. Let your dollars (and your voice) show what kind of system you believe in.
If you’ve ever felt like you were paying to be ignored, like your application went into a black hole, like the whole thing was rigged—you’re not imagining it. You’re in the middle of a broken system.
But calling it out is the first step in changing it.
Let’s stop normalizing this nonsense.
Let’s build a system where access to quality care isn’t something you pay to hope for—it’s something you can count on.
Please subscribe to view my next post: I’ll break down what universal childcare could look like in the U.S – affordable, accessible, and publically funded. No application fees. No gatekeeping. Just real, high-quality care and education for every child.
Disclaimer: This post is not written to criticize individual schools, directors or educators. Most programs are doing the best they can within a system that lacks funding, clear guidelines, and support.
Take Away the Walls advocates for both families, and schools-because meaningful change only happens when we support both sides of the conversation.
Take Away the Walls 