The Child Development Laboratory School’s full-day program offers tuition on a sliding scale based on age and gross annual household income. The range of gross income for each tier is determined by a formula using a percentage of the 2024 federal poverty level (FPL) for a family of three.
Current family?
To qualify for any fee other than the “High Income Level” cost rate, proof of gross annual household income must be provided upon enrollment. To continue to qualify for a reduced rate fee, you will again have to provide documentation each February, May, and October.
The Minnesota Department of Education offers Early Learning Scholarships (ELS) to children who have a household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Families who apply for a CDLS scholarship must also apply for an ELS if their child qualifies. The ELS covers 100% of tuition and fees. For those who live in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, the ELS administrator is Think Small. Families who live in another county should visit this page to locate their ELS program administrator.
| Income level | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Below 200% of FPL < $51,640 | Reduced care costs |
| 201% – 350% of FPL $51,641 – $90,370 | Middle care costs |
| Over 350% of FPL >$90,371 | High care costs |
Full-time care costs
The costs below are for full-time care (Monday-Friday) and are billed on a biweekly basis. The costs below go into effect starting July 1, 2024.
| Age range | Reduced care costs | Middle care costs | High care costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infants | $760 | $895 | $988 |
| Toddlers | $708 | $806 | $910 |
| Preschool | $615 | $750 | $832 |
Tuition payment policies
Tuition is based on enrollment schedule rather than on actual attendance. Sick days, vacation days, holidays, staff development days, and emergency closings are considered to be part of the enrollment schedule.
Billing statements for child development services will be emailed to the University email address of the child’s University-affiliated caregiver. Please email cdls@umn.edu to inform us of any changes in email address.
Payment is due upon receipt by the Friday after the University payday and will be considered past due if not received by 11:59 p.m. A late charge of $30 will be added on the next billing statement and the balance must be paid in full within five program days or child care services may be terminated.
If paying by check, payments must be attached to the bottom portion of your invoice. Payments not attached to your invoice will be returned to you, which could delay processing and result in a late fee. If you do not receive your invoice, please contact the billing specialist to obtain another copy.
Payment by check should be made payable to the University of Minnesota. Payments can be made via credit card online at pay.umn.edu.
If special circumstances occur and you cannot follow the fee payment policy or plan, please contact the billing specialist or the enrollment coordinator immediately. Please also alert the billing specialist to any discrepancies or disagreements concerning your billing statement.
We will charge a $35 handling fee for the processing of any check returned to the school due to insufficient funds. Upon receipt of the second non-sufficient funds check, all future tuition payments must be paid by cash, cashier’s check, money order, or online.