What is a Sliding Scale?

A sliding scale allows families to access services at different rates based on their financial circumstances and ability to pay. The Sustaining Rate represents the full cost of services. Families who are able to pay this rate help support the long-term sustainability of Outspelling Barriers and make it possible for a limited number of reduced-rate appointments to remain available. Reduced-rate tiers are available for families who need additional financial support. Our sliding scale is primarily trust-based. Families are encouraged to thoughtfully select the tier that best reflects their current financial circumstances. No proof of income or financial documentation is required for Tiers 1–3.

Tier 4 is reserved for families experiencing significant financial hardship and is available in limited capacity. A brief confidential application may be required to ensure these spaces are available for families with the greatest financial need. Reduced-rate appointments are offered intentionally based on the overall financial sustainability and availability of Outspelling Barriers.

Within each tier, families may choose the rate that feels appropriate and sustainable for their current financial circumstances. Families who are able to choose toward the higher end of their tier help strengthen the sustainability of Outspelling Barriers and support the continued availability of reduced-rate options.

Example of ADULT scale (ages 12+):

• Tier 1 (Sustaining Rate): $110-$135

  • You are generally able to meet your household's basic needs, have some financial flexibility, and can afford discretionary expenses such as dining out, entertainment, travel, or other non-essential purchases. Paying the full rate would not create significant financial hardship.

  • *$135 is the full standard rate. Families who have financial flexibility are encouraged to choose toward the higher end of this range, while families with some flexibility but who still benefit from a modest reduction may choose toward the lower end.

• Tier 2 (Community Rate): $90-$109

  • You are generally able to meet your basic needs but have less financial flexibility. You may need to be mindful of discretionary spending, and a modest reduction helps make consistent services more sustainable for your family.

• Tier 3 (Supported Rate): $75-$89

  • Your household experiences ongoing financial strain, you have limited financial flexibility, or you regularly need to carefully prioritize expenses. Paying the sustaining rate would make consistent access to services difficult.

• Tier 4 (Access Rate): $60

  • This tier is intended for families experiencing significant financial hardship. Availability is limited and a brief confidential application may be required.

Example of LITTLES scale (ages 5-11):

• Tier 1 (Sustaining Rate): $86-$105

  • You are generally able to meet your household's basic needs, have some financial flexibility, and can afford discretionary expenses such as dining out, entertainment, travel, or other non-essential purchases. Paying the full rate would not create significant financial hardship.

  • *$135 is the full standard rate. Families who have financial flexibility are encouraged to choose toward the higher end of this range, while families with some flexibility but who still benefit from a modest reduction may choose toward the lower end.

• Tier 2 (Community Rate): $76-$85

  • You are generally able to meet your basic needs but have less financial flexibility. You may need to be mindful of discretionary spending, and a modest reduction helps make consistent services more sustainable for your family.

• Tier 3 (Supported Rate): $60-$75

  • Your household experiences ongoing financial strain, you have limited financial flexibility, or you regularly need to carefully prioritize expenses. Paying the sustaining rate would make consistent access to services difficult.

• Tier 4 (Access Rate): $50

  • This tier is intended for families experiencing significant financial hardship. Availability is limited and a brief confidential application may be required.

**Session length and pricing are based primarily on the individual speller's needs, stamina, and recommended session format. Age ranges are intended as general guidelines. Any transition from a Little Speller Session to a Standard Session will be discussed with the family in advance.

Choosing Your Tier:

We ask families to choose their tier thoughtfully and honestly based on their overall financial circumstances. Income is only one part of the picture. Household size, medical expenses, debt, caregiving responsibilities, employment circumstances, and other financial obligations can all affect a family's ability to pay.

There is no expectation that families provide detailed financial information for Tiers 1–3. We trust families to select the rate that allows them to access services while also honoring the value and sustainability of this work. If you are unsure which tier is the best fit for your family, please reach out. I am always happy to talk through the options with you.