Since your contract gives a specific date it is effective until, then yes, the raise in rates does seem odd. I know many providers do raise rates in Jan but I personally only raise them for clients who have been here most of the year. But that is because clients I signed on 3 months ago would have been signed on at the 2013 rate anyway, simply because I don't think springing a new rate on clients so soon after starting care is wise or fair. Try asking your provider about it and point out that you understood the rates to be effective for a year. She may have forgotten she wrote that in but she really should abide by it.