Raising rates

I do the same as mickyc. There are times I add or reword my contract and I send out the revised contract at year end. However, This year I had no major changes so didn't bother

Oh that makes sense. Like you mentioned, I have a handbook as well as a contract. Thanks

I only raise rates for new families coming in based on current rates in my area. Even a dollar a day ads up nicely.

As to the maternity leave my policy has been if older child stays full time during mat leave baby comes in at same rate too. If older child stays part time they come back at same rate but baby comes in at new rate (if I am raising rates that year). If older child is pulled out totally but they want spaces they both come back at the higher rate. This would assume I had openings coming up either due to others leaving for school or starting a mat leave and older child must start back at least part time as soon as opening comes up ex for Sept even if mat leave for baby doesn't end till November. Chances are I would just replace them and assume they were going to make alternate choices down the road but let them know they are free to contact me closer to care being needed to see if I have spaces.