Just starting out, need help with rules/guidelines and contracts

I'm just looking to start out as a child care provider and would like some help with contracts that have worked well so I can assure my services will not be taken advantage of:). Please feel free to post links

Not to be rude but if you're just starting out then take the time and do your research. There are hundreds of great contacts posted online. PLUS there are a wealth of books available for daycare start ups. If you have a specific contract question then don't hesitate to ask. Speaking for myself I had do all the leg work myself when starting out and my personal contracts are just that.

Link info, go into www.google.ca and put daycare contracts as your search! Good luck.

Also read the past threads on this forum, they are a true wealth of information.

Are you in Ontario ? Go to the CCPRN website, they have a starter kit with example ! Plus if you want other documents to secure your behind lol for example, acetaminophen form, medical emergency form, outting form or even like me, a sunscreen form, search in google and you get tons of links.

If you are stuck and cant find one in particular, send me a message ;)

My questions are along the lines of, if I'm sick I don't charge the parents for that day and if they are sick then what? I'm out that day?

I understand where your coming from, and I assure you I will my fair share as I already have been.

Everyone has different rules in terms of sick days, but the majority of us still charge if the child is home sick or the parent keeps them home for any reason. Some of us also have some paid sick days for ourselves in our contracts, although I know the majority do not. It depends on the norm for your area as it does vary greatly from city to city and even neighbourhood to neighbourhood. However, as I said, the parents are paying for a space in your daycare...the space is still there for them if their child is kept home sick or for a vacation, so they still pay.

Yes you decide your rules. Everyone is different and it does play in what can you offer best to parents and be reasonable so that they choose YOU over other daycares. Some have sick days, I dont, some charge 2 weeks vaca, I charge 3, some charge stats some dont.

You have to see in your area maybe, what the others do... if you exaggerate in your demands, parents could go somewhere else. If you are too loose, they'll take advantage of you !

One important detail for me is to get paid everyday of the year except when I'm sick or have personal appointments and I have to close (rarely happens). Besides that, daycare is open so its payable (stats im closed but its normal holidays so its payable) !! Also very important is to stick to your opening hours or else you'll find yourself working long hours :( I have late fees but 3 strikes so, they are careful I guess because never had late fees except for one snow storm and I was very understanding about that.

Also I cant afford part time kids as I am a private daycare. Its hard to find a child that need 3 days and another that fits in the other 2 days of the week. My minimum part time days acceptable is 4 days. Even if they need only 2 or 3 they pay 4. Thats the bizz !!

:)

I get paid for everyday except if I close for sickness.

I charge for any day they are absent as well. I don't charge for my sick days or my vacation days.

I give 5 sick days a year only to my full time clients, if I'm sick they don't pay. Otherwise you pay.