My daycare has been open since 2010 and since then I have only offered children 5 sick days a year/per child where I don't charge fees for. Since I opened i have had many parents who wanted to keep their kids at home for many reasons, relatives visiting, doctor's appointments, vacations, etc.

Some parents have stuck to my policy where if they are not here for the day the fee is still due, but others have come in that week and said their child will not be here on a certian day and then deduct that days fee from their cheques. UGH!!

I understand that parents need to keep their kids at home if they are sick and that some days they dont require my care. How do you handle this? Do you give a break on the fees? How much notice do you require?

Also, I have found it hard to confront parents that aren't complying with my contract face-to-face. How do you deal with parents not wanting to pay for missed days?

I plan to hand out my revised contract very soon and STICK TO IT!!! I want to be fair to the parents but it's also a business for me and some parents are taking advantage. (One child wasn't here almost 15 days last year, without pay. And he's only here two days a week).

I appreciate your input and love coming on here to hear everyone's opinions. Makes me feel that I'm not alone in all of this

Sarah