I charge 20% of my full time fees. It is not refundable, nor is it used for anything other than to line my pocket.This is my income while they are gearing up to take their spot. I don't know why any of you would put these fees toward any future care, as you are losing money by holding the spot, and therefore in my opinion, entitled to some kind of compensation for being so flexible. If the parent wishes, they may send their child twice per week during that time to acclimatize the dck to me and my home. I also insist on a signed contract as well as my normal two week deposit, which is applied to the last two weeks that their child is in my care.