Just tell her the standards everywhere is that if the child is sick to a certain degree, they are expected to stay home....and that this is usually understood by the parents without question who are also often considerate in regards to the other childre. In a centre they would look at her like she was crazy if she asked that question. And yes, of course she would have to still pay. My suggestion is don't charge per day....set monthly days and let clients know that these are the amount of days they are expected to pay for regardless of child's absence. Remind them that its like paying for rent. Just because you decide to go camping for 3 weeks doesn't mean you just get to pay for only 1 weeks rent. Its just as ridiculous for her to expect that...although i do understand where and why she is asking....she is treating you casually as someone who just babysits her kid. I say find a replacement. and write a contract to include that standard/expectation.