I agree M-I-A ... a security deposit of at least two weeks and payment in advance on top of that is the norm in my area as well for this very reason ... that way you get paid on the Friday for the upcoming week, two weeks, month or whatever plus you have two weeks of fees in the 'bank' so to speak to deal with bounced cheques so you are never providing a service without FEE.

Another option is if a perspective client who is not 'just returning from mat leave' aka their kid is 1 or under is wanting to join your program ask in the interview 'has your child been in daycare or the care of another before' and if the answer is YES than ask 'why the relationship ended' and than ask for reference of that provider to help get tips for 'transition' that worked for her .... if the client is not willing to GIVE that reference well than RED FLAG and you have to ask yourself if their 'explanation' is something your gut trusts or if you want to PASS.