Contract length

[Emilys4Guppies]

I live on the Quebec side and am a subsidized daycare. So in reality I have certain procedures to follow. Even if someone pays late,arrives late at pick up I have to give them notice after notice.. keep written proof that I did everything I could to resolve the issue. Even then, if I choose to terminate them they have every right to go and make a complaint, whcih means an investigation into the issue from my head office. Not to mention the fact that they can call consumer protection over here and take me to court. Maybe they would not win but I don't have time for that kind thing.
So .... one month contracts protect me from being in a being in a very uncomfortable predicament !
Sometimes I miss the days when I was a "private" daycare !!!!

I find it hard to believe that they can require you to work without pay or pick up late. Does your contract not state open hours or payment policy? I don't understand how it's permissible for them to BREACH the contract and have no repercussions. I understand you are licensed, and that's how you have subsidy available, but there still has to be protection for you. How many notices until you can take action?

ETA: I hope you don't think I'm second-guessing you here...you know your business certainly better than I do. I'm just floored that you could be so backed into a corner.

[Junelouise]

This is exactly why I have never in 29 years signed up for any government or daycare agency. I tried the government once and they had such stringent restrictions it was ridiculous..they wanted me to fence off my pool. Fire inspections, police checks, health department checks, the list went on and on...I decided to stay private all these years.

[Tot-Time]

My contract has no termination date.

It has taken me 17 yrs of home daycare to get the contract that I like and that works for me. So now I barely make changes and therefore if something does happen, I just make an ammendment. I have only had to make an amendment once in the last few years.

[Judy Trickett]

My contract is 9 pages long. I leave nothing up for interpretation.

Every contract expires on Dec 31st of each year. I hand out new contracts every November to be returned by a predestined date in December. I do this every year because I also raise my fees every single year. And I make it clear that if you do not return the contract by the preset December return date your spot will be filled. This implies that the contract is not negotiable nor are the fees.

[Tot-Time]

Hum, so does the legnth/term of your contract depend on the area you live in and how difficult it is for you (the caregiver) to terminate a contract?

For example, my contract is indefinite and both the parent or I only need 3 weeks to terminate the contract.

I agree that if you are unable to break a contract that even a 3 month contract would be very difficult if things are not going well with the family. It is also a long time to provide childcare for a family if there are payment issues as well. I have a friend who is now on her 10th week of providing childcare with no fees being paid by the parent!

[Judy Trickett]

I have a friend who is now on her 10th week of providing childcare with no fees being paid by the parent!

Why isn't she getting paid in ADVANCE for care?? Never work for free or risk working for free. Parents should be paying in advance for care. NO PAY - NO STAY.

ALL my parents pay Monday morning for that week. If you don't bring your payment in you can't leave your child. I NEVER work for free. Many providers also get paid Friday for the NEXT week of care to ensure they never work for free.

WHY is she allowing this to happen to her? Why is she allowing them in day after day???

[playfelt]

Nicole, wouldn`t the fact the parent missed the second payment be them breaching the contract making it null and void from a legal standpoint. The first payment period ok they are considered late but after the second payment passes I would sure be questioning the legality of having to still provide care with basically no contract in effect. I know some places have the strangest rules and so glad we live on this side and not that one.

[Spixie33]

I have in my contract that I can tminate ms of the contract are not met. Non payment would be cause for termination.

I can't believe that providers would still give care if there is a non payment situation. Wow. wouldn't they just be able to say that they are hereby giving notice and give and end date dependant on whether they have a 1 week or 2 week deposit left with you?

[Judy Trickett]

I have in my contract that I can tminate ms of the contract are not met. Non payment would be cause for termination.

I can't believe that providers would still give care if there is a non payment situation. Wow. wouldn't they just be able to say that they are hereby giving notice and give and end date dependant on whether they have a 1 week or 2 week deposit left with you?

Me too. NO PAY - NO STAY. Period.

I do NOT accept late or non-payment. I do NOT accept tardy pick ups. Honestly, if you don't follow the contract that you signed to a 'T' then I terminate you. End of story.

[playfelt]

That is the joys of making our own contracts I guess. I have several clauses in mine that allow termination including termination without notice for several offences and have actually had to invoke that clause once so glad it was there. My contract specifically says after daycare fees plus late fees are in arrears it is taken as notice of termination. Also if fees from previous week are not paid in cash by drop off on Monday child doesn`t stay or come back till they are. With the termination clause invoked as of that Friday. Really sad when we have to literally give threats to get paid.