I think you will figure out what works as you go along. It is hard to know and consider all possible scenarios when you get started.

As for vacation...I write that I can take up to THREE weeks off unpaid. I usually do one week in the summer and another week at Christmas and I do take a one day or two day. I always advise parents at least 4 weeks of a planned closure even if it is just one day. I have told my parents that they will be given 4 weeks notice if I need to close unless it is an emergency (i.e a funeral, illness, family emergency)

I do get paid for all stats

I also get paid the same every week. If I am available and expecting a child then it is a paid day. If I need to close the daycare for any reason then it is unpaid.

I do give parents up to TEN days off UNPAID where they can go on vacation. They have to give me at least 4 weeks notice. I might reduce this to 5 days at some point but so far it has worked. Usually parents take the time during the summer and I love having a lighter load so I can see my own school age kids more during that time.

I would definitely send out a reminder note to all the parents (so that the one doesn't feel singled out) that children are supposed to be fed, clean and ready for a fun day when they arrive in the morning.

I hold a ONE WEEK deposit for all my parents (even the part timers who only come 2 days a week) etc. I get paid every Thursday and this way I will be covered for the last week if anyone would ever decide to just up and run. I think it is important to have something in place to protect you. Some people get paid every Monday for the week ahead as a security measure and other's who are paid at the end of the week tend to hold a deposit just in case