What are some KEYS POINTS that you include in your daycare contracts?

[Sarah A]

I have an existing contract but I am currently revising it to include some important points I have come across in the last 6 months.

1. If my daycare is open, then payment is required if your child is scheduled to be here on that day.
2. Please have your child ready for a day of fun when they are dropped (ie. breakfast fed, proper clothing for the day, clean, etc.)

What are your MUST HAVES in your contracts?

[playfelt]

Include stats you are closed, what the holiday policy is paid/unpaid how many days, what the fee for daycare is, what you expect from the parents ie diapers, bottles, infant foods, cancellation notice expected, sick policy when is a child too sick to come to care.

[Play and Learn]

Don't forget the termination policy - I have a 3 strikes, and you're gone policy.

[Tot-Time]

In my opinion:

Must haves:
Hours of Operation
Behaviour Management
Daycare Closures
Fees ie deposit, tuition, etc
Illness
Nutrition
Release of Child
Rest Period
Policy Revisions
Supplies
Termination

Nice to have:
Absences
Damages
Drop off/ pick up
Medication
Minor Injuries / emergencies
Receipts
Toys from home
Toilet training

[horsegirl]

Wow--tot-Time has hit on most subjects. You may want to include:

Persons authorized to pick up the child
Emergency contacts--name & phone numbers

Medical information about the child

Information about your vacations -how much notice you will give parents

NSF cheques and how you deal with them

Overtime fees

Probationary Period--if a child is unable to adapt mentally, physically or emotionally within the first month or the caregiver feels she is unable to provide for the needs of the child only 1 weeks notice is required by the caregiver or the parent. The fee paid for the month will not be refunded.

Meals & snacks

Medication--do you administer over the counter and prescribed medication
Parents particpation

Child Abuse--if you feel there is an issue mentally, physically, neglect or emotionally--how will you follow through

Emergency Policy and Procedure--In case of earthquake or similar emergencies what should the parents expect regarding care and do they supply emergency kits.

Include an area for the parents to write in any custudy agreement.

I include 5 sick/emergency days without the fees varying.

Sounds like a lot of work but it is protect you as well as the parent.

Cheers and good luck.

[Sandbox Sally]

Yes, make sure you have a sick policy. If possible, bold the whole thing. I have had way too many children show up here with fevers and green mucous lately. UGH!

Also the fees thing - upfront, including the specific DAY you wish to be paid, and if I had to do it over again, I'd include a penalty for being late with payments.

[noslen]

Can any body share a contract with me thank you

[noslen]

Great Thank u some much

[Home Together]

Can anyone share their contract with me? Thanks so much

[Mamma_Mia]

Also the fees thing - upfront, including the specific DAY you wish to be paid, and if I had to do it over again, I'd include a penalty for being late with payments.

Would anyone care to share how they would word this? I need to start the paid for the week ahead method and I want payments on Thursdays....so if late and no $ on Friday they get a suspension of care letter for Monday. THANKS!!