HI dayna142 I see that you are in Ottawa. If you are just starting out it would be a great idea to join the Childcare Providers Resource Network which you can check out at www.ccprn.com
This is a support group for childcare providers and offers resources, info, workshops, etc. On the homepage is a link to a start up kit that gives some information on the basics. They also offer a start up workshop a couple times a year so you might want to find out when the next one is. This is a great group and those that work at the office are very friendly and helpful. I sometimes do feltboard workshops for the CCPRN. Several of us on this forum from Ottawa are members of CCPRN.

To answer your question, the contract needs to outline the basics of the hours, days you will be providing care, how much you will charge, when payment is due.

The handbook is something that you will write but then constantly update as get into providing care. It details things like what you provide, what the parents provide, what days you will be closed such as vacation or Statutory days, etc. Anything you want parents to know can go in the handbook.

I am in Orleans, what part of Ottawa are you in.