I don't get paid for my closed vacation days, but I am paid full fees for the other weeks all year, including all stats listed as closed days in my contract or any sick or missed days the families use. It's simple that way. I budget for my non paid vacation weeks.

I choose my vacation weeks for the next year every Dec. and give the families a letter so they can all book their vacations when I'm closed or make arrangements for their children. My clients love this system. There's no way I would be responsible for finding alternate care for 5 families, that's their responsibility. As long as you give them lots of notice of your closed days and it's in black and white they shouldn't have any complaints.

I have 3 personal paid days written into my contract as well in case I need a sick day or a day for appointments but I rarely use them. It's my opinion that if you want a good reputation and great references you should be very reliable.