Mostly I follow what is in my contract but I have also worded some sections that will say "at my discretion" or something similar which gives me the right to be lenient with one family but firmer with a family that needs it. I agree with Nicole on the late arrivals because it is so disruptive and depending on the child involved it means I might assume they aren't coming and give the other children a toy to play with but if the baby finally comes I have to take it away or change my menu plan back to a food baby can eat too. I do try to work with each family and depending on what comes out of the interview I have made ammendments for them and on the childcare agreement page they sign there is a spot that says they agree to abide by the contract noting the following ammendments: that could include paying every two weeks where the contract says due weekly or pickup with no extra charge on Thursday if before 5:20 where my time is 5 but knowing upfront it is one daya week but it will also say late fee which is an hourly rate due if pickup is after.