Nothing is negotiable . Nothing lol. I also spent a long time perfecting my "rules and regulations " and that's how it is. I make things VERY clear before anyone signs a contract and those who don't play along have to find a new daycare. It may sound harsh but I have a very good track record so far. I have very rarely been forced to ask someone to leave.
If you give an inch, they take a mile... in my experience. Right now I have great parents and no issues. Even when they are sick, the parents always keep them home for a couple days just to be safe : )
In general the parents know that is the child can not keep up with the others they will be called to come get them. Fever or no fever.
(great poem horsegirl !)