I receive the cash/cheque before the child starts. I cash it than (most parents usually pay the first 2 weeks plus the deposit at the same time so it's only one cheque in most cases) I am correct in claiming it for that year right, not when the child leaves? I can't imagine hanging on to a cheque for up to 4 years anyways? That seems odd. Parents could cancel that account in that time and forget all about that cheque (probably unlikely but could happen?? lol)
This is also my first year in charging a deposit (I might have done it a bit the year prior, I can't remember when I introduced my deposit fee) so I never really gave it much thought in regard to when I should claim it.