Who signs contract?

[ebhappydc]

Can you please tell me who needs to sign the contract? Is it one or both parents and do I have to sign it too as way of showing I'm holding up my end of it too? Thanks bunches. Sorry about typo in title. I don't now how to edit title...

[5 Little Monkeys]

I print off 2 contracts. We each sign both. One copy for them and one copy for me that goes in their folder.

When they leave my care, the only paperwork I keep is the contract, permission forms and any incidental reports I made. I give them their child info sheet back and photocopies of the incidentals if they want

[Suzie_Homemaker]

Both provider and parent must sign or it not legal agreement. Both sides bound by rules - them to pay, sick rules, hours etc, you to provide care for certain fee. Both sides must sign.

I get both parents to sign. I think if one loses job and quits with no notice, it better if other parent also signed and liable for fees. I'm not sure if that is right or not but I get both to sign just in case.

[cfred]

I have the parents print and bring a copy of my Policies and Procedures and Information Package. We all initial each page (both parents if they wish) and sign and date the last page. Then I take a photo copy of the whole shebang. Also, on the signature page, I photocopy the deposit cheque or, if they pay cash, make a note that the deposit was paid and its amount.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

Also, on the signature page, I photocopy the deposit cheque or, if they pay cash, make a note that the deposit was paid and its amount.

This good idea. I take cash for deposit and give receipt but could write security receipt number of contract before copying. I think I will do this now on.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Oh yes, the deposit. I write that down on their payment sheet and make sure it's marked as deposit so I know when they leave how much they owe as it gets used towards their last month in care.

If a deposit is first used as a holding fee (if the spot isn't opening up ASAP) than I print off 2 letters. One for them, one for me and it explains that they've paid xxx amount to hold a spot. Once they start, it is than their deposit but if they decide not to start with me for some reason, they forfeit their holding fee.

[ebhappydc]

Do think it's ok to get a deposit and a separate holding fee? I too like to get teacher clients and I'm starting to get inquiries now for fall care. I'd have the deposit go toward first or last weeks of care, but the holding fee would help me with lost income due to holding spot for so many months and that wouldn't go toward anything. And they'd lose both if child ended up not coming. Is this okay iyo? Thanks ever so.

[33 Daiseys]

I do the same, and then when a family leaves I also ask that they fill out a Why I am leaving form. It has why they left, what they liked, ect. I find it's nice to have on file as to why they left, as in the past a few lady have had issue with gossip being said. I keep everything in a file folder in the past clients bin

[5 Little Monkeys]

oops, meant to quote ebhappydc....

I'm not sure if this is okay or if you would even find anyone that would agree to that? I haven't had it happen yet but if they ended up not coming, I would keep the holding fee for that lost time I wasn't advertising but if they come, I use that towards care. I wouldn't feel right about keeping money that they didn't receive care for if they came here like they said they would. That would be money I received for doing nothing and I'm not out anything...I can't see too many parents agreeing to that?

[ebhappydc]

oops, meant to quote ebhappydc....

I'm not sure if this is okay or if you would even find anyone that would agree to that? I haven't had it happen yet but if they ended up not coming, I would keep the holding fee for that lost time I wasn't advertising but if they come, I use that towards care. I wouldn't feel right about keeping money that they didn't receive care for if they came here like they said they would. That would be money I received for doing nothing and I'm not out anything...I can't see too many parents agreeing to that?

I see what you mean. Think I'll just ask for a non-refund deposit to hold their spot which will go towards care. Although I know some providers require half fees during summer if child doesn't come so that's paying for no service. It just hurts when we hold a spot and it falls through. But I know I also have the choice not to hold spots therefore no risk... The teachers usually don't need start date till Sept though.... Thanx