Vacation in contract help

[kindertime]

I think that's fantastic if you can get it.

I don't mean to harp on it, but you don't have a contract with your daycare parents. If you did, you could probably have paid time off too. Your current clients would not probably go for it, but new ones signing on would. I obviously don't know your area or the people who live there, but I would bet there are a lot of parents who are surprised you don't have a contract. It means there are no written rules for them to follow.

[sandylynn]

Hi Kindertime....I don't have a 10 page contract that most people have, however they do receive 2 sheets from me ...One is a form for information purposes, including all the necessary information I need , ie, emergency contacts, allergies, immunization update....etc. etc. The second sheet they get from me is approx. 1 page including all info re, hours, sick policy...late payment fees....stat holidays they pay for ....etc. discipline, potty training...but very to the point....though you will find this hard to believe....I have NEVER EVER had a parent during an interview EVER EVER ask if I have a contract and NEVER EVER ASKED FOR ONE!!!!!!in all the years I have been in this business!!!!!!!!!

[sandylynn]

I agree Lee-Bee...I have had some wonderful families over the years....I guess if you put it in your contract...they can either accept it or NOT! Even 1 week paid holidays and a couple of sick days would be AWESOME! I have NEVER taken a sick day in YEARS...AND I MEAN YEARS.....Only vacation (which they get like 6 months notice ) or the odd funeral (no control over notice).

[fivelittleones]

Sandylynn....you need to give yourself a break! wow, no sick days in years?! lol. I have it in my contract to expect 8 personal/sick days per calendar year and Christmas break is not part of my vacation time. I operate the same as our school system, except for PA days, of course I'm still open, but everything else is the same as our school system. I will always take 2 weeks holidays during the summer because I need them. I crave quality family time and I need a break as much as I love my job. It's nice to go on trips with the family as well.

I don't charge for sick days, because people are left to find alternate care. I'm considering maybe adding 1 week paid vacation for any new clients, still pondering though. I never got paid vacation with any of my jobs before that and not all parents get a paid vacation. Maybe I'm too sympathetic when it comes to this one.

[mickyc]

I also don't have paid vacation or sick days and think it isn't the norm where I live. Oh how I wish! I don't take enough time off because I cannot afford it.

[kindertime]

Actually, I do believe you. I have mentioned it a few times, not to attack you or criticize, but because I think you deserve better. I don't have a 10 page contract either, but I have a couple of pages the parents and I have to sign to agree to terms. It sounds a lot like your approx. 1 page of info. I really do think you deserve better treatment and should ask for it, - but I promise I will never bring it up again.