Daycare and Early Childhood Enrollment Service Agreement

What a good one includes

• A detailed breakdown of tuition rates, registration fees, supply fees, payment due dates, and accepted payment methods.
• Explicit rules regarding operational hours and the exact per-minute fine structure for late child pickups.
• Clear terms explaining that tuition remains due during child illness, scheduled family vacations, staff development days, and inclement weather closures.
• Legal authorization for the provider to seek medical treatment and transport the child in the event of an emergency.
• A specified timeframe, typically two to four weeks, required for parents to withdraw their child without losing their security deposit.
• Strict health guidelines outlining when a sick child must stay home and the clearance required for them to safely return.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to define a specific financial penalty or grace period for late payments, which leads to chronic collection delays.
• Leaving the holiday and holiday-pay policies vague, causing disputes when parents expect discounts for days the center is closed.
• Omitting a formal protocol for how changes to policies or tuition rates will be communicated and enacted.
• Neglecting to include a media and photography release, resulting in unauthorized use of children's images in promotional materials or social media.

Frequently asked questions