Nursery and Daycare Enrollment Terms and Conditions

What a good one includes

• A detailed fee schedule that explicitly outlines tuition rates, registration fees, supply fees, and the exact penalties for late payments or returned checks.
• A precise pickup policy specifying authorized individuals, emergency contact procedures, and a clear, minute-by-minute late pickup fine structure.
• A comprehensive health and illness policy that defines when a child must stay home, when a doctor's note is required to return, and how medication is administered.
• Clear terms regarding operational hours, scheduled holiday closures, emergency weather closures, and whether tuition is refunded or credited during these breaks.
• A behavior management and termination clause that explains the steps the center will take to support a struggling child and the conditions under which a family may be disenrolled.
• A withdrawal notification policy requiring a specific written notice period, such as thirty days, and detailing how security deposits are applied or refunded.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving late pickup fees vague or subjective rather than charging a strict, per-minute fee that compensates staff for working past their shifts.
• Failing to explicitly state whether tuition is still owed during family vacations, child illnesses, or unexpected school closures.
• Forgetting to include a media and photo release clause that secures parental permission before using photos of children for marketing or internal sharing.
• Writing policies in highly aggressive or overly legalistic language that alienates new families instead of setting a warm, collaborative tone from day one.

Frequently asked questions