Get More Clients With an Effective Child Care Contract

If your business plan involves providing child care services, there is always an agreement between the parent and the provider that outlines various expectations, services, and fees. This agreement is known as a child care contract and should be put in place to protect both parties from any misunderstandings or legal issues.

Child care contracts are an important tool for anyone offering child care services as they help to ensure everyone involved understands their responsibilities. It should contain a list of all daycare requirements that you and the child’s parents must satisfy.

This document will help you create a solid agreement suitable for your child care program without the need for a lawyer.

When to Use a Child Care Contract

If parents can leave their child with a nanny or day care facility, they can feel comfortable signing the babysitting contracts or templates. A professional day care contract can protect you against negative claims or unreasonable demands from a parent.

By ensuring the protection of children, the parents, and your company through written agreements, you can protect your and their interests. Use this child care contract to ensure that every client’s child receives adequate care at all times.

Considerations for Your Daycare Facility Contract

Daycare contracts set out the business rules. It gives information to parents so that they can find clients seeking the care you want their children to have. A babysitting or daycare contract should protect your company too.

Here are some items usually included in a child care contract:

Services provided – this should be very specific, outlining exactly what services you offer and how often they are provided.
Other services – if you offer additional services such as meals, transportation, or extracurricular activities, these should be included in the agreement.
Payment schedule – this should clearly specify when and how payment is due, as well as any late fees or penalties that may incur if the parent misses a deadline.
Term of contract – this should specify how long the agreement is in effect and what will happen if either party wishes to terminate the contract.
Other terms and conditions – this outlines the services you will provide, fees charged, and payment schedule. It should also provide information about late fees or additional charges for missed days or canceled appointments.

Generally, the contract can contain details of the consequences a parent will face if he fails to pay or he leaves a sick kid behind. This clause is included in your contract so that when the parents sign this document, there will be a contract between the parent and your firm unless there is another agreement that is not.

Parents, guardians, and authorized individuals

These persons may be authorized by the parents to collect the child from the child care company’s premises.

Payment rates and schedule

Payment is required on the agreed schedule (usually weekly) when children are brought to the center. Late payment may incur late fees. Parents must pay the fees listed on their children’s scheduled date for school attendance. If parents cannot attend due to illness or vacations, the parents must notify the center in writing to schedule daycare payments.

Pick up and drop off schedule

Child can be dropped off and picked up from daycare as long as they fall within the center’s open hours. Midday pickup and dropoff are permitted daily per special arrangements.

Penalties

Child care contracts are legally binding and enforceable documents in most jurisdictions. A breach of the contract can have serious consequences and result in a parent being held liable for damages or other losses.

FAQ About Child Care Contracts

What should be included in a child care contract?

This contract should contain everything discussed with your provider in regard to your child’s care. These include the children’s schedule, rates, and fees, how holidays and absences are handled, and when the child care services end.

How do I write a daycare contract?

Usually, you will be asked to provide the name of your company, your and your client’s names, and the names of the children receiving care. You would also be commonly required to provide a business address, phone number, business email, and hours of operation. Refer to our free template to get started with your own customizable contract.

How do I write a contract for home daycare?

Similar to a daycare contract, you should include the provider’s name and contact information, business address and hours of operation, as well as details such as the rate of payment and specific instructions regarding how holidays and absences are handled.

What are the three basic kinds of child care?

The three basic kinds of child care are center-based, family daycare, and in-home nannies. Centre-based care is provided by a licensed childcare facility typically owned or leased by an organization. Family daycare is usually provided in the provider’s own home, while in-home nannies typically work full-time or part-time in the family’s home.

Do I need an attorney to draft a child care contract?

You do not need an attorney to draft your child care contract, however, it is recommended that you review the terms of the contract with an attorney to ensure you formalize the terms of child care.

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