How Long Is Your Contract/Handbook & What's In It?

[permanentvacation]

My previously contract/handbook was one page - front and back. I am currently revising it. I'm not done yet and it is already a 6 PAGE handbook!!!

[Blackcat31]

My contract is one page. My handbook is 20. It covers EVERYTHING!
Usually only 50% of it applies to any one family.

I am just required by state rules/regs to include specific info so it makes it lengthy. But I make sure my parents know the important stuff.

[wdmmom]

My handbook is 7 pages.

It has: Enrollment, Safety, Drop off policy, Pick up policy, Absences, Driveway rules, Emergency closing information, Inclement weather, Tuition, Supplies, Diapers, Potty Training, Illness policy, Discipline, Outside time/Field trips, Newsletters, Naptime, Cleaning/Sanitizing, Car Seats, Deposits, Supply fee, Meals & Snacks, Vacations, Provider Vacations, Teachers, Extended leave/Maternity, Personal/Sick time, Holidays, Contract, Termination of care.

[mismatchedsocks]

Contract that all families sign each January is 4 pages long. 3 pages of initialing next to each of my IMPORTANT policies to show they understand. The last page is the dates/times/price and all of our signatures.

My handbook is about 10 pages long. It covers alot, but not as much as it could!

[daycare]

my PHB is about 15 pages

Then I recently made some changes and love it, as I knnow most of the parents never go over my PHB and I don't have the time to sit down and go line by line with them.

So on my website I have posted my PHB, I ask that they read it before coming to the interview.

At the interview, I go over anything and everything they ask and will bring up the golden question, did you have a chance to read the PHB on-line. Most will be honest and say, yes I glanced at it.

If the parent decides to sign up, I will then give them the documents that they need to sign.

Admissions agreement- goes over in bullet points all of the important rules of drop off/pick up, child arrival and etc. They are required to sign this

Financial terms and conditions- this talks about how much they will pay, when, All late fees, termination,

Safety and Illness- explains in detail by bullet points my illness policy

I can share it with you if you would like. Basically they end up signing only 3 papers from my contracts, excluding the state stuff from my licensing.

here is a little preview: (this is not all of it)


Financial Terms and Conditions


1. I agree to pay the weekly tuition, amount stated below, by the end of the business day on Friday of each week, one week in advance. _____ initial here

2. I agree that there will be no deductions for absence or holidays. I agree that if my child is absent due to illness for more than one week for the days and hours contracted to attend, that my tuition will be discounted at a pro-rated amount.

3. I understand that if my child misses a day of school that it cannot be made up on another day and no credit will be given.

4. I agree to pay a late fee as stated below if tuition is not paid on time.

5. I agree to pay an early drop off or late pick-up fee as stated below if my child is not picked up at contracted time.

6. I agree to pay a late pick – up fee of my ill child if my child is not picked up after 45 minutes of notification.

7. I agree to pay a returned check fee and any other fees associated bank fees as stated below if my check is returned by my bank.

8. I understand that I will be given written notification thirty (30) days prior to any rate change..







I really like the new way that I have it set up.

[Ariana]

Mine is 12 pages and it covers everything!

[Heidi]

Mine is nine. A lot of stuff required by the state now....

The content is on my website, although in a slightly different format:


kinderhausfamilychildcare.com

feel free to peruse

[Sugar Magnolia]

My handbook is 8 pages.
1. About our center. Includes info about our philosophy, our multi-age approach, our education, training and accredidation. Also contains mission statement.
2. Parent involvement, Open door policy
3. Health policy
4. Food and nutrition
5. Safety and security
6. What to bring and what not to bring from home
7. Discipline policy
8. Financial policy
9. Screen consent/photo release/paperwork requirements.
I keep it short and to the point. I go over it during tours. I have no "contract" but they must sign a copy of the financial policy.