Officially Licensed!!! :) And a Questions..

[dan18ny]

My wife just got a call from the inspector today and told us she is officially licensed! I am so proud of her!

So this weekend my wife and I are going to work on some of the paperwork, mainly the contract. I wanted to ask everyone for help with what is it that they put down when it comes to vacation and sick days. I know we can pretty much put anything we like but I would really appreciate it if you guys could share what you have. I think it will give us a good base to work with.

Lastly, any advice for my wife? We are in our late 20s with a 10 month old and running this from our house. We live also in Orange County, California.

Thanks everyone in advance!

[Thriftylady]

Have a handbook for sure, and on the contract make the handbook binding. That is the place to put your wife's vacation and such. A handbook is much longer than a contract and discusses everyone. Mine are likely lacking, but I can PM them if you like.

[LindseyA]

I take 2 wks a year vacation, 3 sick and 2 personal. I am bumping my vacation time to 3 wks though! 2 is not meeting my/my family's needs.

[Unregistered]

I allow 10 vacation days for each family per year. They can be used separately or all at once, but I must be given a two week notice of plans to use them. These days are unpaid.

I take two weeks vacation each year, also unpaid, but depending on your area and clientele, if you can throw in a week paid vacation and can make that work, I certainly would. Many people charge 52 weeks a year, regardless, so it is up to you and what you think will work for your daycare.

If I am sick, I close unpaid.
Any other time a parent does not bring their kid (sickness, snow days, ect.), they still pay, unless they have pre arranged their vacation time.

I also close on 6 holidays each year and those are paid, if they fall during the week.

Whatever you decide to do with your policies, make sure t is written out clearly and that you go over it in detail with each parent and stay firm when people want you to compromise on them!

Congratulations on your new journey and best of luck to you both!

[dan18ny]

Have a handbook for sure, and on the contract make the handbook binding. That is the place to put your wife's vacation and such. A handbook is much longer than a contract and discusses everyone. Mine are likely lacking, but I can PM them if you like.

Yes please that would be great, thank you!

[Thriftylady]

Yes please that would be great, thank you!

Ok do you use google docs?

[dan18ny]

I allow 10 vacation days for each family per year. They can be used separately or all at once, but I must be given a two week notice of plans to use them. These days are unpaid.

I take two weeks vacation each year, also unpaid, but depending on your area and clientele, if you can throw in a week paid vacation and can make that work, I certainly would. Many people charge 52 weeks a year, regardless, so it is up to you and what you think will work for your daycare.

If I am sick, I close unpaid.
Any other time a parent does not bring their kid (sickness, snow days, ect.), they still pay, unless they have pre arranged their vacation time.

I also close on 6 holidays each year and those are paid, if they fall during the week.

Whatever you decide to do with your policies, make sure t is written out clearly and that you go over it in detail with each parent and stay firm when people want you to compromise on them!

Congratulations on your new journey and best of luck to you both!

It never crossed my mind to give them vacation days. Is that something that is regular or is that something extra you provide? I wonder if everyone here does that. Thank you for your response!

[dan18ny]

Ok do you use google docs?

Actually I have never used it before. What do I need? I have a google account.

[Thriftylady]

I sent you a PM it is free and connects to gmail. It is also easy to set up and share documents

ETA: I keep my stuff saved there in case of a computer crash I can access it from any computer then.

[Unregistered]

It never crossed my mind to give them vacation days. Is that something that is regular or is that something extra you provide? I wonder if everyone here does that. Thank you for your response!

When I was in Tx, I gave two weeks at half rate each year, but I found that in my current state, the parents were not as receptive to having to pay when they are not attending, so I changed it to the 10 vacation days unpaid...but I also charge more per week to compensate and cover fro the days they end up using. Oddly enough, most parents only use about 5-6 per year, so I end up making extra each week in my regular fee, and still get paid for more days than I would if they actually used all their vacation days.

[Thriftylady]

I give them ten days half rate. That holds the spot.

[daycare]

first riookie mistake I made......

never collect payments after services have been proivded.

Collect fees in advance. So when they enroll, if the start on Monday, then the week before you have them come by conduct a meeting to go over all paperwork from state, your contract and they give you first weeks payment. That way you are able to get any supplies needed over the weekend. I would also make at least $75.00 of that non-refundable. Their next payment will be due on the last day of care that their child attends, so if it is Friday, then they will pay you Friday for the following week. EVERYTHING IN ADVANCE

I would also implement a two week paid trial period where you and the parent can term for any reason without notice. at that time you would refund any more for services not given if they decided to leave.l

after 2 week trial, require a deposit = to two weeks of care and give them a permanent contract. In my area 30days is the norm.

i can send you mine as well if you me to....feel free to pm me your email addy

[daycare]

oh and CONGRATS!!!!!


ALSO WHAT SHE SAID. NEVER HOLD A SPACE WITHOUT A FEE......

[Unregistered]

Regarding vacation: I give 5 days vacation time with 2 week notice. Most don't use it.

Regarding the payment contract :
4 week notice for termination or decreasing hours bill adjustments.
I take off 9 days a year. Most are holidays except two 3-day weekends I take during the summer. I'm going to change this to a full week soon. All paid.
Payment doesn't change for any reason except if they use their vacation time.
I charge for returned checks. $25 plus my bank fee's.
Always get payment in advance.
Their odl and ssn # - or a 4 week deposit.

Regarding policy handbook:
Topics:
General business hours
required paperwork
Immunizations and non immunization laws
arrival and departure
nap time
preschool
child abuse and neglect
medication
emergencis
Damage
dress code
meals, outside food policy
required supplies example: Extra clothes
illness policy/symptom exclusion
Guidance and dicipline
Potty training
termination, reasons for immediate termination

I also have a separate form for photos and videos permission; excursion permission (in the car and on foot); registration form (has all their personal info, emergency contacts and a liability statement)

[Movingforward]

Resource

Try Tom Copeland's books, it's directly related to family child care. He has a book about how to write up contracts, handbooks and such.
Hope that helps.