Extend Leave Policy...how does this look?

[SunflowerMama]

Guys I know we've talked about this a lot but August 1st I'm handing out my updated contract for the year and I really want to make sure that this is exactly how I want it b/c I have a lot of expecting dcms.

How does this look sound? Can you think of anything I should add?

Extended Leave Policy:
The extended leave rate is ½ the weekly rate for up to 6 weeks of extended leave due to maternity leave, illness, job loss or other. After 6 weeks the rate will return to the regular rate. This rate is per child and the child may attend during the leave period up to 2 times a week. For any additional days the regular part-time daily rate will apply.

[TBird]

This is no help (sorry)....more like an addition to your question.

Do most of you use a leave policy? I don't have one...I just always assumed that the older child would still attend so that mom could have time with the baby AND to reserve the child's spot. I "may" have a mom expecting so I'm really interested in the use of this (although I don't think I'd drop down to half tuition....maybe I would drop down to 3 days per week).

[SunflowerMama]

This is no help (sorry)....more like an addition to your question.

Do most of you use a leave policy? I don't have one...I just always assumed that the older child would still attend so that mom could have time with the baby AND to reserve the child's spot. I "may" have a mom expecting so I'm really interested in the use of this (although I don't think I'd drop down to half tuition....maybe I would drop down to 3 days per week).

I didn't have a leave policy until I had a situation that made me re-evaluate. I had a dcm that was pregnant and I watched her 2 other children. After the baby was born she was taking 3 months maternity leave and decided to keep the older 2 children at home with her to save money b/c she wasn't going to be paid during her leave. So I was out a huge chunk of income for those 3 months...hence the new leave policy. Live and learn...

[wdmmom]

Guys I know we've talked about this a lot but August 1st I'm handing out my updated contract for the year and I really want to make sure that this is exactly how I want it b/c I have a lot of expecting dcms.

How does this look sound? Can you think of anything I should add?

Extended Leave Policy:
The extended leave rate is ½ the weekly rate for up to 6 weeks of extended leave due to maternity leave, illness, job loss or other. After 6 weeks the rate will return to the regular rate. This rate is per child and the child may attend during the leave period up to 2 times a week. For any additional days the regular part-time daily rate will apply.

I would do this:
":Parents are allowed up to 6 weeks of extended leave due to maternity, illness, job loss, etc. Your rate during the extended leave will be 50% of your regular rate. During this time your child may attend up to 2 days per week or "x" amount of hours. Additional days will be charged at the regular part-time daily rate. After 6 weeks, the rate will return to your regular rate.

Extended leave is only offered to full time families."

Be sure to add the hours clause in there or you will have families wanting 12 hours a day. And only offer it to full time clients. If they are already part time and come 8am - 3pm 3 days a week, I see a parent trying to weasel you out of more money.

You could also put in there that extended leave is only offered to full time families after they have been enrolled in the daycare for "x" months.

[nannyde]

I don't offer a maternity leave discount but the only thing I would add to yours is that the days be scheduled in advance and be full days attending. You could end up with them wanting half days four days a week and having the kids until nap time nearly every day.

You might want to clarify that if they miss the scheduled days it can't be made up without additional fees occuring. Also you need to think about holidays if you have paid ones. You could end up not getting paid for your holiday and have the kid two days that week.

[bgmeyers]

This is what I came up with a couple of years ago. I ask for definite days and they must pay for holidays if it falls on their regular day. I also don't want them coming on Fridays, as this is a lighter day for me, so I put that the days must work for both of us.


EXTENDED LEAVE/MATERNITY LEAVE/SUMMER LEAVE
If you request a leave of absence for more than two weeks, you will be required to pay a part time rate of at least two days per week for up to 12 weeks. Your child may attend during this time any two consistent days that work for both of us. If a holiday falls on one of your days, you will be required to pay for that holiday. You may pay for additional days at the part time rate if space is available. After 12 weeks, full tuition is required.