Contract vs. Handbook

[Crazy8]

I know this is often mentioned in different threads but just curious if we can get an idea of what the majority do. I don't know how to post a poll (maybe only moderators can?)

Do you:

• have all info in a multi-page contract
• have a single page contract and a bigger handbook w/detailed info
• have something entirely different

[tbutler]

I have a single page contract and a bigger handbook w/detailed info

[TBird]

Mine is all in one....Contract/Handbook. All the meat & potatoes first, then the legal jargon & signing at the end.

[squareone]

Mine used to be separate but due to changes in the licensing requirements I made the handbook and contract all one document. In total it's about 25 pages long.

[Crazy8]

I forgot to answer my own question. ::

Mine is all in one contract - 6 pages.

[Crazy8]

anyone else want to chime in??

[Abigail]

I have a 5 page contract. Half the first page though is just my information and the parents information like names, address, employment, phone numbers, emails, etc. I have the 5 points of a contract numbered and written.

I have a 5 page handbook as well. The first 2 pages is the standard topics like philosophy, mission statement, licensing, mandated reporting, substitutes, privacy, discriminating, communicating, etc. The rest is all the fun things that are all about MY daycare like my pets, arrivals and departures, meals and snacks, curriculum, birthdays/holidays we celebrate, clothing, naps, personal belongings, behavior guidance, diapering/toilet training, illness policy, etc. I have a lot more topics than what I listed, but to give you an idea.

Both my contract and handbook are printed on front/back to save on paper/ink and makes it seem like less to look through. I also have in the footer the copyright and the revised date.....this way a client can be asked if they are looking at the new copy or original document they received. I also have my pages numbered starting on page 2 for directional purposes.

Why did I create separate documents? 1. Tom recommends it in his books and if I ever need help I'll go to him. 2. It's so much easier to look at anything dollar or time related in only the contract so their is less chance of messing up fees or missing something down the road.

[Blackcat31]

I have a handbook with details AND have a single page contract with each family's specific rate/payment information.

[Crazy8]

would love some more answers on this - I'm thinking of switching to a single page contract.

[Sunchimes]

I just made my first ones. Tom said to put the things that couldn't be defended in court, like naps, in the handbook. Things that could go to court, like late fees and other charges go in a contract.

I have a handbook that is 10 or 11 pages and I have a 4 page contract. The first page is family info and contact information, emergency contacts, approved pick ups, etc. The 4th page just has a couple of sentences and the signatures.

[Meeko]

Five page contract.

Seventeen page handbook.

This is subject to change!

[cheeseheadmama]

I have a 2 page contract and an 8 page handbook. Just couldn't fit everything on a single page contract.

[Cat Herder]

2 page contract (double spaced, huge type, signature section for each paragraph)

7 page Handbook (4 pages are required State Stuff )

4 page FAQ section

[MarinaVanessa]

I voted for the 3rd option but only because even though I have a handbook (very long, very detailed) I also have a 3 page contract (not a single page). All of the money and time related items I add in the contract. I add these into my handbook and explain them in more detail along with all of my other policies like illness, discipline, supplies etc. etc.

[Countrygal]

Mine is separate, but only because the state requires their signed contract form. So I have my own signed handbook as well. Nothing like double paperwork!::