Daycare / Childcare Contract

An enrollment contract for a daycare or home childcare provider — provider and parent, child(ren), schedule, tuition and fees (registration, late-pickup), meals, illness policy, holidays/closures, termination notice, and signatures.

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Little Sprouts Childcare
DAYCARE / CHILDCARE ENROLLMENT CONTRACT

Provider: Little Sprouts Childcare     OR Lic #CC-44821 · EIN 45-6789012
Parent/Guardian: Alex Morgan
Child(ren): Riley Morgan (DOB 2022-09-04)
Start date: July 6, 2026

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SCHEDULE
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Mon–Fri, 8:00am–5:00pm (full-time). Drop-off by 9am.

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TUITION & FEES
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  Tuition: $320.00 per week
  Registration/supply fee: $100.00 (annual)
  Late pickup: $1 per minute after closing (after a 5-minute grace).
  Terms: Tuition due each Monday in advance; tuition is charged regardless of absences/holidays. $25 returned-payment fee. Auto-pay required.

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MEALS / SUPPLIES
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Provider supplies morning & afternoon snacks; parent provides lunch and diapers/wipes (labeled). Nut-aware facility.

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ILLNESS POLICY
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Keep child home with fever (100.4°F+), vomiting/diarrhea, or contagious illness; must be symptom-free 24h before return. Immunizations current per state rules.

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HOLIDAYS / CLOSURES
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Closed federal holidays + 1 week in late August (tuition still due). Two weeks’ notice for parent vacation credit (if offered).

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TERMINATION / WITHDRAWAL
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Either party may end care with two weeks’ written notice; final two weeks’ tuition is owed regardless of attendance. Provider may terminate immediately for safety or non-payment.

The parent authorizes the provider to obtain emergency medical care for the
child if the parent cannot be reached, and acknowledges the provider's licensing,
illness, and safety policies. The provider's EIN above may be used for the
parent's Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit.

Parent/Guardian: _______________________________   Date: ______________
                 Alex Morgan
Provider: ______________________________________   Date: ______________
          Little Sprouts Childcare

About this template

A daycare enrollment contract is the backbone of a childcare relationship — it sets the schedule, the money, and the policies that prevent the disputes providers know all too well. The **tuition and fees** section is where clarity pays off: state the rate and period (per week/month/day), the annual **registration/supply fee**, the **late-pickup fee** (a per-minute charge after a short grace is standard and necessary), and crucially the **payment terms** — most providers charge tuition in advance and **regardless of absences or holidays**, because the spot is reserved. The policy sections protect children and the business alike: an **illness/exclusion policy** (fever, vomiting, symptom-free-24h, current immunizations) keeps everyone healthy and meets licensing; **meals/supplies** sets who provides what; **holidays/closures** sets expectations (and whether tuition still accrues); and a **termination/withdrawal notice** (commonly two weeks, with the final period owed) lets either side exit cleanly. A few things to get right legally: childcare is **heavily state-licensed** (ratios, health, background checks, and mandated-reporter duties), and many states require specific contract or handbook disclosures, so adapt to your state and include your **license number**; include the provider's **EIN**, which the parent needs for the federal Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit; and have the contract reviewed by counsel. Pair it with a parent handbook and the required state forms, and keep families' information confidential.

When to use it

  • Enrolling a child with a daycare center or home childcare provider.
  • Setting tuition, schedule, and payment terms.
  • Documenting illness, meal, closure, and termination policies.
  • Recording the provider license/EIN for tax and licensing.

What to include

  • Provider (license/EIN), parent, and child details.
  • Schedule and tuition rate + registration/late fees + terms.
  • Meals/supplies and illness/exclusion policy.
  • Holidays/closures and termination/withdrawal notice.
  • Emergency-care authorization and signatures.

Frequently asked

In advance (often weekly or monthly) and typically regardless of the child's absences, holidays, or closures, because the provider reserves the spot. State the rate, period, due day, late/returned-payment fees, and the late-pickup fee clearly so there are no surprises.
⚠ Legal disclaimer. This daycare/childcare contract is a general template, not legal advice. Childcare is heavily state-licensed (ratios, health/immunization, background checks, mandated-reporter duties) and many states require specific contract/handbook disclosures; subsidy and tax rules may apply. Include your license number and EIN, adapt to your state's requirements, pair with required forms and a handbook, and have the contract reviewed by a licensed attorney.
Jurisdiction: United States — an enrollment contract between a childcare provider (center or licensed family/home daycare) and a parent. Childcare is heavily state-licensed (ratios, health/immunization, background checks, mandated-reporter duties); many states require specific contract/handbook disclosures. Subsidy (CCDF) and tax considerations (provider EIN for the parent's Child & Dependent Care Credit) may apply. Distinct from a casual babysitter agreement.
Last reviewed: 2026-05
Reviewed by ScoutMyTool — consult a licensed attorney for binding use.

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