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Daycare Contract Template

Updated August 25, 2025

Care with Confidence: Create detailed daycare contracts to set clear expectations, build trust, and ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children.

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A Daycare Contract is a legal agreement between a childcare provider and a parent or guardian that outlines services like hours of care, fees, late-pickup policies, medical information, and emergency procedures. It also defines termination terms, required signatures, and provider responsibilities.

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What is a Daycare Contract?

With a daycare contract, think peace of mind! It's a clear agreement between parents and providers, outlining everything from naps to pick-up. Happy kids equal happy parents - that's a win all around!

Who Should Use a Daycare Contract?

Daycare contracts aren't just formalities; they're like a map guiding everyone on the childcare journey.

  • Daycare Providers: Daycare contracts ensure everyone has clear expectations about hours, fees, and pick-up times. This avoids any future confusion.
  • Parents: A daycare contract helps secure parent's understanding of their child's care, from naptime to pick-up. No more memory games! The contract is a go-to guide, keeping things clear and worries at bay.

Common Terms In a Daycare Contract

Here are some common terms you'd include in a daycare contract to make sure everyone's on board:

  • Contact Info: List the daycare's full name and contact info, and do the same for the parents or guardians.
  • Daycare services: List the hours the child will be entertained (including naps!), what activities they can enjoy, and if meals are provided. Don’t forget to mention any extras offered, like transportation or special needs care.
  • Money matters: Clearly state the hourly, daily, or weekly childcare rate. Don't forget to outline when payments are due (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly?) and how they can be paid (cash, check, online?).
  • Extra costs: Be sure to list additional fees like supplies, field trips, or those late pick-up charges (oops!).
  • Deposit details: Is a security deposit needed to hold a spot? The contract should also include when (or if) it will be returned.
  • Food and Beverages: Will the daycare provide meals and snacks, or must the parent pack them? The contract should also mention how special dietary needs or allergies will be handled to keep the little one safe and happy.
  • Confidentiality: The agreement should include a confidentiality clause to keep the child and family information safe. This means personal details will not be shared without consent.
  • Limitation of Liability: This clause outlines the daycare's responsibility for accidents or injuries and can include a waiver the parent needs to sign.
  • Duty of Care: The contract will detail how the daycare supervises the children, what safety measures they take, and how they handle emergencies.
  • Termination: Think of this clause as an exit strategy! It outlines how either side can end the childcare arrangement, mentioning any required notice or fees involved.

Including these clauses in the daycare contract will create a clear and secure roadmap for a successful and happy childcare experience for the kiddo, their family, and the daycare team!

Daycare Requirements

Every daycare, from bustling centers to cozy home-based care, needs to follow rules to ensure a child's safety. These can vary by location, but here's a quick rundown of the key requirements:

  • Licensing: Daycares need a valid license to operate. 
  • Background Check: All the daycare staff will undergo background checks.
  • Health and Safety: The daycare will be childproofed and well-equipped with first aid supplies.  
  • Staff-to-Child Ratios: Some laws mandate a specific number of staff members per child. This makes sure each little tike gets the attention and care they deserve!

Typical Daycare Costs

The cost of daycare can feel complex and confusing! But worry not, here's a breakdown to help decipher the pricing:

  • Infant Care: Wee ones need extra TLC! Infant care reflects the higher attention and care required for the tiniest tots.
  • Toddler Care: Toddler care is slightly less than infants, but still reflects the energy and exploration that come with this age group.
  • Preschool Care: Preschool is typically the most affordable option, often including educational activities. It's where children hone their skills for future awesomeness!

Remember, these are averages, and prices can vary based on location and the type of daycare. 

Daycare Tax Deduction

Did you know daycare expenses might qualify for tax relief? The Child and Dependent Care Credit in the US helps reduce the tax burden for parents. Here's how it works:

  • Work Makes the Credit Go Round: The expenses must be used so the parent (or their partner) can work or actively look for work.

  • Licensed Daycare Only: The childcare provider needs to be a licensed daycare facility. Think of it as a quality assurance check!

If these requirements are met, a percentage of the daycare costs can be claimed as a tax credit, lowering the overall tax bill. It's a win for working parents and their young ones in need of quality care! Remember, tax laws can be complex, so consulting a tax professional is always recommended to maximize potential savings.

Benefits of Creating Your Daycare Contract On Butterscotch

Need somewhere to start for your Daycare Contract? Simplify the process with Butterscotch's customizable templates! Here's why you'll love us:

  • Templates On Demand: Add the info you need, change whatever sections don't work, and make the template fit your needs. You can even add your personal branding.
  • Send with a Click: Forget printing, scanning, and mailing. Securely send contracts electronically!
  • Electronic Signatures: Get them signed with electronic signatures by all parties from anywhere.
  • Status Tracking: Monitor the status of every contract at a glance, from changes made and when another party has signed.
  • Centralized Storage: All your documents are securely stored in one digital location, accessible anytime, anywhere.
  • Daycare Contract 

    Jim Clark Co

  • Daycare Contract

    Jim Clark Co.

    agreement

    Provider (legal name & contact): , Phone: , Email: 

    Parent/Guardian 1 (name & contact): , Phone: , Email: 

    Parent/Guardian 2 (optional): , Phone: , Email: 

    Child(ren) Enrolled (full name & DOB):

    1)  (DOB ), 2)  (DOB )

    3)  (DOB )

    Authorized Pick-Up (name/relationship/phone):  Phone: 


    1) Hours, Drop-Off/Pick-Up & Calendar

    Care is offered Days:  Hours: . Drop-Off: . Pick-Up: .

    A Holiday/Closure Calendar (Attachment A) lists days when care is unavailable. Late pickup after  minutes may incur a fee (see Section 2).


    2) Fees, Payments & Additional Charges

    • Tuition: $ per  week  month; due on .
    • Payment method(s): .
    • Late Tuition: $ or % after  days. Returned payment: $.
    • Additional charges (if used): late pickup $ per  minutes.
    • Field trip contribution $; other: .

    Nonpayment beyond  days may result in suspension/termination.


    3) Health, Illness & Emergency

    Keep home (or child will be sent home) for fever above°F, vomiting/diarrhea within  hours, or contagious conditions per current health guidance. Return requires symptom-free for  hours  plus provider note if requested. Medication Use: Only with signed authorization in original packaging.


    Emergency Treatment Authorization: Minor injuries will be treated with basic first aid. For serious injuries, emergency services will be contacted and the parent will be notified immediately by the provider using the emergency contact information on file.

    Preferred clinic/hospital:

    Emergency contacts:

    1) 

    2) 


    4) Behavior, Safety & Mandatory Reporting

    Provider uses age-appropriate positive guidance; no physical punishment or humiliation. Unsafe or persistent disruptive behavior may require a plan and, if unresolved, may lead to termination. Provider will comply with laws on reporting suspected child abuse or neglect and may report without prior notice where required.


    5) Closures & Communication

    Provider may close for severe weather, public health orders, utility outages, or provider illness; notice will be given as practicable. Tuition handling for closures:  Credit  No credit  Partial %.


    Primary communication method:  Email  Text/app  Phone. Parents agree to keep contact info current and read notices.


    6) Records, Privacy & Media

    Provider maintains enrollment, attendance, incident, and health records; access is limited to Provider staff with a need to know, the child’s Parent/Guardian, and regulators as required by law.


    Photo/Video consent (internal/class updates):  Yes  No.


    7) Outdoor Play & Field Trips

    Daily outdoor play is part of the program (weather-permitting). Parent provides weather-appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Local walks  are permitted with general consent; off-site trips require trip-specific permission. Transportation/ratio: . Car seats/boosters provided by:  Parent  Provider.


    8) Items from Home; Meals & Allergies

    Parents supply labeled essentials appropriate to age (e.g., change of clothes; diapers/wipes; formula/bottles if needed). Not allowed:  (e.g., glass, nut foods, toy weapons). Meals/snacks provided by  Provider  Parent.


    Allergies/Dietary restrictions: ; special handling arrangements (if any): .


    9) Rest/Nap & Potty/Diapering

    Rest/nap occurs daily during – with safe sleep practices (cribs/cots; infants on backs; no soft bedding). Parents supply labeled bedding as requested. Diapering follows hygienic procedures; potty training is collaborative based on readiness. Preferences (if any): 


    10) Curriculum & Daily Rhythm

    Program emphasizes developmentally appropriate learning (social-emotional, language, early math/science, art/music, and free play). Curriculum/framework (if any): . A sample schedule is available upon request.


    11) Changes & Termination

    Contract changes take effect only by signed written addendum. Either party may terminate this Agreement with  days’ written notice.


    Immediate termination may occur for nonpayment, repeated policy violations, or unsafe conduct. Upon termination, prepaid amounts will be  credited  refunded  non-refundable (select one), less fees owed and days attended.

    Participants
    • Client
      John Doe
      123 Main St
      New York, Ny 10012
      (212) 555-1212
    • Daycare Provider
      Jim Clark
      3445 Ravenwood Dr
      College Park, GA 30349
      (404) 763-3294
    Signatures
    • Click to sign
      John Doe
    • Click to sign
      Jim Clark
  • Just edit, sign & send
  • ESIGN Act
  • UETA Act
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