How To Reduce Misunderstandings with Parents

A contract between a family child care provider and parent is supposed to spell out the responsibilities of each party.

But, sometimes it's hard to think of every situation ahead of time.

Here are two situations that you may want to address in your contract to help reduce misunderstandings.

Have you ever given a parent a break (such as not enforcing your late fee)? If so, you should include the following language in your contract:

“Failure to enforce any term or provision in this contract does not invalidate that provision, term, or any other provision or term of this contract.”

In other words, just because you aren’t enforcing your late fee doesn’t mean you won’t start enforcing it later or decide to enforce other terms of your contract.

Are parents bouncing checks on you? If so, consider adding the following language to your contract:

“Fees incurred due to returned or nonpayment of checks will be the sole responsibility of the parents. Any additional costs due to returned checks will be due within 3 days of notice to you and are subject to a late payment fee.”

 You could also consider adding on your own fee for a bounced check ($25 for example).

 Whenever you want to make changes to your contract you can either rewrite your contract (and have parents sign it) or draft an addendum, and have parents date and sign it. Give a copy of the new contract or the addendum to the parents and keep the original.

Don't be afraid to make changes in your contract as new issues come up.

Tom Copeland - www.tomcopelandblog.com

Image credit: https://www.stockunlimited.com/image/?word=pulling%20hair&category=photos

For more information about contracts, see my book Family Child Care Contracts & Policies.