Payment Policies Just Before Provider Vacation

[Unregistered]

My licensed home daycare is closed (unpaid) for weeks of 12/15-19 and 12/22-26. My clients pay on the last day of care each week for the following week of care.

Because I've been burned in the past by clients who don't return following my Christmas vacation, I require pre-payment for the first week of care following the vacation. That pre-payment is due on the last day of care just prior to the start of my vacation.

So, on Friday next week - my clients will owe a week's tuition. That payment will be applied to the week of 12/29-1/2.

Fellow providers, do you also require pre-payment for care given after you take an unpaid vacation?

[Heidi]

NO, but I require a deposit for 2 weeks of care at contract signing, and I require prepayment of tuition on the first day of each week of care. So, I don't specifically have absent time covered, but I'm covered.