Daycare Has Not Provided Policies

[nanglgrl]

Im going to be the odd one out here. I used to have a huge handbook of policies that parents received and signed, Now I just have them online. We go over them during the interview and if an issue arises but most things can be handled at the door if they forget. For instance..the child has food and I say I don’t allow food. I expect that parents won’t bring them with food again. It has worked way better then having them sign a ton of papers. I suspect how I choose my clients has also been a big factor. Rarely do they ever question these things or even try to do things which, lets face it, should be common sense.
Since I don’t require a 2 week notice the only big thing in my policies were my closures and which ones are paid/unpaid. Those should also be in your contract. However, I post them in advance to remind parents and list if they’re paid or not. A parent could always decide they don’t want to pay but that would mean they’d have to find new daycare. That’s fine with me, if they can’t reapect the few paid days I take they arent a good fit.
I did once have a client that didn’t want to pay late pickup charges. I instructed her to find new daycare. Again, that information should also be in the contract.
If you’re provider doesn’t have anything listed in your contract relating to paid days off you don’t have to pay but expect that you might have to find new daycare. If you think what she’s asking for is extraordinary I would call around and inquire as to the norm and then have a conversation with your provider about what you’re willing to do and see if you can come to a agreement.

[Leigh]

Licensed providers? IME, part of licensing was the requirement to have written policies.

I am unaware of any state that does not require it. I am sorry I misspoke if I am incorrect.

"N. Operation Plan – A detailed written plan submitted by the applicant that includes the facility’s policies and procedures, forms, emergency plans, etc." - My state requires this before we can even open. (a long list from A-R)

Our state's licensing requires only that if we have written contracts or policies, that ALL parents receive the same policies. We don't have to provide a contract or policies. Last year's federal changes now require us to have emergency plans, etc., but not that we provide them to parents. What I am required to have is a medical form filled out, a registration card, and proof of vaccination.

That said, I can't imagine not wanting to have a signed contract and written policy. I do this to protect ME (legally with the contract, and from headache/stress with the policies). Mine is long, but worth it, because everyone understands what is expected of each other BEFORE starting care.

For the OP: If you don't want to pay for time away from daycare, it likely couldn't be enforced in court without a contract. If you wish to keep using the childcare, pay for the time away. If you're not willing to pay, find a new childcare situation. It is perfectly legal for your provider to require you to pay in order to keep using her services.

[storybookending]

Hoping the OP returns with an update