Longer sample Mission Statement
At [Your Daycare Name], our mission is to provide high-quality, family-centered childcare in a safe and welcoming home environment. We believe that early childhood is the foundation for a lifetime of learning, and we are dedicated to supporting each child’s growth socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.

We offer a balance of structured learning activities and free play, giving children opportunities to explore, imagine, and discover the world around them. Through creative arts, outdoor play, storytelling, music, and hands-on experiences, we nurture curiosity and build confidence while encouraging kindness, respect, and cooperation.

We view families as our partners in education and strive to maintain open and honest communication. We respect each child’s unique background, cultural traditions, and developmental needs, and we work closely with parents to ensure consistency between home and daycare routines.

Our goal is to create a “home away from home” where children feel loved, supported, and encouraged to become independent thinkers and caring individuals. By providing a warm, stable, and stimulating environment, we help children build the skills they need for school readiness and lifelong success.

Short sample Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and loving home environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive at their own pace. We are committed to fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence through play-based learning and developmentally appropriate activities. We value strong partnerships with families and believe in open communication to support each child’s unique needs. Our goal is to create a “home away from home” where every child feels valued, respected, and cared for. 

SAMPLE Family Child Care Contract 

Child Care Provider Name of provider:  _______________________________________________________________________ Address:   ______________________________________________________________________________

 Home Phone:  _____________________  Work Phone: ______________________  Cell Phone: ____________________________

 E-mail:  ______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Client Name of first parent/guardian:  _____________________________________________________________

 Address:  _______________________________________________________________________________ 

Home Phone:   ________________________  Work Phone: _______________________  Cell Phone: __________________________

 E-mail:  ____________________________________________________________________________ 

Employer’s name/address:  ________________________________________________________________ 

Name of second parent/guardian:  __________________________________________________________

 Address:  _______________________________________________________________________________ 

Home Phone:  _________________________  Work Phone:  __________________ Cell Phone:  

E-mail:  ___________________________________________________ _____________________ 

Employer’s name/address:  

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 Child(ren) Covered by This Contract 

1. Name of child:  _____________________________________________  Date of birth:  ____________ 

2. Name of child:  _____________________________________________  Date of birth:  ____________

Hours of Operation ▪ 

Child care will begin on _______________________.  Delay on this start time will occur, if these  items are not received by ______________: all completed DHS & my paperwork, deposit -last two week of tuition, registration fee, first week of tuition ▪ The days of the week I will be caring for your child(ren) are ___________________________. ▪ The child care program is open year-round, except for the holidays and vacations listed in my policy handbook. ▪ The drop-off time for your child is _____ [AM / PM]. I will not accept your child before this time unless you have made prior arrangements with me. ▪ The pickup time for your child is _____ [AM / PM].  Late fees will apply after this time. 

Terms of Payments ▪ 

The regular rate will be $ _______________per week. ▪ The child care fee will go up on __?____ of each year. ▪ Fees are due on Friday each week for the next week of care. ▪ Late Payment Fees/ Return checks If the child care fee is not paid when due, a late payment fee of $ _?____  The late fee is due on the upcoming Monday at drop off. ▪ If the client does not make the late payment on the following Monday along with the late fee, the provider will cease to offer child care.  A family may be terminated at the discretion of the provider on this at any time. ▪ The fee for an insufficient funds check will be $ __?____, plus the amount of any bank charges to the provider’s account. 

Holidays ▪ 

The child care program will be closed on the following days each year: New Year’s Day (January 1) • Martin Luther King Day • Presidents’ Day • Memorial Day • Independence Day • Labor Day • Thanksgiving Day • the day after Thanksgiving • Christmas Eve Day (December 24)• Christmas Day (December 25)• New Year’s Eve Day (December 31) • New Year (January 1)

▪ If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the child care program will be closed the day before (Friday). ▪ If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the child care program will be closed the next day (Monday). ▪ The client must pay for all paid holidays listed above, regardless of any other term in this contract. ▪ Clients pay rate agreed upon on your individual contract for holidays when the program is closed. 

Client Vacation ▪ 

The client may take up to __?___ unpaid vacation days from the program. ▪ The client’s vacation days must be taken in blocks of time, such as one week, Monday Friday. ▪ The client may not carry over vacation time from one child care year to another. ▪ The client may not take as vacation days any holidays or other days that are listed as paid under the terms of this contract. ▪ Clients must give the provider ___?___ notice of the dates of their vacation. Client’s child absence ▪ The client must notify the provider in advance (before the scheduled starting time) whenever a child won’t be coming to care due to illness or any other reason. ▪ Failure to comply with the program’s illness policies may result in the termination of this contract.  These policies are listed in your parent handbook page__?___. ▪ The client must pay for all days when the child is sick and not in child care. ▪ The client must pay for all short-term illnesses when the child is sick and not in child care. The payment for a long-term illness may be negotiated with the provider. ▪ If a child is sick for longer than two weeks, the client can end care and the two-week deposit will not be refunded.  A holding fee of $ ___?___/ per _______( week? )  can be determined to remain on the roster.

Client’s child absence: ▪ 

The client must notify the provider in advance (before the scheduled starting time) whenever a child won’t be coming to care due to illness or any other reason. ▪ Failure to comply with the program’s illness policies may result in the termination of this contract.  These policies are listed in your parent handbook page__?___. ▪ The client must pay for all days when the child is sick and not in child care. ▪ The client must pay for all short-term illnesses when the child is sick and not in child care. The payment for a long-term illness may be negotiated with the provider. ▪ If a child is sick for longer than two weeks, the client can end care and the two-week deposit will not be refunded.  A holding fee of $ ___?___/ per _______( week? )  can be determined to remain on the roster.

Providers vacation & professional days and absence ▪ 

The child care program will close for  __?___days each calendar year for training, conferences, vacations, and the provider’s sick ???/personal days. ▪ The client is responsible for arranging backup care for the providers closed days. ▪ The provider’s vacation days are taken ___?_____. ▪ The provider will give the client 2weeks written notice of her vacation days. ▪ The child care program will  close for  __?___days each calendar year for training, conferences, vacations, and the provider’s sick ?/personal days. ▪ The client is responsible for arranging backup care for the providers closed days. ▪ The provider’s vacation days are taken ___?_____.  The provider will give the client 2weeks written notice of her vacation days. 

Other: ▪ 

The client will be responsible for bringing diapers, baby food, and formula to the child care program. ▪ If the client’s child intentionally or deliberately damages or misuses an item, the client will be responsible for the cost of the damage as determined by the provider.

Termination procedure Trial Period ▪ 

Child care will begin on __________ (insert date). The client will pay $_______________ per week. The first two weeks in the child care program will be an adjustment or trial period. During this time, either the client or the provider may cancel the contract immediately, without written notice. If the contract is cancelled during this two-week trial period, the client will pay a prorated fee. Payment is due for each day unless the contract is cancelled before the day begins. Last two weeks of care- deposit ▪ The client will pay $________ at the time of signing the contract; this deposit will pay for the client’s last two weeks of care and is non-refundable. ▪ This fee can be prorated over the first month paying a higher amount till full deposit has been reach, then going back to the weekly tuition amount. Termination after Trial Period ▪ The client must give a two-week written notice to end this contract. The deposit fee will be used for the last two weeks.  The tuition is not refunded if the client removes the child from the provider’s care before the end of the two week notice period. ▪ The provider may terminate this contract at will.  No refund is given back to the client.

 The provider reserves the right to immediately terminate this contract without notice if the client does not make each payment in full when due. 

Contract signatures ▪ 

By signing this contract, indicate that all parent(s)/ legal guardians have read the provider’s policies and procedures and agree to follow them. The provider reserves the right to make changes to her policies without notice. ▪ The parent(s) signing this contract is responsible for paying all fees due under this contract, even if the parents are divorced and have joint custody of the child.

________________________________________________________ DATE________________  

Parent or legal guardian(s) signature

  _______________________________________________________DATE_________________

Parent or legal guardian(s) signature

  _______________________________________________________DATE___________________ 

Provider’s signature 

Sample

Insert name of Family Day Care

Parent Contract Agreement

Add/cut /paste whatever you like

Address: [Insert Address], CA 94564
Phone: [Insert Phone Number]
Email: [Insert Email Address]
License Number: [Insert License Number]

1. Child Information

Child's Full Name: ____________________________________________
Date of Birth: _______________
Start Date of Care: _______________

2. Parent/Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian 1 Name: _____________________________________
Phone: ____________________ Email: ___________________________

Parent/Guardian 2 Name: ____________________________________
Phone: ____________________ Email: ___________________________

3. Hours of Operation

Standard Operating Hours:
Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Children must be picked up by 5:30 PM. Late pick-up fees apply.

4. Fees and Payment

Age Group

Full-Time Weekly Rate

Part-Time Weekly Rate

Infant (0–23 months)

$[Insert]

$[Insert]

Toddler (2–4 years)

$[Insert]

$[Insert]

Preschool/School Age

$[Insert]

$[Insert]

Deposit: One week’s tuition is due at the time of enrollment to hold your child’s spot. This deposit is non-refundable and will be applied to your final week of care with a 30-day written notice of termination.

Payment Terms:

• Tuition is due in advance every Friday for the upcoming week. Or bi-weekly/monthly

• Late payments (after Monday) will incur a $25 late fee.

• No deductions for absences, holidays, or illnesses.

• Returned checks will result in a $35 fee and cash-only payments thereafter.

5. Late Pick-Up Policy

Pick-up after 5:30 PM will result in a late fee of $5 per minute, per child. Repeated lateness may result in termination of care.

6. Holidays and Closures

Name of child care Family Day Care is closed on the following holidays (paid):

• New Year's Day

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Presidents Day

• Memorial Day

• Independence Day

• Labor Day

• Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after

• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Additional Closure Days:

• Up to 10 paid personal/vacation/sick days per year. Parents will be given a minimum of 30 days’ notice for vacation.

7. Absences

Parents are responsible for payment whether or not the child attends. Please notify the provider if your child will be absent.

8. Termination Policy

This contract may be terminated with a 30-day written notice by either party. If 30-day notice is not given, the deposit is forfeited. Immediate termination may occur for:

• Non-payment

• Disruptive behavior

• Chronic late pick-up

• Lack of cooperation

9. Illness Policy

Children with contagious illness, fever (100.4°F or higher), vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of infection must stay home. Children must be symptom-free for 24 hours without medication before returning. Parents will be called to pick up sick children.

10. Medications

Prescription medications will only be administered with a signed Medication Authorization Form. All medications must be labeled and in original packaging with the child’s name and directions.

11. Discipline Policy

We use positive reinforcement, redirection, and clear boundaries. Time-outs or exclusion are not used for children under 2 years old. Corporal punishment is never permitted.

12. Supplies Required

Parents must provide:

• Diapers and wipes

• Formula, bottles, or breast milk

• Extra clothing (labeled)

• Blanket for nap time

• Special dietary items or medications

• What else would you like them to bring

13. Emergency Procedures

In case of emergency, 911 will be called first. Parents will be contacted immediately. An Emergency Consent Form must be signed upon enrollment.

14. Parent Communication

We provide updates via [written notes/email/app] and are available for check-ins or meetings as needed. Parents are welcome to visit during business hours with prior notice.

15. Acknowledgement and Agreement

By signing this contract, you agree to all the terms outlined above and understand the policies and expectations of name of child care Family Day Care.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________
Date: _______________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________
Date: _______________

Provider Signature (Owner/Operator): _________________________
Date: _______________

Attachment Checklist (Required at Enrollment)

• ☐ Emergency Contact Form

• ☐ Immunization Records

• ☐ Physician’s Report

• ☐ Identification and Emergency Info (LIC 700)

• ☐ Consent for Medical Treatment (LIC 627)

• ☐ Personal Rights and Parent’s Rights Forms (LIC 613A, LIC 995)

• ☐ Child’s Routine/Schedule

• ☐ Signed Parent Handbook Acknowledgement

• ☐ Payment of Deposit and First Week’s Tuition

• ☐  what else would you like

• ☐ what else would you like

9. Illness Policy (Expanded)

Name of child care  is committed to maintaining a healthy environment for all children, staff, and families. To minimize the spread of illness, we ask parents to follow the guidelines below:

Children Must Stay Home If They Have:

• Fever: Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (measured orally or via forehead/ear) within the past 24 hours.

• Vomiting: Any vomiting within the past 24 hours.

• Diarrhea: 2 or more loose or watery stools within the past 24 hours.

• Persistent cough, wheezing, or difficulty breathing not attributed to asthma or allergies.

• Thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge not caused by allergies, especially if accompanied by fever.

• Unusual rash or skin lesions unless cleared by a doctor.

• Pink eye (conjunctivitis): Red or swollen eye(s) with discharge.

• Lice, scabies, or other parasitic infestations.

• Sore throat with fever or white patches.

• Earache or ear drainage.

• Excessive fatigue or irritability that interferes with group participation.

• Symptoms of any communicable disease (flu, RSV, strep, COVID-19, etc.) until cleared.

COVID-19 & Respiratory Illness Protocol:

• Any child showing signs of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, loss of taste/smell, shortness of breath) will be sent home.

• Return to care only after:

  • At least 24 hours fever-free without medication,

  • Symptoms have improved, and

  • A negative COVID test, OR at least 5 days have passed since symptoms started with a mask worn until day 10 (if age-appropriate).

Return to Care Criteria:

Children may return when:

• They have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication (e.g., Tylenol, Advil),

• They are no longer contagious (per physician or CDC guidelines),

• They can comfortably participate in regular activities,

• A doctor’s note may be required depending on the illness.

If a Child Becomes Sick During Care:

• The parent/guardian will be contacted immediately.

• Sick children must be picked up within one hour of being notified.

• The child will be kept comfortable and separate (but supervised) until picked up.

Notifying Families:

If a contagious illness is reported in the day care (e.g., strep throat, chickenpox, RSV), all families will be notified while maintaining the affected child’s privacy.

Provider Illness:

If the provider is ill and unable to care for children safely, families will be notified as early as possible, and care may be closed for the day. No refunds are issued for these rare closures.

PARENT-PROVIDER CHILD CARE CONTRACT  sample

I.   The following contract is between _____________________________________________________________________                                   

  (Parents of child(ren) in care)   and _______________________________________ located at ____________________________________________ for the                (Child Care Provider)                                              (Address of child care facility) 

Children listed below:     

 Child's Name_________________________  Date of Birth ____________________  

 Child's Name_________________________  Date of Birth ____________________  

 Child's Name_________________________  Date of Birth ____________________  

 Child's Name_________________________  Date of Birth ____________________ 

 II.  Standard Rates and Payment Policies:

 1. A deposit of $_____________ is required.  The deposit will be applied to the last week’s payment or to the termination notice period if proper notice is not given (see V. Termination procedure).  

  2. The fee will be $__________  per hour  per day  per week  (circle one)  Days and hours of care provided will be: ____________________________________________________________  

 3. Payment is to be given:     weekly     bi-weekly     other ________________  on _________________________       (Day of week/month)  

4.       The child care provider will provide (check all that apply):   Breakfast   Morning Snack   Lunch   Afternoon Snack   Dinner  5.        The parent(s)/guardian(s) will provide the following (check all that apply):   Change of Clothes  Formula/Breast Milk     Diapers & Wipes   Infant Food  Provider will supply ______________________________________________ for an additional fee of $____________. Other special arrangements include _________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________  

 III.  Rates for holidays, absences, vacations, overtime:

  1. Care will not be provided, but payment is due, on the following holidays when they occur on a day the child(ren) is/are regularly scheduled for care: ________________________ _________________________ ________________________ _________________________ ________________________ _________________________ ________________________ _________________________ ________________________ _________________________ 

 2. The provider will be notified by ___________ if the child(ren) will be absent for the day.                  (time) 

 3. Policy for payment of absences is: __________________________________________________________________ 

 4. Fees and policies for provider’s vacation: ___________________________________________________________  

5. Fees and policies for parent/guardian’s vacation: ______________________________________________________ 

 6. If the provider is unable to provide care because of illness or emergency, the policy is:__________________________  _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 7. If the parent/guardian drops off the child earlier or picks up later than the times specified above, the following overtime rate will be charged:  $____________ per ____________ or portion thereof.  

IV.   Damages:   

 The policy on damage caused by the child(ren) while in the provider's care unless caused by the negligence of the provider  is:     _________________________________________________________________________________________________ (This does not apply to normal wear and tear on toys or furniture, only to damage.) 

 V.  Termination procedure: 

 This contract begins on the following date: _______________ and may be terminated by either parent/guardian or provider by giving ______ weeks' written notice.  The provider may terminate the contract without notice if the parent/guardian is over _______ week(s) late with scheduled payments.  Parent/guardian may terminate the contract without notice if the provider does not comply with  child care regulations/laws.  Changes to the contract, desired by either provider or parent/guardian, must be made in writing and acknowledged in writing by the other parties at least 2 weeks before the desired change takes effect.   A new contract may be signed at that time to reflect the changes.  

VI. Emergency contacts:

Emergency contact #1 ___________________________________________________________ Date________________________  

Address of Emergency contact #1 _ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________     

 Phone number  ___________________________________________________________ 

Emergency contact #2  ___________________________________________________________ Date________________________  

Address of Emergency contact #2  _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________     

 Phone number  ___________________________________________________________ 

VIl.  Signatures:  By signing this contract, all parties agree to all of the above terms and policies, including financial responsibility for child care provided.  The provider is responsible for providing all parties a copy of the signed contract. 

 Provider's signature  ______________________________________________________________________      Date _________________________ 

Mother/Legal guardian signature  ___________________________________________________________ Date________________________  

Address of Mother/Legal guardian  _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________     

 Phone number  ___________________________________________________________ 

Father/Legal guardian signature ___________________________________________________________     Date ______________________      

Address of Father/Legal guardian  __________________________________________________________________________________________       

   Phone number  ___________________________________________________________