Daycare Contracts: What to Read Before You Sign

Before you sign a daycare contract, read the parts about tuition and fees, withdrawal notice, absences and closures, the sick policy, pickup rules and when the center can end care. These are the sections that cause the most surprises later. Ask for a copy of the full parent handbook, not only the signature page.

Here is what to look for, section by section.

What paperwork to expect

Most centers give you two main documents:

• An enrollment agreement or contract: your schedule, start date, tuition and fees, and your signature.
• A parent handbook: the center's policies on health, safety, meals, discipline, communication and more.

You will also fill out forms such as emergency contacts, authorized pickup, a medical report, immunization records and consent forms. Illinois licensing rules require centers to share written information with parents at enrollment, including fees, holiday schedules, arrival and departure arrangements and how they handle emergencies and injuries.

Tuition and payment terms

• The exact tuition amount and what schedule it covers
• When payment is due and how you pay
• Late payment fees and grace periods
• When and how tuition increases are announced
• How tuition changes when your child moves to an older room

For a full list of fees to ask about, see our guide to daycare registration fees and deposits.

Absences, holidays and closures

Read how tuition works when your child does not attend. At most centers, you pay the same tuition during:

• Holidays and staff training days
• Your child's sick days
• Family vacations, unless there is a vacation credit
• Weather or emergency closures

Look for the list of closed days for the year so you can plan backup care.

Withdrawal and termination

• Your notice: how many weeks of written notice you must give to leave
• The deposit: whether it is applied to your last weeks or refunded
• The center's rights: when the center can end care, for example for unpaid tuition, repeated late pickups or ongoing safety concerns
• Support before termination: whether the center commits to meetings or a plan before ending care for behavior reasons

Health and sick policy

• Fever cutoff and how long your child must stay home
• Which symptoms mean you will be called to pick up
• How quickly you must arrive after a call
• Medication rules and the forms you need
• Allergy and special diet plans

Our article on daycare fever rules explains what is typical.

Drop-off, pickup and safety

• Hours and late pickup fees
• Who can pick up your child and how ID is checked
• Sign-in and sign-out rules
• What happens if no one picks up by closing time
• Emergency and evacuation plans

Daily care and learning

• Meals and snacks: what is included and what you send
• Diapers, wipes and formula: provided or from home
• Nap and safe sleep practices for babies
• Potty training approach
• Discipline or guidance policy
• How teachers share updates and how you can reach staff
• Screen time, outdoor time and field trips

Consents and privacy

• Photo and video consent for social media or newsletters
• Cameras in classrooms and who can view them
• Emergency medical treatment consent
• Transportation consent if the center offers it

Red flags in a daycare contract

• No written handbook or policies
• Fees that are not listed anywhere
• Very long withdrawal notice with no exceptions
• Vague rules about when the center can end care
• Pressure to sign before you have read everything

See our full list of daycare red flags for warning signs beyond paperwork.

Frequently asked questions

Can I negotiate a daycare contract?

Large centers rarely change their standard terms, but you can ask about start dates, schedules and sibling discounts.

How much notice do I need to leave a daycare?

It depends on the contract. A few weeks of written notice is common.

Can a daycare kick my child out?

Yes, under the terms in the agreement, such as unpaid tuition or ongoing safety concerns. Look for a clear process with meetings before that step.

Do I pay daycare when my child is on vacation?

At most centers, yes, unless the contract includes a vacation credit.

Enrolling at Children's Land

Children's Land welcomes families from 6 weeks old through kindergarten. Our directors walk you through enrollment and answer questions about policies before you start. Find a location, read our FAQ or contact us.

Related reading: Daycare Tour Questions to Ask: A Parent Checklist.