TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS: PARENT-PROVIDER AGREEMENTS
Marilyn Lopes
Extension Specialist, Family Life Education
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
University of Massachusetts
Copyright/Access Information
Every day care provider should have a Parent-Provider Agreement. The agreement is a list of your rules and policies. It tells parents what they can expect of you as a provider. When parents call you to ask about your
business, they will ask about your rules and fees. If you have an agreement ready, you can answer their questions more easily. This will help the parents see you as a professional.
A Parent-Provider Agreement is the first step in starting a positive relationship with parents. If you make your policies clear from the start, fewer problems will come up later. Sample agreements are usually available from support agencies, or you can write your own agreement. Think about:
- HOURS: What days, night, weekends will you be open?
- FEES: How much will you charge? Will you charge for early drop-offs or late pick-ups?
- DAY CARE PROGRAM: Will you take the children outside to play? Will you provide fun as well as educational exercises and activities? If so, you might want to give the parent a plan for a typical day.
- VACATIONS AND DAYS OFF: On which holidays will your program be open? Will you be paid for the days you are closed, for holidays?
- EMERGENCIES: Who should be contacted in an emergency?
- FOOD: Will you provide hot meals and snacks? If so, you might want to show parents your menus.
- ILLNESS AND MEDICINE: When will you call a parent if a child is ill? Will you take care of a sick child? Will you give a child medication?
- CLOTHING AND SUPPLIES: Who will provide diapers, training pants, extra shoes, and warm clothes for outdoor activities?
- OTHER: What are your policies on naps, toilet training, and discipline?
Although your Parent-Provider Agreement sets up rules for your day care business, it may be necessary to change your Agreement to meet the special needs of a child or parent. Make sure the parent of each child gets a copy of the signed Parent-Provider Agreement.
DOCUMENT USE/COPYRIGHT
National Network for Child Care - NNCC. Part of CYFERNET, the National Extension Service Children Youth and Family Educational Research Network. Permission is granted to reproduce these materials in whole or in part for educational purposes only (not for profit beyond the cost of reproduction) provided that the author and Network receive acknowledgment and this notice is included:
Reprinted with permission from the National Network for Child Care - NNCC. (1994). Taking care of business: Parent-provider agreements. In M. Lopes (Ed.) CareGiver News (September, p.4). Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension.
Any additions or changes to these materials must be preapproved by the author .
FORMAT AVAILABLE:: Available only on the Internet
DOCUMENT REVIEW:: Level 2 - University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension System
ENTRY DATE:: October 1995
