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What is a Child Care Agreement?

Like any loving parent, you want your child to always be in a safe, caring, and stimulating environment. Accomplishing this goal is relatively easy when you’re on your own. But how can you ensure that your child is properly cared for when you’re not around?

This is where a child care contract comes in. This contract is a legal and binding document that defines the terms and conditions of child care for a third party. Also known as a child care services agreement, it’s made between a parent or guardian and the individual/ entity offering child care services.

When do I need a Child Care Agreement?

There are times when a child care agreement is necessary.

Child Care Centre

If you own or operate a child care centre then you most definitely need a Child Car Centre Agreement as this will set out the terms and conditions upon which you will look after children.

Other circumstances where you may want a Child Care Agreement.

Ideally, you should get a contract if you regularly leave your toddler in somebody else’s care for a significant period. For instance, if you’re hiring:

A full-time nanny

Do you have a baby sitter who takes care of your child full-time? If so, a contract highlighting the sitter’s duties, hours of operation and remuneration, is vital.

Ongoing part-time nanny

When deciding to get a child care agreement, first consider how frequently the child-caregiver will be helping you.

If you’re looking to get ongoing assistance with child care duties, say, three days each week, it’s a good idea to have this agreement.

That said, there are times when you don’t need a child care agreement. Specifically, if you’ve requested a family member, friend, or colleague to take care of your child, there’s no need for a contract.

This particularly applies to those times when you’re away for just a few hours. However, you should still provide guidelines on how your child should be cared for to avoid potential mistakes.

On the other end of the spectrum, child caregivers can also benefit from a child care agreement. Signing this contract goes a long way in protecting your business from liability. In the event of a misunderstanding, the agreement outlines clear guidelines on how the parties involved should proceed.

What are the Key Clauses in a Child Care Agreement?

A child care contract should provide adequate information so that all the parties are aligned on the most crucial details.

That said, these are the main clauses that should be included in this contract:

1. Parties to the agreement

The contract should specify the names and ages of the child/children being cared for, names and contact information for parents/guardians as well as the child care provider.

2. Exact start and end date

Does the client require child care services at a particular time or on an ongoing basis? If it covers an extended period, how often will the contract be renewed?

3. Payment or Compensation

This section should specify just how much the child care provider will be paid. For instance, will they be paid an hourly rate or a day rate per child?

Similarly, when will the payment be made be given? Should the child care provider expect payment in advance or once the services are rendered? Will the caregiver receive the remuneration biweekly or monthly, if the parties have a long-term arrangement?

Are there any factors that warrant a payment adjustment? For instance, does the child care provider charge the same rate during holidays? What about delayed payments and late pickups?

4. Child caregiver’s responsibilities

What are the client’s expectations when it comes to child care? Will the caregiver offer meals? If so, what type and how many meals can a child expect on a typical day?

What sort of activities will the kid(s) be involved in? What steps should the caregiver take if a child falls ill? Can the provider administer simple medications to the child in the absence of the parent?

What special needs, if any, should the child care provider be aware of? For example, if the child has a food allergy or is, perhaps, autistic, the contract should explain the guidelines that should be taken. This clause is particularly important because it helps prevent potentially-fatal mistakes.

5. Emergency Protocols

How should the child care provider respond in the event of an emergency? If they operate a daycare, is there a safety zone within their facility where they can move your child to?

What should the child care provider do to calm your child in emergency situations? What are some of the emergency contact numbers that the caregiver can reach out to?

6. Termination Procedures

The contract should outline the situations that would cause the contract to be terminated. It should also specify which party has a right to end the agreement. A termination clause helps avoid disagreements between parties, especially if one party wants to terminate and the other doesn’t.

In addition, the contract should address how payment/remuneration will be handled in the event of a termination? How soon can the child care provider expect payment?

Wrap Up

A child care contract is a signed document between a parent and child care provider. It outlines guidelines that should be followed when providing child care services.

This has to do with the types of meals to be offered, curriculum or activities the child will participate in, healthcare given in case the child falls ill and more. Essentially, it explains how the child should be cared for when the parent is away.

It also highlights other terms of the partnership, such as work schedules, remuneration, emergency protocol, and termination procedure.

If you have any questions about child care agreements please get in touch.

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