what is standard for an in-home daycare? (NOVA)

[Anonymous]

Hi, wanted to tap into the collective experience of the other parents here - we were looking at an in-home daycare and the terms were
must pay a month's deposit in advance, which the caretaker keeps the duration of your time w/ the in-home daycare
must provide 60 day prior notice if you wish to discontinue childcare, otherwise you forfeit the deposit
no trial period during which time the 60 days' notice wouldn't apply, you go right into the full contract

is this pretty standard?

[Anonymous]

Very standard for both in home daycare as well as centers.

[Anonymous]

Yes, that’s standard.

[Anonymous]

We have been at 2 in-homes and we had to pay a week’s fee upon registration which was then credited for the first week’s payment when we started. The first 2 weeks were a trial period during which either party could choose to leave without penalty. There was a 30-day notice for termination or we had to pay the balance of the 30 days if we left earlier.

[Anonymous]

Mine was just pay weekly. I do have to give 30 days notice.

I think your daycare’s rule is good though. I wish my inhome was stricter. I see her get screwed over by other parents and I don’t like it.

[Anonymous]

Ours in Arlington had us pay a two week deposit that was technically our last two weeks, but we paid her for the last two weeks anyway. She deserved that two weeks deposit! We also gave her three months notice, even though the contract stated 30 days.

[Anonymous]

thanks, this is helpful. (I'm the OP)
I decided against this in-home daycare because it was a lot of money to be providing up front without even an opportunity to do a trial period to make sure that we were a good fit- if I decided it didn't work out, I'd be leaving thousands of dollars on the table. It's helpful to see what other options are out there.