Originally Posted by dreamer:
Since there is so much information in the handbook, what things do you all include in the contract itself?
Your contract should cover payment amounts and dates payment is due. Contracts should be all the financial arrangements you have with the parent/family while your handbook is the operational information.
When enforcing your contract legally or via the courts, they are only concerned about the financial information. Courts won't help or support you in enforcing your closing time or your meal routines/rules.
Tom Copeland has a book called
"Family Child Care Contracts and Policies" that discusses the difference as well as what items should be in writing in which document.