As long as you don't have to close your daycare to attend court, I would say fight it in court. Since there is NO contract at all, it's just their word against yours. So you have a 50% chance of winning, right? If you have to close for the day though, it's not worth inconveniencing other parents because of the mistake you made of not having them sign a contract.

One question for you though. When you told the mom that you would not watch her child for that day, did you specifically say just for today? Unless you said something to the effect that "You are welcome to bring her back tomorrow" or "I will see you tomorrow" then the mom was reasonable in assuming that you were terminating care for good.

6 weeks does sound like a long time but if that is the standard in your area then hopefully that will work in your favor in court.

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