Build a professional enrollment agreement for your childcare center. Customize each clause, preview the full document, and copy it for review with your attorney.
Disclaimer: This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We strongly recommend having your enrollment agreement reviewed by a licensed attorney in your state before use.
ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT 1. CENTER INFORMATION 2. ENROLLMENT TERMS 2.1 Schedule Options Offered: Full-time only 2.2 Trial Period: 30 days 2.3 Trial Period Terms: A 30-day trial period begins on the child's first day of attendance. During this period, either party may terminate enrollment with 48 hours' written notice. 3. TUITION AND FEES 3.1 Registration Fee: $100 non-refundable 3.2 Deposit Amount: Equal to one month's tuition, applied to the last month of enrollment 3.3 Late Payment Fee: $25 assessed after 5 business days past due 3.4 Rate Increase Notice Period: 30 days 4. PAYMENT TERMS 4.1 Tuition Due Date: 1st of the month 4.2 Accepted Payment Methods: Check, ACH/bank transfer, credit card. A 3% processing fee applies to credit card payments. 4.3 Auto-Pay Policy: Optional 4.4 Returned Payment Fee: $35 5. ATTENDANCE AND SCHEDULE 5.1 Absence Notification Policy: Parents must notify the center by 9:00 AM if their child will be absent. Tuition is due regardless of absences. 5.2 Vacation Policy: Tuition is due for all enrolled days. Each family receives one week of vacation credit per calendar year, applied upon request with two weeks' advance notice. 5.3 Hold Spot Fee: 50% of regular tuition to hold a spot during an extended absence 6. WITHDRAWAL AND TERMINATION 6.1 Parent Notice Period for Withdrawal: 2 weeks 6.2 Grounds for Immediate Termination: The center may terminate enrollment immediately for: non-payment exceeding 10 business days, physical aggression that endangers the safety of other children or staff, falsification of enrollment records, or repeated failure to comply with center policies after written notice. 6.3 Refund Policy: If the required written notice is provided, any prepaid tuition beyond the notice period will be refunded within 14 business days. No refund is issued for partial months or if enrollment is terminated for cause. 7. HEALTH AND SAFETY 7.1 Immunization Requirements: All children must be current on state-required immunizations prior to enrollment. Updated immunization records must be provided annually. 7.2 Illness Exclusion Policy: Children must be fever-free (below 100.4°F) for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to care. Children with vomiting, diarrhea, or contagious illness must be symptom-free for 24 hours. 7.3 Medication Authorization: Prescription medication will be administered only with a completed Medication Authorization Form signed by the parent and accompanied by the medication in its original labeled container. The center does not administer over-the-counter medication. 7.4 Emergency Medical Consent: In the event of a medical emergency, the center is authorized to contact emergency medical services (911) and transport the child to the nearest hospital. The parent/guardian is responsible for all associated costs. 8. LIABILITY AND CONSENT 8.1 Photo/Video Release: Included in agreement 8.2 Photo/Video Release Language: I grant permission for the center to photograph and/or video record my child for use in classroom documentation, newsletters, social media, and marketing materials. I understand I may revoke this permission in writing at any time. 8.3 Field Trip Consent: Individual consent per trip 8.4 Liability Limitation: The center shall not be held liable for loss, damage, or destruction of personal belongings brought to the center. The center maintains general liability insurance as required by state licensing regulations. 9. ADDITIONAL TERMS 9.1 Governing Law: [State] law 9.2 Dispute Resolution: Mediation first 9.3 Severability Clause: If any provision of this agreement is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. 9.4 Entire Agreement Clause: This agreement, together with the Parent Handbook, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. Any modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties. SIGNATURES By signing below, the parent/guardian acknowledges that they have read, understand, and agree to the terms of this Enrollment Agreement. _______________________________ _______________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date _______________________________ Parent/Guardian Printed Name _______________________________ _______________ Center Representative Signature Date _______________________________ Center Representative Printed Name
Fill in your center name, address, license number, and contact information.
Review and edit the default language for tuition, withdrawal, health policies, liability, and more.
Copy the completed agreement and have it reviewed by a licensed attorney in your state before use.
Opening a new center: You need an enrollment agreement before you can accept your first family. This builder gives you a professional starting point with all the essential clauses — so you're not starting from a blank page.
Replacing an outdated agreement: If your current contract is a patchwork of old templates and handwritten additions, this tool helps you rebuild it with clear, consistent language across every section.
Adding new policies: When you introduce auto-pay, update your late fee, or change your withdrawal notice period, use this builder to draft the updated clause before sending it to your attorney.
Annual re-enrollment: Many centers issue updated agreements each year. Run through the builder to make sure your terms reflect current rates, policies, and any regulatory changes in your state.
Seedlist helps you track families from the moment they join your waitlist through enrollment. Automate follow-ups, forecast when spots will open, and fill seats faster — so every signed agreement starts on time.
This tool generates a template — not a finished legal document. An enrollment agreement becomes legally binding when it is reviewed by an attorney licensed in your state, customized to comply with your local regulations, and signed by both parties. We strongly recommend having any agreement reviewed before use.
The template uses common childcare contract language that applies broadly across the United States. However, childcare licensing requirements and contract laws vary by state. You should have an attorney in your state review the agreement to ensure it complies with local regulations, especially around termination, refunds, and liability.
A parent handbook is an operational guide — it covers daily routines, dress codes, what to bring, and general center policies. An enrollment agreement is a legal contract that covers tuition, payment terms, withdrawal policies, liability, and the binding commitments between the center and the family. Most centers use both: the handbook for day-to-day expectations and the agreement for the legal relationship.
Yes. The enrollment agreement protects you legally — it establishes payment obligations, termination rights, and liability limitations. The handbook sets day-to-day expectations and reduces parent questions. Many enrollment agreements reference the handbook (e.g., 'This agreement, together with the Parent Handbook, constitutes the entire agreement'). Having both gives you the strongest foundation.
Review your enrollment agreement at least once a year, ideally before your annual re-enrollment period. Update it whenever you change tuition rates, payment policies, or operational procedures. Any changes to an existing agreement should be communicated in writing and signed by both parties to be enforceable.