When you accept a licensed daycare spot in BC, you’ll be asked to sign a parent contract — often called a Parent Handbook or Enrollment Agreement. Knowing what to look for before you sign protects you and sets clear expectations. This guide covers the standard sections of a BC licensed daycare contract and the key questions to ask.
What a Standard BC Licensed Daycare Contract Covers
| Contract Section | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Fees and payment schedule | Gross fee, CCFRI reduction shown, payment due date, NSF fee |
| Deposit | Amount, conditions for refund vs. non-refund |
| Notice period for withdrawal | Standard BC: 30 days written notice; some centres require 60 |
| Absence policy | Whether full fees are charged during holidays, illness, and family vacations |
| Late pickup fee | Standard: $1–$2/minute after closing; some have escalating tiers |
| Illness/exclusion policy | Which symptoms trigger exclusion; when child can return |
| Emergency procedures | Who is authorized for pickup; what happens if parent can’t be reached |
| Photo/media consent | Whether child’s photo can be used for centre’s social media or reports |
| CCFRI and ACCB acknowledgment | Statement confirming centre’s participation status |
Key Questions to Ask Before Signing
- “If my child is sick for a week, do I still pay the full fee?” (Most licensed centres: yes)
- “What is your notice period for withdrawal — 30 days or 60?” (Know before you sign)
- “Is the deposit refundable if I withdraw before my start date?” (Varies by centre)
- “Are statutory holidays included in my monthly fee or billed separately?” (Varies)
- “How and when do fees change annually?” (CCFRI-participating centres have regulated fee caps)
Smiling Kids Enrollment Agreement
At Smiling Kids Childcare Centre, we provide a clear enrollment agreement that includes all CCLR-required disclosures, our CCFRI participation status, and our policies on fees, absence, and withdrawal. We walk every new family through the document before signing and answer every question before your child’s first day.
📞 604-600-4393 | Enrolment guide — Smiling Kids Coquitlam
