Enrolling your child in preschool is a major decision—and the contract you sign shapes everything from your financial commitment to how disputes get resolved. Before you commit, you need to understand exactly what you're agreeing to, what happens if circumstances change, and what protections exist for your family.
Tuition and Fee Structures
Preschool costs vary wildly depending on location, program length, and accreditation. Full-time programs typically run $800–$2,500 per month, while part-time options (2–3 days weekly) cost $400–$1,200. Some programs charge registration fees ($100–$300), activity fees ($50–$150/month), and supply fees. Look for these specifics in your contract:
- Tuition amount and whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
- Payment schedule (due date, penalty for late payment)
- Registration or enrollment fees (non-refundable vs. refundable)
- Incidental charges (field trips, arts supplies, snacks, special events)
- Discount structures for multi-child enrollment or paid-in-advance arrangements
Ask whether the quoted fee includes meals and snacks, or if you need to bring lunch. Some programs bundle full-day care with lunch; others expect parents to pack it daily.
Refund and Cancellation Policies
This is where ambiguous contracts cause real problems. A good contract specifies:
- Notice period required to withdraw (typically 2–4 weeks)
- Refund eligibility for tuition already paid if you leave mid-month
- Non-refundable deposits (how much, and under what conditions they're forfeited)
- Circumstances that trigger automatic disenrollment (non-payment, behavioral concerns, licensing violations)
Ask explicitly: if you give notice on the 15th of the month, are you responsible for the full month's tuition or just prorated fees? If the preschool closes unexpectedly, will unused tuition be refunded? Some programs hold a reserve deposit (typically one month's tuition) that covers final bills; confirm whether this gets returned when your child leaves.
Health, Immunization, and Illness Policies
Preschools must verify immunization records before enrollment. Review what the contract says about:
- Required vaccinations (ask if it aligns with your state's requirements or goes beyond them)
- Illness exclusion guidelines (when a child must stay home—fever thresholds, strep throat duration, chickenpox protocols)
- Medication administration (who can give medication, what documentation is needed)
- COVID-19 policies (masking, quarantine requirements, remote learning options during closures)
Many preschools require a 24-hour fever-free period before return, but policies vary. Get clarity on whether your child is excluded only while actively ill or for a set number of days after symptoms resolve.
Behavior and Discipline Expectations
A responsible preschool contract outlines discipline philosophy and your role in addressing behavioral issues. Check for:
- Positive discipline approaches (redirecting, problem-solving) vs. punitive methods
- Communication protocols if behavior concerns arise (daily reports, parent conferences)
- Grounds for expulsion (aggression, refusal to follow safety rules, repeated disruption)
- Your responsibility to reinforce expectations at home
If your child has developmental delays or behavioral challenges, ask how the program accommodates them. Some contracts specify that the school can require a behavior plan or outside consultation before continuing enrollment.
Liability and Emergency Procedures
Preschools carry liability insurance, but contracts often limit their responsibility for injuries that occur during regular activities. Look for:
- What the school is NOT liable for (e.g., lost items, minor bumps during play)
- Emergency contact procedures and who's authorized to pick up your child
- Incident reporting (how and when the school notifies you of injuries)
- Insurance coverage for field trips or special events
Verify the school's background check requirements for staff and any criminal history disclosures. Ask to see their licensing inspection reports—most states post these publicly.
Attendance and Scheduling
Some programs allow flexible scheduling; others require commitment to specific days. Clarify:
- Required attendance or flexibility to choose days
- Holiday closures and whether you're charged during breaks
- Makeup days if your child is absent
- Hours of operation and late pickup fees (typically $5–$10 per minute after closing time)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I negotiate preschool contract terms? Most independent and small preschools are open to negotiation on tuition or payment schedules, especially for multi-year commitments. Chain centers are less flexible but may offer discounts for upfront payment or multiple children.
Q: What happens if my child isn't a good fit? Review your cancellation policy carefully—most programs require 2–4 weeks' notice, and some hold you to tuition during that notice period even after withdrawal.
Q: Should I use Mercoly to compare programs? Yes—Mercoly helps you find and compare trusted preschool and pre-K programs in one place, so you can review multiple contracts and fee structures before committing.
Request the full contract at least a week before enrollment, read it carefully, and ask questions about anything unclear.