A child care agreement is a written contract between parents (or guardians) and a child care provider. It defines the terms of care, including hours, responsibilities, discipline policies, and emergency procedures. It protects both the family and the caregiver.
When you need one
- Hiring a nanny or babysitter — even if it's someone you trust, written terms prevent misunderstandings.
- Enrolling in a daycare center — the enrollment agreement is a child care contract.
- Family care arrangements — when grandparents or relatives provide regular care.
- Shared custody care — coordinating care between divorced or separated parents.
Key terms
- Hours and schedule — regular hours, overtime rates, and holiday coverage.
- Compensation — hourly rate, salary, overtime, and payment schedule.
- Responsibilities — what's included (feeding, homework help, light housekeeping, transportation) and what's not (deep cleaning, cooking for the whole family).
- Discipline policy — how behavioral issues are handled. Both sides should agree on acceptable methods.
- Emergency procedures — who to call, hospital preference, and medical authorization.
Important protections
- Background check authorization — parents should request (and the provider should consent to) a background check.
- Liability — clarify who's responsible for injuries or property damage during care.
- Confidentiality — the provider shouldn't share photos or information about the child on social media.
- Termination — how either side can end the arrangement (typically 2 weeks' notice).
- Sick child policy — what happens when the child is too sick for care.
A written agreement isn't a sign of distrust — it's a sign that both sides take the arrangement seriously. It prevents the "I thought you meant..." conversations that damage relationships.
Make it legal
- Both parties sign.
- Each party keeps a copy.
- Attach any addenda (emergency contacts, medical authorization, photo release).
A state-specific child care agreement drafted to your situation takes about ten minutes.