Frequently Asked Questions about Contracts
What is the rate increase and how are the rates determined?
We survey area childcare programs, both accredited programs like ours and non-accredited programs, to determine a “market rate”. We contacted the centers and schools we reached out to in the past to ask about their tuition plans.
Child care center rates increase each year and this year rates are increasing up to 10% in the Centers we surveyed. The reason for this is that the cost of care (influenced by staff salary increases in order to attract and retain staff) is on the rise. Maine is suffering from a childcare shortage fueled by the lack of a workforce.
What is the Contract Information sheet?
This sheet allows you the opportunity to indicate your intentions for next year so that we can draw up a contract for you to sign. Until we receive the completed re-enrollment information sheet, we will not act write a contract for you. Please return this form to the office by March 1 so that we can draw up contracts by March 26.
When do I sign the new contract for the next year?
The deadline for signed contracts is April 1, 2025
The Full Year/12-month contracts are August 18, 2025 – August 14, 2026
The Academic/10-month contracts are August 18, 2025– June 12, 2026
There is no deposit required for returning families.
When does the new year begin for children?
Our first day of the new year with children is August 25. We use the week of August 18th for our professional development. This is factored into your contract, so you aren’t “paying extra”. You will see your child’s tuition is withdrawn from employee pay prior to the month of care.
Who can sign the 10-month contract?
Any parent is offered the option to sign a 10-month contract. This means that they will choose not to attend during the summer months (June 12, 2026 – August 14, 2026). Families who chose this option will pay 25% of their monthly tuition for the program they are enrolled in during those two months.
May I change my mind about the amount of time I need for my child for this summer?
You are welcome to make those decisions until April 1, 2025 when signed contracts are returned. If you have a 12-month or 10-month contract that you want adjusted to include or exclude the summer of 2025 (June 16– August 15, 2025) you must sign that revised contract by April 1, 2025. After April 1, we will plan for summer staffing and create schedules for the children whose contracts we have received. For this reason, changes “to add” for the summer after April 1are not available.