An Administrator's Guide to California Private School Law

Chapter 21 – Child Care Centers/Preschools

2. A DMISSION A GREEMENTS The preschool and the child’s parents or legal guardians must enter into an admission agreement, much like an enrollment agreement for K-12 programs. Admission agreements must be signed and dated by all parties and must contain the following information:  Description of the basic services offered;  Description of other non-basic optional services offered;  Payment provisions, such as basic and optional services’ rates, due date(s), and frequency of payments;

 Modification conditions, including a statement that the preschool will provide at least 30 days advance notice before making any rate changes;  Refund policies and conditions;  The rights of DSS to interview children or staff without parents’/guardians’ prior consent and to inspect and copy child care center records; and  Reasons why the agreement may be terminated. 2875

The admission agreement should confirm whether the child will participate in any preschool- offered meal service and whether the parents will provide approval and instructions for the preschool to administer medications. Agreements may also contain other normal enrollment contract provisions, such as general waivers and releases of liability and permission to publish the child’s photograph or works to promote the preschool. LCW Practice Advisor Preschools should have both parents sign the

admission agreement, if applicable, to remove any argument that one parent does not agree to pay tuition or agree to the other terms of the agreement.

3. A CCEPTANCE A ND A DMISSION At the time of acceptance, the preschool shall inform each child’s parent or legal guardian of his or her rights, including the right to:  Enter and inspect the facility;

 File a complaint against the preschool;  Review the preschool’s public files;  Review CCLD reports of licensing visits maintained at the preschool;  Complain to CCLD without discrimination or retaliation; and  Be informed of the name and association to the preschool of any adult granted a criminal record exemption. 2876

An Administrator’s Guide to California Private School Law ©2019 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore 647