Welcome to Little Bobcats Daycare. These Terms & Conditions govern your enrollment, participation, and use of services offered by Little Bobcats Daycare, located at 109 Central Ave, Maddock, ND 58348. By enrolling your child(ren) in our programs and/or using our facilities, you agree to abide by these Terms in their entirety. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not enroll or use our services.
1. Definitions
1.1. “Child” refers to any minor (under 18 years of age) enrolled in Little Bobcats Daycare.
1.2. “Parent/Guardian” refers to the legal guardian(s) or parent(s) of a Child enrolled in Little Bobcats Daycare.
1.3. “Services” encompass all child care, educational programs, meals, activities, and related offerings provided by Little Bobcats Daycare.
1.4. “Enrollment Agreement” refers to any separate contract or set of documents you sign or submit during enrollment, including health forms, emergency contact forms, and payment authorization forms.
1.5. “Site” refers to the physical location at 109 Central Ave, Maddock, ND 58348.
2. Acceptance of Terms
2.1. By completing and submitting an Enrollment Agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and all related policies (including our Privacy Policy, Health & Safety Policy, and any addenda).
2.2. These Terms apply to all Children enrolled at Little Bobcats, as well as any Parent, Guardian, or other adult authorized to pick up or interact with Children at our Site.
3. Enrollment & Registration
3.1. Eligibility & Enrollment Process
a. Children must be between 6 weeks and 5 years old (pre-K eligibility) to enroll. If a Child turns 6 years old during the calendar year, a Parent/Guardian must notify Little Bobcats and seek alternate placement.
b. To enroll, you must complete:
- A fully executed Enrollment Agreement, including emergency contacts, health history, and immunization records.
- A non-refundable Registration Fee (see Section 4).
- A copy of your child’s latest immunization records, in compliance with North Dakota Department of Human Services regulations.
c. No Child may attend the Site until all required forms, fees, and documentation are submitted and approved by Little Bobcats.
3.2. Waiting List
a. If classes or age groups are full, parents may request placement on a waiting list. Placement is on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to capacity and staffing ratios mandated by state licensing.
b. When a spot opens, we will contact you via your preferred method (phone/email) within seven (7) business days. You will have three (3) business days to accept the spot; otherwise, we will move to the next family on the waiting list.
3.3. Attendance & Schedule Changes
a. You must provide at least two (2) weeks’ written notice for any scheduling change (e.g., switching from full-time to part-time or reducing days). Approval is subject to space availability and may incur a $50 Change-of-Schedule Fee.
b. Temporary schedule alterations (e.g., taking a vacation or illness-related absence) should be communicated at least one (1) week in advance.
c. Extended unnotified absences of more than ten (10) consecutive days may result in forfeiture of your spot and reassignment to another family on the waiting list.
4. Fees, Payments, & Refunds
4.1. Registration Fee
a. A one-time, non-refundable Registration Fee of $75 per child is due upon enrollment. This fee secures your Child’s placement and covers administrative processing costs.
4.2. Tuition Rates & Billing
a. Tuition rates are published annually and subject to change with thirty (30) days’ written notice. Current tuition schedules are attached to your Enrollment Agreement and posted in the Parent Handbook.
b. Tuition is billed monthly and due on or before the first (1st) of each month. You will receive an invoice detailing all charges (tuition, fees, and any incidental expenses) by the 20th of the preceding month.
c. Accepted payment methods:
- ACH bank transfer (preferred)
- Credit/debit card (convenience fee of 2.5% per transaction applies)
- Checks (payable to “Little Bobcats Daycare”)
4.3. Late Payments & Penalties
a. Payments received after the 5th day of the month will incur a late fee of $25. If payment is not received by the 10th day, services may be suspended until the account is current.
b. Accounts more than thirty (30) days overdue may be referred to a collections agency, and Little Bobcats reserves the right to terminate services immediately.
4.4. Holiday & Closures
a. Little Bobcats observes the following holidays (no tuition credit for holidays):
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
b. The daycare is closed on these days; however, tuition rates remain unchanged.
4.5. Refunds & Credits
a. Tuition is not pro-rated for short-term absences (e.g., illness, vacation) unless the absence exceeds ten (10) consecutive business days and is documented by a physician’s note. In such cases, Little Bobcats may offer a one-time credit equal to 50% of daily tuition rates for the days missed.
b. No refunds will be issued for partial attendance, early withdrawals, or schedule changes after enrollment acceptance, except at Little Bobcats’ sole discretion.
c. In the event we must close the daycare temporarily for reasons beyond our control (e.g., natural disaster, government-mandated shutdown), we will credit tuition for the closure period.
5. Health, Safety & Medical Policies
5.1. Immunizations & Health Requirements
a. All Children must be up-to-date on immunizations in accordance with North Dakota Department of Health guidelines. Exemptions for medical or religious reasons require official documentation and state-approved forms.
b. Your child must have a physician-signed Health Assessment Form completed annually. Failure to submit an updated form may result in suspension of services.
5.2. Illness & Exclusion Criteria
a. For the health and safety of all Children, do not send your child if they exhibit any of the following symptoms within the past 24 hours:
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (without medication)
- Diarrhea (more than 2 loose stools within 24 hours)
- Vomiting (within 24 hours)
- Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) or undiagnosed rash
- Persistent, uncontrolled coughing or difficulty breathing
- Signs of a contagious illness (e.g., chickenpox, strep throat)
b. If your child becomes ill while at Little Bobcats, you will be contacted to pick up your child within 60 minutes. We reserve the right to refuse admission or require pick-up if a Child exhibits any contagious or severe symptoms.
c. Children must be symptom-free for a minimum of 24 hours (and/or upon physician’s clearance) before returning.
5.3. Medications
a. Little Bobcats staff may administer medications (prescription or over-the-counter) only if:
- The Medication Authorization Form is fully completed and signed by the Parent/Guardian.
- Medication is in its original container with a pharmacy label specifying Child’s name, dosage instructions, and prescribing physician.
- The label is legible, and the medication has not expired.
b. All medications must be stored in a secure, labeled container. We do not permit children to self-administer, except for emergency asthma inhalers or epinephrine auto-injectors if prior written authorization and training of staff are completed.
5.4. Allergies & Special Dietary Needs
a. Parents must disclose all allergies (food, environmental, etc.) and special dietary requirements at enrollment.
b. We maintain an allergen-sensitive snack and meal system; however, cross-contact is possible. Parents of children with severe allergies must provide an Emergency Action Plan from a licensed physician.
c. Little Bobcats is not responsible for allergic reactions if full disclosure and necessary documentation have not been provided.
5.5. Safety Protocols
a. Drop-off and pick-up occur exclusively through our secure, keypad-controlled entrance. Authorized individuals (those listed on the Enrollment Agreement) must present proper photo identification until recognized by staff.
b. All staff are CPR/First Aid certified and participate in quarterly emergency drills (fire, tornado, lockdown).
c. We maintain a maximum child-to-caregiver ratio of 6:1 for infants, 8:1 for toddlers, and 10:1 for preschool/pre-K, as required by state licensing. Ratios will be strictly enforced; in the event of staff shortage, affected classrooms may temporarily reduce capacity or temporarily close until ratios are met.
d. Outdoor play is supervised at all times. We practice a “buddy system” for walking to nearby parks or off-site activities, with at least two caregivers present.
6. Code of Conduct & Behavior Management
6.1. Expected Behavior
a. We foster a respectful, inclusive environment. Children, parents, and staff must treat one another with courtesy and respect.
b. Use of hostile, discriminatory, or abusive language or behavior by any party (Child, Parent/Guardian, or visitor) is strictly prohibited.
6.2. Discipline & Guidance
a. We follow positive, age-appropriate guidance methods. Physical punishment, punitive actions, or isolation are never permitted.
b. Staff will:
- Redirect inappropriate behaviors to more constructive activities.
- Offer choices to encourage positive decision-making.
- Use “time-in” (calm-down corner with an educator present) rather than “time-out.”
- Communicate concerns to Parents/Guardians promptly and develop a collaborative plan for behavioral support if needed.
6.3. Behavioral Escalations
a. If a Child’s behavior poses a risk of harm to themselves or others (e.g., severe aggression, self-injurious actions), staff will:
- Immediately ensure safety (remove dangerous objects, guide Child away).
- Contact Parents/Guardians for immediate pick-up.
- Document the incident, including a summary of actions taken and recommendations.
b. Repeated or dangerous behaviors may require a behavior intervention plan (BIP), consultation with external specialists, or, at Little Bobcats’ discretion, voluntary or involuntary suspension from Services. In such cases, Little Bobcats will work collaboratively with Parents/Guardians and, if applicable, relevant professionals (therapists, physicians, etc.) to determine next steps.
7. Privacy & Confidentiality
7.1. Privacy Policy
a. We collect personal information (child’s name, birth date, health history, Parent/Guardian contact details) solely for the purpose of providing childcare services. Our full Privacy Policy, incorporated by reference, details how we collect, use, store, and share information.
b. We do not rent, sell, or share your personal information with third parties, except as required by law, licensing authorities, or emergency medical personnel.
7.2. Digital Media & Photography
a. Little Bobcats may take photographs and videos of Children during daily activities for documenting milestones, promotional materials, and social media. We will only use images of your Child if you grant written consent on the Media Release Form.
b. You may withdraw consent at any time in writing, and we will remove or cease future use of your Child’s images.
7.3. Access to Records
a. Parents/Guardians have the right to review their Child’s records (enrollment forms, health history, incident reports, assessment notes) by scheduling an appointment with the Director. A 48-hour notice is requested.
b. We will not release records to third parties without written consent, except as required by law or upon a valid subpoena.
8. Transportation & Field Trips
8.1. On-Site Transportation
a. Little Bobcats does not provide daily transportation services (e.g., school bus). Parents/Guardians are responsible for drop-off and pick-up.
8.2. Field Trips & Off-Site Activities
a. For occasional off-site outings (e.g., walk to the Maddock Public Library or nearby park), Parents/Guardians will be notified at least one (1) week in advance.
b. Prior to participation, Parents/Guardians must sign a separate Field Trip Consent Form that acknowledges potential risks and authorizes Little Bobcats to transport Children via approved vehicles or walking routes.
c. During all off-site activities, Children will adhere to safety protocols: wearing high-visibility vests (for walks), traveling in pairs, and maintaining staff-to-child ratios.
9. Intellectual Property
9.1. Content Ownership
a. All text, images, videos, logos, and other materials displayed on our website, brochures, or other communication channels are the property of Little Bobcats Daycare or our licensors.
b. You may download or print copies of general information (e.g., activity calendars, newsletters) for personal, non-commercial use. Any other use—reproduction, modification, distribution—without our express written consent is prohibited.
9.2. Use of Trademarks
a. “Little Bobcats Daycare” and related logos, taglines, and program names are trademarks of Little Bobcats. Use of these marks without prior written permission is strictly forbidden.
10. Limitation of Liability & Disclaimers
10.1. Assumption of Risk
a. By enrolling your Child, you acknowledge that participation in educational and recreational activities involves inherent risks (e.g., slips, falls, minor injuries). You agree to release Little Bobcats Daycare, its owners, employees, and agents from any liability related to such ordinary, non-negligent incidents.
b. You understand and accept that, despite our best efforts, communicable diseases (e.g., colds, flu) may spread in group settings.
10.2. Limitation of Liability
a. Little Bobcats’ total liability to you for any claim, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, shall not exceed the amount of fees you have paid in the most recent three (3) months prior to the date the claim arises.
b. We shall not be liable for special, incidental, indirect, punitive, or consequential damages (including loss of income or emotional distress), even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
10.3. No Warranty
a. Little Bobcats provides Services and materials “as is” and “as available.” We disclaim all warranties—express or implied—regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of our programs, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
11. Termination & Withdrawal
11.1. Voluntary Withdrawal
a. Parents/Guardians wishing to withdraw their Child must provide thirty (30) days’ written notice. Tuition for that 30-day period remains due and payable.
b. If you withdraw without providing proper notice, you are responsible for the full tuition of the 30-day notice period, even if your Child ceases attendance immediately.
11.2. Involuntary Termination
a. Little Bobcats reserves the right to terminate services immediately, without refund or credit, if:
- A Child’s behavior poses a safety threat to themselves, other Children, or staff, and no mutually agreeable behavior plan can be reached.
- A Parent/Guardian fails to comply with these Terms, including but not limited to nonpayment of tuition, repeated late pick-ups (see Section 11.3), or provision of false information on enrollment forms.
- A Parent/Guardian’s behavior toward staff or other parents is abusive, harassing, or threatening.
b. In case of involuntary termination, Little Bobcats will provide written notice stating the reason for termination and the effective date.
11.3. Late Pick-Up & Additional Fees
a. Little Bobcats closes promptly at 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Late pick-up after 6:00 PM will incur a fee of $1 per minute per Child, payable at pick-up.
b. Repeated late pick-ups (three or more within a thirty-day period) may result in termination of services at Little Bobcats’ discretion.
12. Modifications to Terms & Conditions
12.1. Little Bobcats reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will post updated Terms in a conspicuous location (both online and on our parent bulletin board) at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date.
12.2. Your continued enrollment or use of Services after such modifications become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
13. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
13.1. Governing Law
a. These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Dakota, without regard to its conflict-of-law provisions.
13.2. Dispute Resolution & Arbitration
a. In the event of any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services, the parties shall first attempt to resolve the matter informally through good-faith negotiation.
b. If informal negotiation fails to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days, either party may initiate binding arbitration in Cavalier County, North Dakota, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The decision of the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
c. Each party shall bear its own costs and expenses in arbitration, except that the prevailing party may recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs from the non-prevailing party as determined by the arbitrator.
14. Severability & Waiver
14.1. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
14.2. Waiver
No waiver of any term, condition, or breach hereunder shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or term. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Little Bobcats.
15. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact us at:
Little Bobcats Daycare
109 Central Ave
Maddock, ND 58348
Email: info@bobcatscare.icu
