Daycare and Preschool Tuition Disputes

Daycare and preschool disputes tend to fall into a few recurring patterns — tuition owed after withdrawal, deposits not returned, or disagreements over registration/holding fees. Here's how to approach each.

Common disputes

• The daycare claims tuition is owed for a notice period you didn't provide, per their enrollment contract
• A deposit or registration fee wasn't refunded after you decided not to enroll
• You paid for a period your child didn't attend and can't get reimbursed
• The daycare closed unexpectedly, and you're owed a refund for prepaid tuition

Start with the enrollment contract or handbook

Daycares and preschools typically have you sign an enrollment agreement or handbook acknowledgment covering notice requirements for withdrawal (often 2–4 weeks), deposit refund policies, and tuition due dates. This document is usually the deciding factor in these disputes — read it closely for the exact language on the specific issue you're disputing.

If you're being asked to pay for a notice period you didn't give

This is one of the most common disputes in this category. Check:

• What the contract actually specifies as the required notice period
• Whether you gave notice in a way the contract requires (written vs. verbal — verbal notice is sometimes not considered valid under the contract terms)
• Whether there's any exception clause for circumstances like a family emergency or relocation

If a deposit wasn't returned

Similar to a security deposit dispute, check whether the contract describes the deposit as refundable under certain conditions, or as a non-refundable holding fee — this distinction (similar to the pet deposit vs. pet fee issue) significantly affects whether you're entitled to it back at all.

If the daycare closed unexpectedly

If a facility closes and you've prepaid tuition for time your child won't actually receive care, you generally have a claim for the unused prepaid amount — though if the closure is tied to the business filing bankruptcy, see our guide on defendant bankruptcy for how that changes the process.

Evidence that strengthens your case

• The signed enrollment agreement or handbook
• Payment records showing what was paid and for what period
• Any written notice you provided, with a date
• Communication with the daycare about the specific dispute

Before filing

Daycares are often small, relationship-based businesses — a calm, documented conversation referencing the specific contract terms frequently resolves these disputes without needing to file, especially for smaller dollar amounts like partial tuition or deposit disputes.

This article is for general informational purposes and isn't legal advice. Enrollment contract enforceability varies by state — review your specific agreement before filing.