Berkeley Parents Network: Deposits for Preschool

Berkeley Parents Network

Deposits for Preschool

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > School & Preschool > Preschool > Deposits for Preschool

Big preschool tuition deposit
How to get our daycare deposit back?

Big preschool tuition deposit

April 2004

Our child is three and we are thinking about sending her to a preschool in Oakland, but are unsure because they are asking for a deposit of 3 months tuition with the annual contract. And we can't use those 3 months of tuition until the end of the school year if we decide not to renew the contract for the next year. Most of the other preschools we looked at only asked for one month's tuition as a deposit, and then that deposit is applied to the final month of tuition for the contract year. Unfortunately, they are already full. I'm interested in feedback on this--other parents' experiences, and whether any particular preschool is worth that kind of investment. anon

I have never heard of a preschool requiring more than one month's deposit, even the so-called ''selective'' preschools. Such a high deposit might make it hard to leave the school if it turned out that it was not a good fit for your child. I would refuse to pay it. Go to another school if necessary. Such a high deposit sounds like an indication of greed on the part of the preschool owner -- someone who would put money ahead of your child. There are many good preschools in this area.

I am pretty sure I know which school you're talking about. I moved to Oakland fairly recently and wanted to start my 3 year old around February (2004). They were the second place I called and I was thrilled that they had an opening and that my search had been so easy, but then I found out about the three month deposit as well as other one-time fees, payable up front and not prorated for starting mid-year, that add up to an additional $800-900. I was also not happy about the policy where, if you decide to terminate before the year is completed, you are still responsible for the remainder of the school year and are only released from it if they find a replacement child. I think part of the problem for me (which may not be your situation at all) is that the tuition and fees are geared for a full-time year-round program - I was looking for a part-time ten month program starting mid-year, and I felt penalized on every count by their fee structure. I didn't find any other schools with these requirements. So in spite of the fact that they have a very good reputation and I liked what I saw, I couldn't justify the total cost. To be honest, I couldn't help but feel that I was being taken. I still agonized for a few weeks about enrolling my child there, because of its reputation and its proximity to where I live. I now drive my child 15 minutes one-way (more with traffic) to school. There are obviously plenty of happy parents whose kids go to the school you're considering, and I don't think that preschools are rolling in dough, so I guess it just depends on your situation. Anon

My child attends a preschool which required a 3-month deposit (probably the same place you were referring to). I think you asked if it was worth it ... it certainly is a lot of money, and I do think it would be reasonable for them to reduce the amount and also to offer a trial period, both of these steps would make them more in sync with other preschools. The money itself wasn't a problem for us, but I was still pretty nervous writing that check and making that kind of commitment. That said, we are VERY happy at the school for many reasons. Also, our previous school (which actually was more expensive overall) required only a one-week deposit and 2 weeks notice to leave, and I think this may have been a factor in higher turnover. anon

How to get our daycare deposit back?

Jan. 2004

It's been four months since we withdrew our toddler last September from a preschool in Berkeley , but we still haven't got our deposit back (we gave one month notice as required). We called the director many times and each time she just gave excuses that their accountant was not in the office or was on vacation. We had been waiting patiently for them to get back to us, but nothing happened. So we eventually went to her office one week ago to talk to her in person, thinking it might help solve the problem. But gosh, we were so wrong. We ended up going to her office again this afternoon to confront her, but she still gave us this same ''accountant leave of absence for today'' excuse. The whole situation has become so unbelievably frustrating and ridiculous and we just cannot take it any longer. I would love some suggestions as to what others have done in similar situation or advices as to what actions we should take. Thanks very much! Frustrating parents

It sounds as if you had a written agreement with the school that outlines the procedure for getting your deposit back and that you have followed those procedures, and then some, and have been unsuccessful. If that's the case, it's relatively simple to file a small claims court action and get a judgment against the school. You might try writing a letter first advising the school that you plan to take this action. It might spur them into making things right. oakland mom

You obviously won't get your deposit back by asking nicely. I would write a formal, simple letter demanding that she send you a check within X days, and that if you do not receive it you will sue her. Then if you don't get a check, follow through. File a small claims action. (Keep a copy of the letter, of course.) You might also make a complaint to the childcare licensing agency or some other appropriate authority, though I'm not sure who that would be. anon

The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network. Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.