Can a preschool not refund the money paid in advance for the june of 2008 if we want to quit now?

Question

We're going to preschool (age 3) now and don't really like it -- the teachers are fine on paper but they don't like their job and they constantly "good job" the children. We want to quit now in novemmber. However, we've been told that the yearly membership ($120) plus the prepaid month of june of 2008 ($180) will be forfeted. The preschool is only 2.5 hrs 2 times a week! I think that is wrong but don't know the laws or where to look them up. We're in seattle, WA. Does anyone know what we can do?

Answer 1

Read your contract. Most include a policy on withdrawal. If there is no written policy you have the option of small claims court but it is probably not worth the trouble.

Answer 2

Did you sign something saying that if you pulled out, the money is non-refundable?  If you did not, then you should be able to get your money back.

Answer 3

When you enrolled your child you should have been given a parent handbook. You should have also signed something stating that you received the parent handbook. Inside the there should be policies stating tuition and other factors. You may have also received a contract stating rules associated with membership dues and tuition. If you were not given any of these things I would check with your Washington department of education website. They may provide a link for state licensing requirements.

Answer 4

Honestly, it would probably cost you more money to do anything about it. Unless they broke a contract that they made with you, you have no real legal recourse.

Answer 5

when you started i am sure you signed a contract or agreement....refer to that paperwork,  if it says that on the paperwork then you are stuck for the money.