re: Normal for daycare to charge noon refundable deposit?

Yes, normal.

Recently lost a $200 deposit to a freakin church daycare.

This daycare was our 2nd choice but had an opening so we signed our kid up. The same afternoon, our 1st choice called with an opening. Called the church first thing the following morning to see about getting deposit back. Said we recently had a baby and since it was less than 24 hours later, we were hoping they would make an exception. Not a chance sir, it says in black and white on the registration non-refundable.