Sooooo Frustrated. Any Creative Ideas? Help!

[Kimberli]

This may be nothing more than a rhetorical vent, but ...

I am licensed for 8 kids - 2 needing to be school-aged and if so, no more than 2 infants when the SA are in the facility before and after school.

I have had one 2 and up opening since October - looks like it is finally going to be filled tomorrow - hallelujah!

I also have a lady lined up to start her two SA children with me when the first of my 3 infants turns 2 on March 11 (5 weeks away). That would make me FULL again, finally!!!! Yippppeeee! But ...

This morning the Mom of the SAs called and said she is desperate because her current provider gave her 1 day notice this morning and she needs someone to watch the girls before and after school starting TOMORROW. If I took them, I would be out of ratio. (and we all know how much my Licensing Analyst likes me.) But if I can't take them for another 5 weeks, she will find someone else and once again I can say bye-bye to income that I really need. This has been the story since I started this daycare 3 years ago ... turn away money even though I am equipped to care for the children and I have a full time assistant though I am not required to have one.

Any brilliant ideas? There is NO way I am putting myself in jeopardy with Licensing. What can I do so I don't lose these kiddos?

[CedarCreek]

I'm just curious, why did her provider give her one day of notice? I'm just trying to put things together before I try to come up with an idea.

[Heidi]

Do you have a trusted friend or family member who can help out the mom until then?

In my case, I have a 15 year old, who I would then offer up as a "babysitter" at their house until then.

[Kimberli]

She said she is not very professional and gets her daughters to school late several days a week - so she has given her notice that she would be leaving her care in March when she started with me - and that was the provider's response to term her with no notice in return.

[bunnyslippers]

Would you be out of ratio just because of the ages of the children? And you have an assistant? Just trying to get it straight...

If it is only a matter of the ages, and if it is only going to be an issue for five weeks, and if you have an assistant who can help...I would probably just take the two SA and be out of ratio for the short time. Maybe look at how you could tweek schedules here and there so the amount of time each day that you are out of ratio isn't too long.

I know I am telling you to break a rule, and I know people may think I am wrong (so please don't get all over me for this advice, fellow forumers). I just think that it is for such a short time that it probably won't even matter. I mean, in 5 weeks, is that almost 2 year old really going to be a changed baby? It is for reasons like this that I get soooo frustrated with the licensing process.

[ABCDaycareMN]

Can you ask your licenser for a variance? They may just say ok since it's only a age thing for 5 weeks.

[Blackcat31]

She said she is not very professional and gets her daughters to school late several days a week - so she has given her notice that she would be leaving her care in March when she started with me - and that was the provider's response to term her with no notice in return.

Wow, that kind of ****s for the parent.

I think it is nice that you are trying to help her but at the same time she knows you made arrangements to accept her children into care in March and even though she needs immediate care, if it isn't something you can accomodate, you mught just have to tell her that you can't switch things up for her.

Even if that means risking losing her as a client.

I am sorry there isn't an easy answer. I would opt for complete honesty with her and simply tell her your situation and why you aren't able to help her out and see if she is willing to find temporary care until you can take her kids.

If she really wants to be a part of your program, she might just do whateer she can to make due until you are available.

[Kimberli]

Well, I did go ahead and e-mail my analyst to ask for a temporary variance, but I fully expect NO for an answer. The analyst I have has a reputation for being excessively strict and critical - BUT, it never hurts to ask.

Having said that, now I fully expect a visit from her in the next couple of weeks! Lol!

[nanglgrl]

Do you have any parents that could cut back on their hours a bit for 5 weeks (like come later and leave earlier)? Maybe give them a discount and tell them the time period and why you would like to do it. If you make the discount good enough someone might adjust their schedule. Of course you may actually lose a little money for those 5 weeks but you would gain long term.
If you found a parent that was willing to do it I would definitely tell them it's a temporary thing. You don't want them expecting a discount after the 5 weeks is up or trying to change their schedule and pay less so you would have to make that very clear.

[Crystal]

Would you be out of ratio just because of the ages of the children? And you have an assistant? Just trying to get it straight...

If it is only a matter of the ages, and if it is only going to be an issue for five weeks, and if you have an assistant who can help...I would probably just take the two SA and be out of ratio for the short time. Maybe look at how you could tweek schedules here and there so the amount of time each day that you are out of ratio isn't too long.
I know I am telling you to break a rule, and I know people may think I am wrong (so please don't get all over me for this advice, fellow forumers). I just think that it is for such a short time that it probably won't even matter. I mean, in 5 weeks, is that almost 2 year old really going to be a changed baby? It is for reasons like this that I get soooo frustrated with the licensing process.

Worst advice ever. In cali she would be shut down.

[Crystal]

Well, I did go ahead and e-mail my analyst to ask for a temporary variance, but I fully expect NO for an answer. The analyst I have has a reputation for being excessively strict and critical - BUT, it never hurts to ask.

Having said that, now I fully expect a visit from her in the next couple of weeks! Lol!

Unfortunately, In California they will, under no circumstances, give a "temporary variance" If you call and ask, you are opening yourself up for a visit for sure.

[justgettingstarted]

Unfortunately, In California they will, under no circumstances, give a "temporary variance" If you call and ask, you are opening yourself up for a visit for sure.

This. When I first opened someone on here suggested that I ask for a variance for a similar situation. My licensor had never heard of such a thing and went on and on about how under no circumstances could I ever exceed the ratios. I was visited a few weeks later

[bunnyslippers]

Worst advice ever. In cali she would be shut down.

As I said...no need to jump all over me. I had this same issue, and went over for 3 weeks. Still open! Didn't have an issue. I was simply offering my opinion.

You really need to work on your delivery. Comes off pretty nasty a lot of the time.

[Kimberli]

Unfortunately, In California they will, under no circumstances, give a "temporary variance" If you call and ask, you are opening yourself up for a visit for sure.

Well, I did email and ask this morning because I know it is done other places, but with no reply so far. And, after my last awful visit from my analyst I actually think it might be good for her to come back out and find a clean slate. She will probably show up any day now and I will, of course, be in ratio!

I referred the mom to the before and after school program at the elementary school as a temporary option. We will see if she actually brings her kiddos here after the 5 weeks.

[daycare]

if you already have an asst that is there all the time then why not expand your license to large?

I know it will take time,but it would make sense.