Accidentally Over Ratio Today

[Unregistered]

I have had some medical things going on, and have to have a minor surgical procedure tomorrow, so I called off work. The dcp's have been really great and flexible with what has been going on, so when one of the dcm's asked if I coud switch her two kids from tomorrow to today, I said of course. I forgot that today is the "off" kindergarten day for 2 of my school agers, so I will be 2 kids over ratio for 3 hours today.

2 of them are less than a month away from the age cut off from being "legal." I just dont like being over ratio for any amount of time. Would you call dcm and have her pick up her kids, or just ride the next 3 hours out?

[cara041083]

In my area (kansas) I am allowed 2 "extra school age'ed kids until School lets out. I just can't have them while summer is here. you might check into it. It could be the same for you as well

[jenn]

I would just go on with the day as normal, and cross my fingers that licensing didn't decide to visit today! I would never recommend operating purposely over ratio. However, this sounds like a one time oversight. Good luck with your procedure.

[cara041083]

In my area (kansas) I am allowed 2 "extra school age'ed kids until School lets out. I just can't have them while summer is here. you might check into it. It could be the same for you as well and if you can, then you are good. As long as the school year isn't over yet, then you can have them on off days.

[cara041083]

In my area (kansas) I am allowed 2 "extra school age'ed kids until School lets out. I just can't have them while summer is here. you might check into it. It could be the same for you as well

Computer messed up

[daycare]

I did something similar one time and was freaking out. Of course the one and only time that ever happens, guess what. Food program showed up.

Lucky for me, one of the kids get picked up right before lunch, so the parent showed up to pick up at the same exact time the Food Program did. Nothing was said about it at all and I don't even know if the guy noticed.

I wanted to cry my eyes out. It was 100% my fault and due to poor scheduling on my behalf. NEVER again.

That would have been horrible if it were LIC...........

relax, we make mistakes. Just learn from it and move on.

[drseuss]

I would probably call parents for pick up and apologize profusely for the mistake. I wouldn't want a citation for operating over ratio on my record.

[Blackcat31]

I have had some medical things going on, and have to have a minor surgical procedure tomorrow, so I called off work. The dcp's have been really great and flexible with what has been going on, so when one of the dcm's asked if I coud switch her two kids from tomorrow to today, I said of course. I forgot that today is the "off" kindergarten day for 2 of my school agers, so I will be 2 kids over ratio for 3 hours today.

2 of them are less than a month away from the age cut off from being "legal." I just dont like being over ratio for any amount of time. Would you call dcm and have her pick up her kids, or just ride the next 3 hours out?

ABSOLUTELY!!

I would never go over ratios..... not even for a minute let alone 3 hours.

Rules are rules for a reason and whether or not we agree with them does not matter...

Thinking it's no big deal or it's only for a couple hours or whatever is also not okay because all it takes is one time.

One time to have something happen
One time for someone to get hurt
One time for someone to report you
One time for an incident to change your life.

NOT worth it in my opinion

Plus, when that one thing happens....it then gives ALL providers a bad name.

[Laurel]

I would just go on with the day as normal, and cross my fingers that licensing didn't decide to visit today! I would never recommend operating purposely over ratio. However, this sounds like a one time oversight. Good luck with your procedure.

Laurel

[CraftyMom]

I did something similar last summer. I said yes to a drop in, but my numbers over lapped by 20 minutes. I figured what are the chances of anyone finding out? It's only 20 minutes!

Well just my luck a dcm decides to pick up unannounced. She never said a word to me until they left on bad terms. She went to the state and told on me and I got cited. My licensor said even 2 minutes over ratio is too much.

I understand though and hope it works out well if you decided to keep them!

[Blackcat31]

I did something similar last summer. I said yes to a drop in, but my numbers over lapped by 20 minutes. I figured what are the chances of anyone finding out? It's only 20 minutes!

Well just my luck a dcm decides to pick up unannounced. She never said a word to me until they left on bad terms. She went to the state and told on me and I got cited. My licensor said even 2 minutes over ratio is too much.

I understand though and hope it works out well if you decided to keep them!

I am surprised by the number of posters that have said it's not a big deal. :confused:

[CraftyMom]

I will never go over ratio again!

[Play Care]

ABSOLUTELY!!

I would never go over ratios..... not even for a minute let alone 3 hours.

Rules are rules for a reason and whether or not we agree with them does not matter...

Thinking it's no big deal or it's only for a couple hours or whatever is also not okay because all it takes is one time.

One time to have something happen
One time for someone to get hurt
One time for someone to report you
One time for an incident to change your life.

NOT worth it in my opinion

Plus, when that one thing happens....it then gives ALL providers a bad name.

"Sue, I wanted to get in touch with you right away. Unfortunately I forgot tomorrow is an early dismissal day from school and I won't be able to provide care for your kids. The state is pretty strict about things like that, I'm sure you understand!"

To me it's one thing if I'm in violation unknowingly over something (not ideal but it happens) but to knowingly break a rule? And then if it so happens licensing does show, you look like a sneaky jerk. I mean, do providers honestly say to the licensor, "I was just hoping you wouldn't show today?"

[llpa]

I would probably call parents for pick up and apologize profusely for the mistake. I wouldn't want a citation for operating over ratio on my record.

[Annalee]

I am surprised by the number of posters that have said it's not a big deal. :confused:

Ratio is the considered the worst violation in my state. I would not want to get caught with my numbers off.