Illegal Daycare, Two Week Notice, and Other Chaos

[Angelsj]

OP stated Virginia only allows for 5 children so 9 would be out illegal.

Wow, really? How does one make a living on that?

[Blackcat31]

Wow, really? How does one make a living on that?

Rates that are double what we charge ? ::

If I could get half my families to pay me double what they are paying now, I would definitely offer more specialized and individualized care.

[Angelsj]

Rates that are double what we charge ? ::

If I could get half my families to pay me double what they are paying now, I would definitely offer more specialized and individualized care.

Lol true.

[LysesKids]

Wow, really? How does one make a living on that?

I survive on 4 ... I made more in AR & I know I could get more in VA, but sadly where I live now, SAHM wanting a few extra $$ are a dime dozen

[Heidi]

Wow, really? How does one make a living on that?

Well, probably a lot of people do. I only have 5, and that's actually fine for me.

Also, if she's not regulated, that's her limit. If she were, she could probably have more. Clearly, she's making more anyway because she takes more kids and doesn't even feed them...

[Thriftylady]

Well, probably a lot of people do. I only have 5, and that's actually fine for me.

Also, if she's not regulated, that's her limit. If she were, she could probably have more. Clearly, she's making more anyway because she takes more kids and doesn't even feed them...

I can have six and legally be unlicensed. In Kansas I was licensed for ten and usually never had more than six. Six is about my limit and still stay sane. I am actually amoung the cheapest in my area, but I am very frugal. Hubby says I pinch pennies into quarters .

[Unregistered]

my legal limit is 5 and that is just fine for me! I actually do a mix of part time, so I only have a full house one day a week and I think it fits me well and offers enoug of an income. I always look at people who are over limit and think of what would happen if there was a fire. There is no way that one provider can get that many kids out in time, especially if they are so little. I would definitely be moving on from her care and turning her in! Do not pay her any more money!

[Blackcat31]

my legal limit is 5 and that is just fine for me! I actually do a mix of part time, so I only have a full house one day a week and I think it fits me well and offers enoug of an income. I always look at people who are over limit and think of what would happen if there was a fire. There is no way that one provider can get that many kids out in time, especially if they are so little. I would definitely be moving on from her care and turning her in! Do not pay her any more money!

I am LEGALLY licensed for 12 children (14 with a helper) ALL between the ages of infancy to 5 yrs old.

We practice fire and storm drills on a bi-weekly basis.

We are out and away from the house in our meeting place within 1-2 minutes MAX.

With a good routine, good set up and a great group of daycare kids, 12 is NOT hard at all.

As a matter of fact, on Fridays when I only have half my group...there is a lot more chaos and a whole lot more misbehaving going on so just because one person can't manage a large group doesn't mean its that way for everyone.

10 is the max providers in their first year here can have but after 12 months, they can up their license to 12 or 14.

[Unregistered]

I am LEGALLY licensed for 12 children (14 with a helper) ALL between the ages of infancy to 5 yrs old.

We practice fire and storm drills on a bi-weekly basis.

We are out and away from the house in our meeting place within 1-2 minutes MAX.

With a good routine, good set up and a great group of daycare kids, 12 is NOT hard at all.

As a matter of fact, on Fridays when I only have half my group...there is a lot more chaos and a whole lot more misbehaving going on so just because one person can't manage a large group doesn't mean its that way for everyone.

10 is the max providers in their first year here can have but after 12 months, they can up their license to 12 or 14.

Sorry! I didn't mean to offend you! I had no idea you could have in home childcare with that many kids. I am just looking at my house thinking of how I would be able to fit them all! I think it is awesome if you can manage that amount and you sound very upfront and professional, so parents know what tey are getting. I would be annoyed if I was the OP and every time I cam, there were way more kids than i was told would be there daily. People like you obviously take your job seriously and practice for emergencies, but just from the sound of this OP (not knowing her), it doesn't sound like this provider may be as prepared and that is when those terrible news stories happen. I hope that is not the case for this woman, but I would at least be very upfront and ask what the real deal is. And again, I meant no offense towards childcare providers who have large amounts of children, and have learned something new today

[Blackcat31]

Sorry! I didn't mean to offend you! I had no idea you could have in home childcare with that many kids. I am just looking at my house thinking of how I would be able to fit them all! I think it is awesome if you can manage that amount and you sound very upfront and professional, so parents know what tey are getting. I would be annoyed if I was the OP and every time I cam, there were way more kids than i was told would be there daily. People like you obviously take your job seriously and practice for emergencies, but just from the sound of this OP (not knowing her), it doesn't sound like this provider may be as prepared and that is when those terrible news stories happen. I hope that is not the case for this woman, but I would at least be very upfront and ask what the real deal is. And again, I meant no offense towards childcare providers who have large amounts of children, and have learned something new today

No offense taken I'm pretty laid back, despite my strict business approach.

I also happen to be one of the few providers that didn't purposely get into this business for the rainbows and sunshine. I am an accidental provider (long story... my own kid was "that kid") and here I am 20+ years later.

But I think that ^^ helps me be more business than pushover...kwim?

I am very routine, very no nonsense and it helps ALOT. I see situations without the emotional part which I believe is the part that pulls other providers down or runs them out of business.

I am also the oldest of 6 kids (caregiving is second nature to me), was born "bossy" and knowing what I want/don't want. And,...I am the most optimistic, happy person you will ever run across.

When I first joined this forum, I was surprised at the difference in rules for ratios from state to state so I understand where the confusion came in but again, no offense taken at all.

It's all good.

[laundrymom]

my legal limit is 5 and that is just fine for me! I actually do a mix of part time, so I only have a full house one day a week and I think it fits me well and offers enoug of an income. I always look at people who are over limit and think of what would happen if there was a fire. There is no way that one provider can get that many kids out in time, especially if they are so little. I would definitely be moving on from her care and turning her in! Do not pay her any more money!

About 11 years ago my previous neighbor(has since lost home and moved) had a fire during the day. I was outside with my group when the trucks pulled up. Panic. Everywhere.
I began catching kids over the privacy fence from the firemen. (Safe play space, licensed provider, I offered)
After all were out, I had 23 kids in my tiny yard. By myself. 7 of them were enrolled in my care, including the one that was my own.
The police officers came in my fence to assist. It was a nightmare.
I had no idea neighbor had so many.

[Heidi]

About 11 years ago my previous neighbor(has since lost home and moved) had a fire during the day. I was outside with my group when the trucks pulled up. Panic. Everywhere.
I began catching kids over the privacy fence from the firemen. (Safe play space, licensed provider, I offered)
After all were out, I had 23 kids in my tiny yard. By myself. 7 of them were enrolled in my care, including the one that was my own.
The police officers came in my fence to assist. It was a nightmare.
I had no idea neighbor had so many.

In WI, you'd have to make a report to licensing (contact with public authorities), and they'd probably sight you after the fact for YOU being out of compliance. No, I am not kidding!

[laundrymom]

In WI, you'd have to make a report to licensing (contact with public authorities), and they'd probably sight you after the fact for YOU being out of compliance. No, I am not kidding!

Oh. Lol. Licensing came. Cps came. Everyone came. I was mearly a safe haven. No write ups for me. Neighbor went to jail. Apparently they found some .... Things growing... In her master bath.

Made for a long couple hours.