Daycare over state ratio rules - what should I do?

[lecach]

Our sons daycare class has been over ratio in the mornings for the last 2 weeks. The ratio for this age is 1 teacher to 10 kids. They are allowed to be over the first and last hour of the day. But since they open at 7:00 this rule does not apply in this case.

Several times I have dropped my son off around 9 a.m. and there were 12-15 kids and only one teacher. This has happened at least 4 times in 2 weeks. On one of the days there was only a sub in the room - and she was clearly uncomfortable. I said something to the Asst. Director and she got a little defensive. The teacher said something to the director and I spoke to the director as well. The director said she didn't know that so many were coming that early and they would get more help. The first day after this conversation they had a sub in there. Today - they were back to being over ratio. Our daycare just went to 5 stars (the highest rating for the state). And they are getting ready to raise prices next month. They have a HUGE waiting list. I am starting to feel like they aren't trying as hard since they can always fill the spot. This center has a great reputation and we've been really pleased. But I don't like the fact that they are over ratio - it's not fair to the teacher OR the kids. And at $187 a week it shouldnt happen. I'm just wondering how far to carry this.

I guess I will wait and see how it goes next week - if they are still over ratio what should I do? I could make an anonymous report to the state but don't want to do that unless its a last resort.

 

[Christine]

I can't remember why, but I had to make a report to the state about something once with my daycare. They took note of it and checked it or their next inspection.

It's not a big deal to do. Once they receive your complaint, they will probably do a "surprise" check on the center at your specified time (they do these all the time). If they are over ratio, they will be notified by the state to correct it and will have to prove that they have hired enough employees to do so.

They would never get shut down unless they kept doing it.

 

[CEDmom]

I'd definately found out who to contact at the state licensing board and file a complaint. They're putting many children in danger and it has to be stopped.

 

[barkley]

i'de call and report it. you can do it anon. and they will dispatch a surprise inspector.

for me it's a safety issue, and if they are breaking this rule heaven knows what other rules are being broken. if the issue is that they are understaffed, then that director and or her assistant should be sitting in that classroom so that they are meeting the state mandate (are the 'subs' even legaly qualified to be serving as the lone person in the room?-generaly the law says you have to have so many ece units to be the lone 'teacher' in a classroom, short of that you can only be an aide and the ratio is adjusted down absent a unit holding teacher present).

i'de call today so they might send someone tomorrow or monday a.m. to see what's up.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I think you did the right thing by speaking to the director first. But since she didn't take your concerns seriously and did not correct their error, I would definitely report it to the state. This is not only a service that you are paying for but you are also putting your child's well-being in their hands.

I know you posted this last month but I don't know if you ever acted on your concerns so I thought I'd give my two cents.

 

[dogluva]

Our sons daycare class has been over ratio in the mornings for the last 2 weeks. The ratio for this age is 1 teacher to 10 kids. They are allowed to be over the first and last hour of the day. But since they open at 7:00 this rule does not apply in this case.

Several times I have dropped my son off around 9 a.m. and there were 12-15 kids and only one teacher. This has happened at least 4 times in 2 weeks. On one of the days there was only a sub in the room - and she was clearly uncomfortable. I said something to the Asst. Director and she got a little defensive. The teacher said something to the director and I spoke to the director as well. The director said she didn't know that so many were coming that early and they would get more help. The first day after this conversation they had a sub in there. Today - they were back to being over ratio. Our daycare just went to 5 stars (the highest rating for the state). And they are getting ready to raise prices next month. They have a HUGE waiting list. I am starting to feel like they aren't trying as hard since they can always fill the spot. This center has a great reputation and we've been really pleased. But I don't like the fact that they are over ratio - it's not fair to the teacher OR the kids. And at $187 a week it shouldnt happen. I'm just wondering how far to carry this.

I guess I will wait and see how it goes next week - if they are still over ratio what should I do? I could make an anonymous report to the state but don't want to do that unless its a last resort.

I would report it in a heartbeat. This is your son's safety we are talking about. Two year olds need supervision!

I went to my daycare providers house not anounced. I knew something was not right. There were six kids over the limit. (six kid limit). Kids were literally haning off the rafters (really, they were playing on the stairs).

My daughter was on the living room floor asleep while kids played with swords near her face. I pulled her out that day.

Do something.

 

[lecach]

After hearing from other parents as well, they started putting another teacher in the room at 8:30 every morning. But the ratio thing along with several other issues made DH and I start to look at other options. There is a new daycare much closer to our house that just opened. They have a 1/2 day option for $90 (I have been paying $197 for full time) and when I find a new job (currently laid off) I can switch to full time for $180. So not only is it closer and cheaper - they are new so they seem to be actually trying to please the parents. Plus the kicker was that my DS's best friend (they were born on the same date) is also switching to this school. Also, the teachers at the new school are apparently wonderful with potty training. And both the head teacher in his class have their bachelors degrees. So it's probably for the best.

The only thing we're worried about with the switch is whether DS will be happy. I think having a friend will help. And I think he'll get used to the very different playground. The new playground is smaller and has mulch instead of sand. At the old school DS LOVED LOVED LOVED the sand and the trucks and shovels.

Oh, and one other good thing about the new school - they have actual security. You have to have a code to get in the door. At the old school anyone could just walk in the door.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Sounds like a great decision! I hope your son will enjoy his new daycare.