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Thread: Ratio's

  1. #1
    Expansive...
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    Ratio's

    posting anonymously for a member

    Can you post this for me please...

    I have over 11 years of experience in Child Care Centres and working for the Ontario Early Years Centre, but I only have 2 weeks experience with my own home daycare.

    I'm wondering what everyone thinks about this "work load"/ratio:

    11 month old - mine
    4 year old - mine (school in the am)

    11 month old Mon - Thurs
    3 year old - M, W, F full days...T, Th morning only
    3.5 year old - one week on, one week off
    4 year old - 3 days/week (full time in Sept, school in am)
    6 year old - Before and After school - full time in summer

    so every other week, three days a week, I would have 7 children (2 are mine)

    sorry, that's a little bit confusing...I wish there weren't so many part time schedules, but everyone else that is calling for interviews has children under 2, and I have two under 2 already.

    Let me know what you think...

    THANKS!

  2. #2
    Outgoing
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    I'm a little unsure what you are asking. This is my everyday load except with younger ages. Are you asking if you can take in more?
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  3. #3
    Euphoric !
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    I think it sounds fine, but are they all starting at once or do you have some pace in between start dates to get eahc one adjusted and adjust yourself to the growing group? Also, you are nto limited to 2 under two years of age unless you are with an agency.

  4. #4
    Euphoric !
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    Ratio wise you are fine because on any given day you have no more than 5 daycare children - your own children do not count in those numbers so the 7 of 5 daycare plus 2 own is fine. Because of the days you have the 5 already remember that you can't take any other children that would need those days because you can not go over the 5 daycare on any day even for an hour or two. By the way you can have any age mix you want with only the 5 children limit when you are not with an agency so take more under 2 if you think you can handle them.

    To guage the workload make a list of those in school and those at home and how many you will have what days. You might find that while a couple days will be really busy with 7 there will be days you only have a few at home to care for while they others are at school. If you do the school/bus runs be sure you have a method in place to deal with the little ones needing naps or not walking depending on the distance.

  5. #5
    Euphoric ! Inspired by Reggio's Avatar
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    In Ontario if you are operating a private home childcare you are allowed to care for FIVE DAYCARE CHILDREN plus your own ... the age of the children are totally up to your preference and what clients feel comfortable enrolling with aka the market can bare for you some clients are just fine with ALL the crew being infants others will seek out someone who 'limits' the infants in care to one or two tops.

    Now if you are with an 'agency' who is licensed THAN there are restrictions to your ratio and age groups .... your own children under the age of 6 are counted in your 'five maximum' and you can only have three children under 3 years and of those three only two can be under the age of 2 .... children with 'special needs' are also limited and may be counted as one of your 'under 2' depending on their needs.

    Also make sure that when you get your insurance that your insurance company knows you are unregulated and caring for more than 5 children of varied ages .... make sure that is CLEARLY DOCUMENTED on your policy 5 PLUS YOUR OWN because some insurance companies only ensure based on 'licensed practices' so if you are following unregulated rules even though you are 'legal' for an unregulated option your insurance company may try to NOT pay out in the event of the accident if it is not clearly stated using the 'oh your policy premium was not for an unregulated daycare ryder but a regulated one'
    Children construct their own intelligence. The adult must provide activities and context, but most of all must be able to listen. Children need proof that adults believe in them. Their three great desires are to be listened to, to understand, and to demonstrate that they are exactly what we expect."
    Loris Malaguzzi

  6. #6
    Euphoric !
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    Wow, only two weeks in business and a full daycare, just wow! Good for you mystery poster!

    Personally, that age spread is going to run you ragged, but if you plan and organize you can do it. I like to phase children in one at a time so that I can give them a lot of attention as they become accustomed to daycare and it is difficult on the established children when a newbie comes in too. But I have friends who have daycares for teachers only so they have all 5 of their children come back in Sept. Proof that this can be done as well.

    Just my opinion, but the myster poster is going to need a lot of help and support so she should register here so we can help her!

  7. #7
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    Thanks everyone (I am the mystery poster...I was nervous about the post, but have learned a lot from you) I was interested in the groups that other people have, and how they handle the different ages. I guess it is something I will learn on the go.

    I started the 11 month old on Feb 23rd
    The 3 year old starts March 19th full time, but he is coming March 13th (2 hrs), March 15th (4 hrs) and March 16th (6 hrs)
    The 4 year old starts in April

    and the 3.5 & 6 year old will 'hopefully' be starting in April too, waiting on custody arrangements to be finalized in court.

    I also have three people on a waiting list. So yes, I am pretty happy that the spots filled up fast.

    I will be on here a lot for support...and advice from the experienced!

  8. #8
    Euphoric !
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    Good for you! I prefer to have children who are close in age so that it's easier to plan crafts and other activities. Last year I had all 5 aged (almost) 3 and up and I was spoiled because it got easier and easier but then I had turnover so that now I have three 1 year olds and two (almost) 4. It was kind of nerve-wracking transitioning babies after 3 years of having a group grow up together.

    I think it's really good that you have the youngest starting first because they seem to be the biggest challenge to settle into daycare life. I recommend figuring out your routine as you go along but pay attention to the children's needs and let your schedule evolve as you get to know the children. You'll get to know when they have the most energy so you can plan your outside time and circle times then. You'll get to know when they are getting tired and plan the naptimes for them so their little bodies are ready for sleep which makes less stress for you and keeps the children healthy.

    If you don't try to follow a rigid schedule that you think should work you'll be happier and with experience it gets to be natural day by day to get so much accomplished you won't even believe it. Good luck!

  9. #9
    jec
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    Welcome and congrats ARL-G on filing your spots
    These ladies have given you some great advice above ~ good luck!

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