I would never go over ratio. Not even for 5 minutes. Do you have daycare insurance? I do and they cover me to have 5 daycare children in my home. Imagine something of the unspeakable happened in my home. Imagine I got sued by a parent. Imagine my house insurance found out I was one over ratio. Imagine they wouldn't pay for my claim. Imagine I am out of pocket now for a million dollars. Imagine I loose my job, my house, my car. I would NEVER put myself or my family at risk. EVER. I know people do it and the chances are it would be fine but not for me. I don't take chances with my life and family :-( Just my two cents.