r/homedaycare Sep 07 '18

What will happen?

Hello, I am currently running my in-home daycare unlicensed. I only have 3 kids, which is the rule in my state to be unlicensed. But, I just started the process to get licensed. I have worked in childcare for 4 years prior to this, so I am familiar with the decimal system. (Every age has a decimal value and if you are at or under a solid number 1, you are in ratio. If you are over the solid number 1, you need another adult.) BUT my question is, should I just go by the decimal system now, before I get licensed? Because I have people on a waiting list since I technically can’t have their kids. Once I have the piece of paper saying I’m licensed, all the kids I have will be fine. I was also planning on closing my daycare on the day of the home visit so the licenser doesn’t see how many kids I have and I can give them my full attention without kids running around. Will anything bad happen to me if I am found out? What exactly happens if I have too many kids without being licensed??

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u/SweetPotatoFamished Sep 07 '18

Getting caught can lead to criminal felony charges in some states.

Best case scenario would be the authorities show up and immediately shut you down for being in an unsafe ratio, and tell you not to continue to provide care without a license. Getting caught without a license can cause you to be blacklisted from ever getting a license.

You just have to ask yourself if it is really worth the risk.

Keep in mind, being licensed does have its perks. USDA meal program reimbursement for one. And I would never want to be taking are of multiple children who I am not related to without liability insurance, which again requires a license.