Ratio Waiver 620-01-85-16

(NEW 10/1/16 ML# 3480)

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  1. Group and Center Operators who have been licensed for at least two consecutive years (24 months) may apply for a waiver of ratio. The start date of the ratio waiver shall be no more than three months out from the date the ratio waiver is requested.
  1. Operator fills out SFN 1150 and sends it to the county licenser (authorized agent), indicating the current enrollment and the ages and numbers of children the operator wishes to enroll under this waiver. The application must include documentation of the demonstration of need for the waiver, including letters from the parent(s) of the child(ren) to be included in the waiver.

    1. Group operators may apply for one waiver per license/year.
    2. Center operators may apply for one waiver per group/year.

  2. Authorized agent will forward the application to the regional supervisor for initial review. If the department determines that the application warrants further consideration, the authorized agent will complete an unannounced visit at the program to verify:

    1. Current enrollment
    2. Square footage
    3. Existence of any health and safety hazards

If a recent visit was already completed at the program, it may be possible for the authorized agent to verify current enrollment, square footage, and existence of health and safety hazards without another visit.

  1. Authorized Agent will forward the following attached to the regional supervisor:

    1. Notes from the unannounced visit, including any additional information the authorized agent would like the department to consider in processing the waiver, and including a recommendation for approval or denial of the waiver
    1. Updated floor plan
    2. Summary of licensing history

     

  2. The regional supervisor will review the application and the supporting documentation with the early childhood state administrator, and a decision to approve or deny the waiver will be made. Efforts will be made by the state administrator to verify the need as explained by the operator and parent(s).
  1. The regional supervisor will send a letter to the operator, informing the operator of the decision, and of the dates of the effectiveness of the waiver (not to exceed one year). A copy of this letter will also be sent to the authorized agent to be included in the licensing file.