Ratio Waiver 620-01-85-16

(Revised 11/24/23 ML# 3775)

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  1. Group and Center owners or operators who have been licensed for at least two consecutive years (24 months) and have not had any health and/or Correction Orders issued within the last licensing year 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. The approval of the ratio waiver is not to exceed one (calendar) year.

     

  2. The Owner or Operator shall apply for a ratio waiver through the Licensing System, 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. A ratio waiver cannot be issued for a child currently enrolled in the program.

     

  3. Efforts including checking with Child Care Aware, will be made by the Licensing Specialist to verify the need as explained by the operator and parent(s).

     

  4. Licensing Specialist and Licensing Supervisor work together to review and complete the ratio waiver process in the Licensing System.

     

  5. If it is determined that the application warrants further consideration, the Licensing Specialist will complete an unannounced visit.

    • If a visit was completed at the program in the previous 3 months, it may be possible for the Licensing Specialist to verify current enrollment, square footage, and existence of health and safety hazards without another visit.

       

  6. If the verification of current enrollment, square footage, and existence of health and safety hazards is found to be compliant the Licensing Supervisor will review the ratio waiver application and the supporting documentation, and a decision to approve or deny the waiver will be made.