I totally respect each provider's choice to leave a note or not. I do not want my home burglarized by any means. Yet, I know it's a possibility. I have appropriate insurance & an alarm system. So I have a prepared notice always hanging from my door with clip. The cliff note version is:
Open, knock loud, be patient
We are gone!
Nap time, knock softly
We are on a walk, be back shortly
Closed, no kids in care
It's my attempt of informing parents & inspectors, if you knock & I don't answer I am not HIDING.
The way I interpreted the original poster's story; I get why the inspector told her she needs to make up her mind. She is licensed. Therefore she is subject to the appropriate inspections. It doesn't matter that she only has one child in care. Due to her license she is not exempt.
My interpretation isn't that the provider was trying to make an excuse. I thought she was just explaining why she was closed with no kids in care.
I think some inspectors see a lot & get jaded. When I am inspected, I remember this is about the safety of children.