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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Unlicensed Child Care in Ohio
CLynn 08:51 AM 07-13-2013
I have a type B unlicensed home daycare and I want to make sure that I'm staying legal and following my state specific rules. I called Ohio JFS Child Care Help Desk for information and got off the phone more confused than when I started.

The lady I spoke with said being a type b unlicensed home daycare:
1. is private pay (no public pay unless certified)
2. that there are no rules or regulations to follow (only for licensed care) except following the provider/child ratio
3. provider/child ratio is 1:6 no more than 3 children under two. Provider's own children under 6 are included in total count.

She also tells me, along with my 5 y/o (who I already knew was included), that my 9 y/o is also included in my count. Based on http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/5101%3a2-14-16 which states:
(A) The type B home provider may provide child care for no more than six children at any one time, and no more than three of those children may be under two years of age. When determining the total number of children who are in care, children of a caretaker who is present in the home shall not be included. The following children shall be included in the count:

(1) All children under six years of age.

(2) Children six years of age through seventeen years of age who are related to the provider and for whom care is privately or publicly funded.

(3) Children six years of age through fourteen years of age who are not related to the provider.

(4) Children fifteen years of age through seventeen years of age who are not related to the provider and for whom care is privately or publicly funded.
However, the JFS website is conflicting because it states on two different pages:
Tpye B Homes - 1 to 6 children cared for in the provider's personal residence. No more than three children may be under two years of age. The provider's own children under six years of age must be included in the total count. Anyone can operate a Type B Home without a license. However, care for more than 6 children requires a license. Type B homes must be certified by the county department of Job and Family Services if the child care is paid for with public funds. Source: Here & Here
So what I'd like to know is which ratio is correct? Is my 9 y/o really included in my total count or am I misunderstanding that article? Is the rest of the information I was provided with (points 1 and 2) correct? Is there anything else specific for Ohio that I need to know or follow to remain legal?
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wonderfullisa 09:59 AM 07-13-2013
According to my licensing specialist, your own 9yo does not count in your numbers. Until 3 weeks ago, i was also unlicensed in Ohio.
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SilverSabre25 10:17 AM 07-13-2013
The lady you spoke with was totally confused.

YOUR OWN 9 yo does NOT count in the numbers, based on the "own children under six" rule.

The #2 there has to do with like, if you're getting paid to watch your niece or cousin or whathaveyou. You don't pay yourself to watch your OWN child.
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EchoMom 08:28 PM 07-13-2013
What part of Ohio are you in?

I don't mean to be a source of "wrong" advice, but let me please just tell you from my own experience, relax.

At least in Columbus, no.... one.... cares. I know that's bad to say, but literally, EVERYONE seems to be confused about the official, correct rules. Person after person after person has some different spin on what they think the ratios are supposed to be, and NO ONE follows up to enforce it.

Now I don't mean go crazy and be a kid hoarder, and please don't think I'm some ridiculous person either, but I just mean if you're out of ratio here or there, it's really not a big deal. (I'm sure some people will totally disagree with this, but I don't think they understand the unique situation in this area).
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Unregistered 04:16 PM 06-20-2020
Our church is wanting to start a half day preschool program for 3 year olds and 4 year olds...3 hours a day/ 3-4 days a week. This would be private pay, no government money accepted. The main focus is to give the preschoolers a Christian education through academics and music/arts. Our church is wondering if we must be licensed (the teacher has been teaching in a licensed program for several years and knows the protocol). Can we get an exemption? If so, who do we contact in the State of Ohio to ask for an exemption for a licensed preschool?
Thank you, Kenton Ohio
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Blackcat31 01:17 PM 06-21-2020
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Our church is wanting to start a half day preschool program for 3 year olds and 4 year olds...3 hours a day/ 3-4 days a week. This would be private pay, no government money accepted. The main focus is to give the preschoolers a Christian education through academics and music/arts. Our church is wondering if we must be licensed (the teacher has been teaching in a licensed program for several years and knows the protocol). Can we get an exemption? If so, who do we contact in the State of Ohio to ask for an exemption for a licensed preschool?
Thank you, Kenton Ohio
Here are licensing requirements for the state of Ohio
https://www.daycare.com/ohio/

If you cannot find the answer in that link there is usually a contact number listed at the bottom of that page where you can call and ask
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Unregistered 11:52 PM 06-28-2020
I was thoroughly confused reading it.
I know in my state my kids count in ratio.

But a licensor told me my kids cannot be alone with dad while signed in...and I just reread that the parent|guardian is the only person aside from government officials that can be able with kids. Ok...that's him. So if my daughter needs cool down time and a private snack to help her behavior I will have her go upstairs with dad. But I would sign her out of she left the house with him.

Another odd rule here: preschool can be under 4 hours unlicensed. But a before and after for school agers-who need less supervision-thst is less than 4 hours a session and maybe even total, needs a license.
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Tags:2013, exempt programs, exemptions, ohio, ohio member, ohio standards, unlicensed
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