What is a suggested way to handle high child-to-staff ratios due to absenteeism?

Having a list of on-call staff is a strategic approach to address high child-to-staff ratios that may arise due to absenteeism. This method allows for immediate staffing solutions without the long-term commitment or complexity associated with hiring new permanent staff. When absenteeism occurs, having trained, available staff on call can ensure that child safety and program quality are maintained. This flexibility can also help prevent disruptions in programming, allowing staff to respond quickly to staffing shortages and ensuring that children receive the attention and supervision they need.

In contrast, hiring more permanent staff might not be feasible or financially sustainable, especially if absenteeism is sporadic. Reducing the number of children isn't always practical or desirable since it can limit the program's reach and availability. Limiting activities offered can also detract from the overall experience for children and may not effectively address the underlying staffing challenge.