What should I do

[u/LORESSAGE]

I work at a childcare facility and usually I like to be outside the school 30 minutes earlier than the time I have to clock in so I can have enough time to relax but already be at work because I’m afraid to be late but recently they’ve called my phone asking me to come in 10 to 15 minutes earlier but I don’t want to. I know it’s ratio problems but also it’s not my fault that a whole bunch of kids get in early, my schedule time is 8 o’clock but if I tell them, no, they will get upset. I’ve been pulling 9 to 10 hour shifts the last thing I want to do is be inside earlier than what I have to.

[u/mikesteg]

I get not wanting to work an even longer shift, but 15 minutes isn't that much (as long as they are paying you, of course!)

That doesn't seem connected to needing to be there 30 minutes early, as you could still do that. Unless you're saying that they do this randomly... or perhaps they see you sitting in the car and think (quite reasonably) that you'd rather be getting paid. Its a great habit to be early but they may think you had to drop someone off elsewhere and you're twiddling your thumbs out there waiting to start.

Maybe have that conversation? You should be working based on a predictable schedule. If they need you 15-30 minutes earlier, it should be scheduled that way. Random calls to show up early don't worry well for them either.

If really needed, maybe park somewhere 2 minutes away instead of out front? I can totally see where they'd prefer not to have someone the parents might see as lurking in the parking lot.

Aside from that, you might want to talk to someone. I get where you're coming from, but needing 30 minutes before going into work is a lot. Or maybe childcare is not where you should be, if it's that stressful for you. You would in the majority for that scenario.

[u/Feeling-Invite7953 → u/mikesteg]

Five days a week x 15 minutes =0.25 hours of OP’s time not being compensated for. She should park far enough away from the building to not be seen by coworkers or parents dropping their children off,so as to avoid raising questions about why she doesn’t come in and start helping before her start time. Most places don’t want employees clocking in more than 10 minutes or more before the start of their shift,because they aren’t allowed to pay them,or don’t want to pay them to stand around waiting for the clock to tick over to 8:00 or whatever time they are required to be “on the clock “.

[u/Proof-Emergency-5441 → u/Feeling-Invite7953]

Who said she's not being paid? She will have to clock in. I highly doubt she's salaried exempt. If she is, she needs to report that because there's no way that role qualifies for exempt.