1.1.1.

2: Ratios for Large Family Child Care Homes and Centers

Child:staff ratios in large family child care homes and centers should be maintained as follows during
all hours of operation, including in vehicles during transport.
Large Family Child Care Homes

Age Maximum Child:Staff RatioMaximum Group Size

     
≤ 12 months 2:1 6

13-23 months 2:1 8

24-35 months 3:1 12

3-year-olds 7:1 12

4- to 5-year-olds 8:1 12

6- to 8-year-olds 10:1 12

9- to 12-year-olds12:1 12

During nap time for children birth through thirty months of age, the child:staff ratio must be
maintained at all times regardless of how many infants are sleeping. They must also be maintained
even during the adult’s break time so that ratios are not relaxed.
Child Care Centers

Age Maximum Child:Staff RatioMaximum Group Size

     
≤ 12 months 3:1 6

13-35 months 4:1 8

3-year-olds 7:1 14

4-year-olds 8:1 16

5-year-olds 8:1 16

6- to 8-year-olds 10:1 20

9- to 12-year-olds12:1 24

During nap time for children ages thirty-one months and older, at least one adult should be
physically present in the same room as the children and maximum group size must be maintained.
Children over thirty-one months of age can usually be organized to nap on a schedule, but infants
and toddlers as individuals are more likely to nap on different schedules. In the event even one child
is not sleeping the child should be moved to another activity where appropriate supervision is
provided.
If there is an emergency during nap time other adults should be on the same floor and should
immediately assist the staff supervising sleeping children. The caregiver/teacher who is in the same
room with the children should be able to summon these adults without leaving the children.
When there are mixed age groups in the same room, the child:staff ratio and group size should be
consistent with the age of most of the children. When infants or toddlers are in the mixed age group,
the child:staff ratio and group size for infants and toddlers should be maintained. In large family child
care homes with two or more caregivers/teachers caring for no more than twelve children, no more
than three children younger than two years of age should be in care.
Children with special health care needs or who require more attention due to certain disabilities may
require additional staff on-site, depending on their special needs and the extent of their disabilities
(1). See Standard 1.1.1.3.
At least one adult who has satisfactorily completed a course in pediatric first aid, including CPR skills
within the past three years, should be part of the ratio at all times.