Staff-to-Child Ratio Guide by State
Staff-to-child ratios are legally mandated minimums — violating them is the most common licensing violation and can result in fines or licence suspension. This guide summarizes the requirements for the most common age groups. Always verify with your state licensing agency as requirements change.
How to Read This Guide
Ratios are expressed as 1:X where X is the maximum number of children per staff member. A lower number means more supervision — always aim for better than the minimum. These are minimums, not recommendations.
Texas
• Infants (0–11 months): 1:4
• Toddlers (12–17 months): 1:4
• Toddlers (18–23 months): 1:9
• 2-year-olds: 1:11
• 3-year-olds: 1:15
• 4-year-olds: 1:18
• 5-year-olds (not school-age): 1:22
Source: Texas HHS Chapter 746 Minimum Standards
California
• Infants (0–23 months): 1:4 (group max 8)
• Toddlers (24–35 months): 1:6 (group max 12)
• Preschool (3–5 years): 1:8 (group max 16)
• Mixed age: varies — contact CDSS for your specific configuration
Source: California Code of Regulations Title 22
New York
• Infants (6 weeks–12 months): 1:4
• Toddlers (12–18 months): 1:4
• Toddlers (18 months–3 years): 1:5
• 3-year-olds: 1:7
• 4-year-olds: 1:8
• 5–12 years: 1:13
Source: New York OCFS Day Care Regulations
Florida
• Infants (birth–12 months): 1:4
• 1-year-olds: 1:6
• 2-year-olds: 1:11
• 3-year-olds: 1:15
• 4-year-olds: 1:20
• 5-year-olds and above: 1:25
Source: Florida Statutes Chapter 402 and F.A.C. Rule 65C-22
Illinois
• Infants (6 weeks–12 months): 1:4
• Toddlers (12–24 months): 1:5
• 2–2.5 years: 1:8
• 2.5–3 years: 1:10
• 3-year-olds: 1:10
• 4–5 years: 1:20
• School-age: 1:20
Source: Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers
General Guidance for All States
Always verify ratios with your state licensing agency before opening or expanding — regulations change.
Mixed-age groups often have stricter requirements than same-age groups.
Some states apply group size maximums in addition to staff-to-child ratios.
Higher ratios during nap time may be allowed in some states — check your specific regulations.
Substitute and director staff may count toward ratios depending on state rules.
Manage your licensed daycare on ZuKeepr
List Your Daycare — Free