Child Care Providers: Safe Child-Staff Ratio and Group Size
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The number of children per adult care provider is one thing that reflects the quality and safety of a child
care setting. Total group size also matters. The guidelines for these factors vary by the child's age. They also vary by the type and size of the child care center.
The guidelines for group child care centers are shown in the table.footnote 1
Safe child-staff ratio and group size for group child careChildren's ages | Maximum child-to-staff ratio | Maximum group size |
|---|
12 months or younger | 3 to 1 | 6 |
13 to 35 months | 4 to 1 | 8 |
3 years | 7 to 1 | 14 |
4 years | 8 to 1 | 16 |
5 years | 8 to 1 | 16 |
6 to 8 years | 10 to 1 | 20 |
9 to 12 years | 12 to 1 | 24 |
References
Citations
- American Academy of Pediatrics et al. (2011). Staffing. In Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards-Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs, 3rd ed., pp. 2-45. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Current as of:
May 4, 2017
American Academy of Pediatrics et al. (2011). Staffing. In Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards-Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs, 3rd ed., pp. 2-45. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.