Safe child-staff ratio and group size for child care settings

The number of children per adult care provider and the total group size are two important factors that indicate the quality and safety of a child care setting. The recommended guidelines for these factors vary by age. A report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests the following standards:¹

Safe child-staff ratio and group size

Age	Staff-to-child ratio	Maximum group size
Newborn–24 months	1:3	6
25–30 months	1:4	8
31–35 months	1:5	10
3 years	1:7	14
4–5 years	1:8	16
6–8 years	1:10	20
9–12 years	1:12	24

When infants or toddlers are included in mixed age groups, the staff-to-child ratios and group size guidelines for the youngest child should be followed. Mixed age groups that do not include infants or toddlers should follow guidelines that reflect the most common age.

Citations

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2002). 13 Indicators of Quality Child Care: Research Update. Available online: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/ccquality-ind02.