Rules by state
Child care staff-to-child ratios by state
How many children one adult may supervise in a licensed childcare center, for 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds and school-age children, in every state and DC. Checked October 2026 against each state's official rules.
1:10 to 1:26
school-age ratios in licensed centers
1:13 to 1:15
the most common school-age ratio range (20 jurisdictions)
1:8 to 1:20
ratios for 4-year-olds
50 of 51
jurisdictions with a confirmed school-age ratio
| State | 3-year-olds | 4-year-olds | School-age | Max school-age group size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1:11 | 1:18 | 1:21 | No set maximum |
| Alaska | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:18 | 36 children |
| Arizona | 1:13 | 1:15 | 1:20 | No set maximum |
| Arkansas | 1:12 | 1:15 | 1:18 | 36 children |
| California | 1:12 | 1:12 | 1:14 | No set maximum |
| Colorado | 1:10 | 1:12 | 1:15 | 30 children |
| Connecticut | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:15 | 30 children |
| Delaware | 1:10 | 1:12 | 1:15 | 30 children |
| District of Columbia | 1:8 | 1:10 | 1:15 | 30 children |
| Florida | 1:15 | 1:20 | 1:25 | No set maximum |
| Georgia | 1:15 | 1:18 | 1:25 | 50 children |
| Hawaii | 1:12 | 1:16 | 1:20 | 40 children |
| Idaho | 1:13 | 1:13 | 1:25 | No set maximum |
| Illinois | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:20 | 30 children |
| Indiana | 1:11 | 1:13 | 1:20 | 40 children |
| Iowa | 1:10 | 1:12 | 1:15 | No set maximum |
| Kansas | 1:12 | 1:12 | 1:16 | 32 children |
| Kentucky | 1:12 | 1:14 | 1:15 | 30 children |
| Louisiana | 1:13 | 1:15 | 1:23 | 46 children |
| Maine | 1:7 | 1:10 | 1:13 | No set maximum |
| Maryland | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:15 | 30 children |
| Massachusetts | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:13 | 26 children |
| Michigan | 1:10 | 1:12 | 1:18 | 54 children |
| Minnesota | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:15 | 30 children |
| Mississippi | 1:14 | 1:16 | 1:20 | 40 children |
| Missouri | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:16 | 32 children |
| Montana | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:20 | 40 children |
| Nebraska | 1:10 | 1:12 | 1:15 | No set maximum |
| Nevada | 1:12 | 1:13 | 1:18 | 36 children |
| New Hampshire | 1:8 | 1:12 | 1:15 | 45 children |
| New Jersey | 1:10 | 1:12 | 1:15 | 30 children |
| New Mexico | 1:12 | 1:12 | 1:15 | 30 children |
| New York | 1:7 | 1:8 | 1:10 | 20 children |
| North Carolina | 1:15 | 1:20 | 1:25 | 25 children |
| North Dakota | 1:7 | 1:10 | 1:20 | 40 children |
| Ohio | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | – |
| Oklahoma | 1:12 | 1:15 | 1:20 | 40 children |
| Oregon | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:15 | 30 children |
| Pennsylvania | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:12 | 24 children |
| Rhode Island | 1:9 | 1:10 | 1:13 | 26 children |
| South Carolina | 1:12 | 1:17 | 1:23 | No set maximum |
| South Dakota | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:15 | No set maximum |
| Tennessee | 1:9 | 1:13 | 1:20 | No set maximum |
| Texas | 1:15 | 1:18 | 1:26 | 35 children |
| Utah | 1:12 | 1:15 | 1:20 | 40 children |
| Vermont | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:13 | 26 children |
| Virginia | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:18 | No set maximum |
| Washington | 1:10 | 1:10 | 1:15 | 30 children |
| West Virginia | 1:10 | 1:12 | 1:16 | 32 children |
| Wisconsin | 1:10 | 1:13 | 1:18 | 36 children |
| Wyoming | 1:12 | 1:12 | 1:18 | 40 children |
- Each ratio is the number of children one adult may supervise. A ratio of 1:15 means one adult for every 15 children.
- Where a state sets more than one school-age ratio, the table shows the ratio for the youngest school-age group. Each state page lists every age band.
- The table covers licensed childcare centers. Camps, after-school programs and license-exempt programs can follow different rules; each state page explains its exemptions.
- Infant and toddler ratios aren't in this table. Check your state's official rules, linked on each state page.
- We couldn't confirm a school-age ratio for Ohio when we checked.
- General information, not legal advice. Confirm with your state's licensing agency.
FAQ
Common questions
Which state has the strictest ratio for school-age children?
New York, at 1:10 for its youngest school-age group in licensed childcare centers, among the 50 jurisdictions we confirmed. That means one adult for every 10 children. Ratios for older groups may differ; see each state page.
Which state allows the most school-age children per adult?
Texas, at 1:26 for its youngest school-age group in licensed childcare centers, among the 50 jurisdictions we confirmed. Ratios for older groups may differ; see each state page.
What does a 1:15 ratio mean?
One adult for every 15 children. A group of 30 school-age children at 1:15 needs at least two adults. Many states also cap how large a group can be.
Do these ratios apply to after-school programs and camps?
The table shows the ratios for licensed childcare centers. Many after-school programs and camps are license-exempt or follow other rules. Each state page explains which programs are exempt.
How many staff do I need for my group?
Divide the number of children by the second number in your state's ratio (15 in 1:15) and round up. Then check group-size limits and mixed-age rules, which can require more staff. The free staff ratio calculator, linked below, does the math for you.