State Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios
Know your state's licensing requirements before you open. Compare child-to-staff ratios for infants through Pre-K across all 50 states and DC.
National Overview
How ratios vary across the United States
States + DC
Infant Ratio Range
Pre-K Ratio Range
Avg Infant Ratio
Infants
0–1 yr
max children per staff
Young Toddlers
1–1.5 yr
max children per staff
Toddlers
1.5–2 yr
max children per staff
Older Toddlers
2–2.5 yr
max children per staff
Twos
2.5–3 yr
max children per staff
Preschool
3–4 yr
max children per staff
Pre-K
4–5 yr
max children per staff
National averages shown above. Select your state for specific data.
Important Disclaimer
This data is sourced from the Archbridge Institute "State Childcare Regulations Database 2025" and represents minimum licensing requirements for child care centers (not family child care homes). Regulations change — always verify current requirements with your state's licensing authority before making business decisions. "Best practice" ratios (such as NAEYC accreditation standards) may be stricter than state minimums.