Recommended Adult-Child Ratios for Child Care
When a parent sends her child to a daycare center, she is entrusting the care of her child to a stranger. To ensure that all children receive the appropriate care while away from home, adult-child ratios are enforced based on the ages of the children. Younger children need more care and thus require a larger number of adults for a smaller number of children. Ratio ranges do vary somewhat by state, though.
-
Infants
-
Infants require the most one-on-one care of any other age group. They need to eat more often, typically on a schedule, and must be changed frequently. Thus, this age group requires the fewest children per adult. In some states, this ratio can be as small as one adult for every two infants, while other states allow up to five infants for every adult. State guidelines, however, are only a maximum ratio, which means that some daycare centers may offer a lower ratio. The maximum group size for this age is recommended to be between six and 12 infants.
Toddlers
-
In some states, after a child turns a year old, the ratio changes. In other states, this ratio stays the same until the age of three or four. At this age, children are becoming more independent and can all eat at the same time. However, they still have to be supervised closely, and most still require diaper changes. The ratios for this age group can range from one adult for every three toddlers up to one adult for every ten toddlers. The recommended group size for toddlers ranges from six to 12.
Preschool
-
The preschool age group typically starts at the age of four. At this age, children are able to play independently and do not need constant close supervision. Most children are also potty trained by this age, eliminating the need for diaper changes. Because of these factors, the ratios change greatly at this point. Most states allow from eight to 10 children for each adult with a maximum group size of anywhere from 12 to 16 children in each group.
School-Aged Children
-
Once children reach school age, they are often very independent and need very little supervision and help. These children are also not commonly in daycare except during times when school is not in session. They are more used to a daily structure. Therefore, children ages seven and up require even fewer adults in a child care room. One adult can oversee from 12 to 15 children, depending on the state. Recommended group sizes for this age range from 16 to 24 children.
-
-
According to the the Department of Health and Human Services, 11 million children under the age of 5 are in need of care outside of their home. Choosing the right type of childcare for your family can bring about many feelings, concerns and questions
-
Leaving your child with a babysitter can be stressful, no matter what age she is. It can be particularly difficult to leave a baby with somebody else, but its important for parents to have some time out to relax. Grandparents often make great babysit
-
Many of us are faced with a dilemma when we have children. Two incomes are almost necessary to keep families running, but most parents must work outside the home, making child care cost an added headache. However, some families may very well be eligi
