Alaska Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)

In Alaska, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infants — through 18 months age group is 10 children : 2 caregivers (1:5) in a child care center (7 AAC 57.505).

In Alaska, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddlers — 19 through 36 months age group is 12 children : 2 caregivers (1:6) (7 AAC 57.505).

In Alaska, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool — 3 and 4 years age group is 20 children : 2 caregivers (1:10) (7 AAC 57.505).

In Alaska, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Kindergarten — 5 and 6 years age group is 28 children : 2 caregivers (1:14) (7 AAC 57.505).

In Alaska, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School age — 7 through 12 years age group is 36 children : 2 caregivers (1:18) (7 AAC 57.505).

In Alaska, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Family child care home age group is One caregiver may care for not more than 8 children younger than 13 (incl. caregiver's own under 13); of the total, not more than 3 younger than 30 months and not more than 2 nonambulatory (7 AAC 57.505).

In Alaska, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Group child care home age group is At least 2 caregivers for not more than 12 children younger than 13; of the total, not more than 5 younger than 30 months and not more than 4 nonambulatory (one caregiver permitted if 8 or fewer children with the same under-30-months/nonambulatory limits) (7 AAC 57.505).

In a child care center, maximum group size at any one time may not exceed twice the maximum number of children allowed per caregiver under the child-to-caregiver ratio, yielding maximum group sizes by age band of: infants through 18 months = 10

7 AAC 57.510(e), applying the per-caregiver ratios of 5/6/10/14/18 in 7 AAC 57.505(c)

toddlers 19-36 months = 12

7 AAC 57.510(e), applying the per-caregiver ratios of 5/6/10/14/18 in 7 AAC 57.505(c)

kindergarten (5-6 yrs) = 28

5-6 yrs

school age (7-12 yrs) = 36 (7 AAC 57.510(e), applying the per-caregiver ratios of 5/6/10/14/18 in 7 AAC 57.505(c)).

7 AAC 57.510(e), applying the per-caregiver ratios of 5/6/10/14/18 in 7 AAC 57.505(c)

What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Alaska?

Alaska requires a staff-to-child ratio of 10 children : 2 caregivers (1:5) in a child care center (7 AAC 57.505) for the Infants — through 18 months age group.

Does Alaska cap maximum group size?

In a child care center, maximum group size at any one time may not exceed twice the maximum number of children allowed per caregiver under the child-to-caregiver ratio, yielding maximum group sizes by age band of: infants through 18 months = 10; toddlers 19-36 months = 12; preschool (3-4 yrs) = 20; kindergarten (5-6 yrs) = 28; school age (7-12 yrs) = 36 (7 AAC 57.510(e), applying the per-caregiver ratios of 5/6/10/14/18 in 7 AAC 57.505(c)).

How many staff do I need for my Alaska classroom?

Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Alaska ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.