Colorado Childcare Licensing
Colorado Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Colorado sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infants (6 weeks to 18 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:5 (max group size 10). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Colorado licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamColorado Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Colorado, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infants (6 weeks to 18 months) age group is 1:5 (max group size 10).
In Colorado, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddlers (12 months to 36 months) age group is 1:5 (max group size 10).
In Colorado, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddlers (24 months to 36 months) age group is 1:7 (max group size 14).
In Colorado, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 2-1/2 years to 3 years age group is 1:8 (max group size 16).
In Colorado, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 3 years to 4 years age group is 1:10 (max group size 20).
In Colorado, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 4 years to 5 years age group is 1:12 (max group size 24).
In Colorado, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 5 years and older age group is 1:15 (max group size 30).
In Colorado, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Mixed age group 2-1/2 to 6 years age group is 1:10 (max group size 20).
In Colorado, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Formal kindergarten class session age group is 1:25 during class session; 1:15 at other times of the day.
Colorado sets statewide maximum group sizes for child care centers by age band: 10 for ages 6 weeks-18 months
8 CCR 1402-1, Section 2.217 REQUIRED STAFF AND SUPERVISION
and 30 for 5 years and older (8 CCR 1402-1, Section 2.217 REQUIRED STAFF AND SUPERVISION). [Could not verify against Colorado .gov source a separate group-size maximum of 20 for a mixed-age 2 1/2-6 years group
8 CCR 1402-1, Section 2.217 REQUIRED STAFF AND SUPERVISION
the verified Section 2.217 table lists only the seven single-band figures above, and for mixed preschool groups the youngest child's maximum applies when more than 20% of the group is younger children.]
8 CCR 1402-1, Section 2.217 REQUIRED STAFF AND SUPERVISION
Colorado Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infants (6 weeks to 18 months) | 1:5 (max group size 10) |
|---|---|
| Toddlers (12 months to 36 months) | 1:5 (max group size 10) |
| Toddlers (24 months to 36 months) | 1:7 (max group size 14) |
| 2-1/2 years to 3 years | 1:8 (max group size 16) |
| 3 years to 4 years | 1:10 (max group size 20) |
| 4 years to 5 years | 1:12 (max group size 24) |
| 5 years and older | 1:15 (max group size 30) |
| Mixed age group 2-1/2 to 6 years | 1:10 (max group size 20) |
| Formal kindergarten class session | 1:25 during class session; 1:15 at other times of the day |
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Colorado Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Colorado?
Colorado requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:5 (max group size 10) for the Infants (6 weeks to 18 months) age group.
Does Colorado cap maximum group size?
Colorado sets statewide maximum group sizes for child care centers by age band: 10 for ages 6 weeks-18 months; 10 for 12-36 months; 14 for 24-36 months; 16 for 2 1/2-3 years; 20 for 3-4 years; 24 for 4-5 years; and 30 for 5 years and older (8 CCR 1402-1, Section 2.217 REQUIRED STAFF AND SUPERVISION). [Could not verify against Colorado .gov source a separate group-size maximum of 20 for a mixed-age 2 1/2-6 years group; the verified Section 2.217 table lists only the seven single-band figures above, and for mixed preschool groups the youngest child's maximum applies when more than 20% of the group is younger children.]
How many staff do I need for my Colorado classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Colorado ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Colorado childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Colorado administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.