Georgia Childcare Licensing
Georgia Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Georgia sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infant (0-12 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:6. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Georgia licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamGeorgia Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Georgia, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (0-12 months) age group is 1:6.
In Georgia, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (12-18 months) age group is 1:6.
In Georgia, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (18-36 months) age group is 1:8.
In Georgia, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (3 years) age group is 1:15.
In Georgia, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (4-5 years) age group is 1:18.
Child Care Learning Centers must observe maximum group sizes of 12 for infants under 1 (or under 18 months not walking), 16 for one-year-olds, 20 for two-year-olds, 30 for three-year-olds, 36 for four-year-olds, 40 for five-year-olds, and 50 for children six and older
or under 18 months not walking
these group-size caps do not apply to centers licensed for 18 or fewer children or to outdoor/playground time and special activities under two hours (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 591-1-1-.32).
Ga
Georgia Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infant (0-12 months) | 1:6 |
|---|---|
| Toddler (12-18 months) | 1:6 |
| Toddler (18-36 months) | 1:8 |
| Preschool (3 years) | 1:15 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:18 |
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Georgia Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Georgia?
Georgia requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:6 for the Infant (0-12 months) age group.
Does Georgia cap maximum group size?
Child Care Learning Centers must observe maximum group sizes of 12 for infants under 1 (or under 18 months not walking), 16 for one-year-olds, 20 for two-year-olds, 30 for three-year-olds, 36 for four-year-olds, 40 for five-year-olds, and 50 for children six and older; these group-size caps do not apply to centers licensed for 18 or fewer children or to outdoor/playground time and special activities under two hours (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 591-1-1-.32).
How many staff do I need for my Georgia classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Georgia ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Georgia childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Georgia administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.