Kentucky Childcare Licensing
Kentucky Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Kentucky 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 1:5 (max group size 10, Type I centers only). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Kentucky licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamKentucky Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Kentucky, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (0–12 months) age group is 1:5 (max group size 10, Type I centers only).
In Kentucky, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (12–24 months) age group is 1:6 (max group size 12, Type I centers only).
In Kentucky, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler/2-year-old (24–36 months) age group is 1:10 (max group size 20, Type I centers only).
In Kentucky, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (3 to 4 years) age group is 1:12 (max group size 24, Type I centers only).
In Kentucky, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (4 to 5 years) age group is 1:14 (max group size 28, Type I centers only).
In Kentucky, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age (5 to 7 years) age group is 1:15 (max group size 30, Type I centers only).
In Kentucky, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age (7 years and older), full-day age group is 1:20 (max group size 30, Type I centers only).
In Kentucky, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age (7 years and older), before/after school only age group is 1:25 (max group size 30, Type I centers only).
Kentucky sets maximum group sizes for Type I child-care centers by age band: infants 10, toddlers 12-24 months 12, toddlers 24-36 months 20, preschool 3-4 years 24, preschool 4-5 years 28, and school-age (5-7 years) 30 (922 KAR 2:120 Section 2(2)).
922 KAR 2:120 Section 2(2)
Kentucky Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infant (0–12 months) | 1:5 (max group size 10, Type I centers only) |
|---|---|
| Toddler (12–24 months) | 1:6 (max group size 12, Type I centers only) |
| Toddler/2-year-old (24–36 months) | 1:10 (max group size 20, Type I centers only) |
| Preschool (3 to 4 years) | 1:12 (max group size 24, Type I centers only) |
| Preschool (4 to 5 years) | 1:14 (max group size 28, Type I centers only) |
| School-age (5 to 7 years) | 1:15 (max group size 30, Type I centers only) |
| School-age (7 years and older), full-day | 1:20 (max group size 30, Type I centers only) |
| School-age (7 years and older), before/after school only | 1:25 (max group size 30, Type I centers only) |
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Kentucky Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:5 (max group size 10, Type I centers only) for the Infant (0–12 months) age group.
Does Kentucky cap maximum group size?
Kentucky sets maximum group sizes for Type I child-care centers by age band: infants 10, toddlers 12-24 months 12, toddlers 24-36 months 20, preschool 3-4 years 24, preschool 4-5 years 28, and school-age (5-7 years) 30 (922 KAR 2:120 Section 2(2)).
How many staff do I need for my Kentucky classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Kentucky ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Kentucky childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Kentucky administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General — Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC), which licenses and investigates complaints against licensed child-care centers and certified family child-care homes; child-care standards developed in coordination with the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) Division of Child Care before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.