Massachusetts Childcare Licensing
Massachusetts Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Massachusetts sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infant (0-15 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:3. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Massachusetts licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMassachusetts Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Massachusetts, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (0-15 months) age group is 1:3.
In Massachusetts, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (15-33 months) age group is 1:4.
In Massachusetts, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (33 months-4 years) age group is 1:9.
In Massachusetts, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (4-6 years) age group is 1:10.
In Massachusetts, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School Age (6-14 years) age group is 1:13.
Massachusetts sets maximum group sizes by age for large group child care: infants (up to 15 months) 7
up to 15 months
toddlers (15-33 months) 9
15-33 months
preschoolers (33 months to school age) 20 full-day / 24 half-day
33 months to school age
Massachusetts Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infant (0-15 months) | 1:3 |
|---|---|
| Toddler (15-33 months) | 1:4 |
| Preschool (33 months-4 years) | 1:9 |
| Preschool (4-6 years) | 1:10 |
| School Age (6-14 years) | 1:13 |
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Massachusetts Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:3 for the Infant (0-15 months) age group.
Does Massachusetts cap maximum group size?
Massachusetts sets maximum group sizes by age for large group child care: infants (up to 15 months) 7; toddlers (15-33 months) 9; preschoolers (33 months to school age) 20 full-day / 24 half-day; kindergarten 30; school age 26 (606 CMR 7.10(9)(b)).
How many staff do I need for my Massachusetts classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Massachusetts ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Massachusetts childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Massachusetts administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.