New Mexico Childcare Licensing
New Mexico Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
New Mexico sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infants (standard ratios per 8.16.2.23(C)(1) NMAC) must be supervised at no looser than 1:6 (max group size 12). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core New Mexico licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamNew Mexico Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In New Mexico, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infants (standard ratios per 8.16.2.23(C)(1) NMAC) age group is 1:6 (max group size 12).
In New Mexico, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddlers age group is 1:6 (max group size 12).
In New Mexico, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Two years age group is 1:10 (max group size 20).
In New Mexico, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Three years age group is 1:12 (max group size 24).
In New Mexico, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Four years age group is 1:12 (max group size 24).
In New Mexico, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Five years age group is 1:15 (max group size 30).
In New Mexico, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Six years and older age group is 1:15 (max group size 30).
In New Mexico, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Combined: six weeks through 24 months age group is 1:6 (max group size 12).
In New Mexico, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Combined: two through four years age group is 1:12 (max group size 24).
In New Mexico, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Combined: three through five years age group is 1:14 (max group size 28).
In New Mexico, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Combined: 18-24 months grouped with 24-35 months age group is 1:6 (max group size 12).
In New Mexico, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Swimming pools more than two feet deep (water-activity ratio table, 8.16.2.24(K)(4) NMAC) age group is By age of youngest child: 0-23 months 1:1; 2 years 1:2; 3 years 1:6; 4 years 1:8; 5 years 1:10; 6 years and older 1:12 (heightened supervision beyond standard ratios).
New Mexico centers set maximum group sizes alongside ratios: infants 12 and toddlers 12 (ratio 1:6), two-year-olds 20 (1:10), three- and four-year-olds 24 (1:12), and five-year-olds and older 30 (1:15) (8.16.2.23.C.1 NMAC)
8.16.2.23.C.1 NMAC
home rules use minimum-educator thresholds rather than a separate group-size cap.
8.16.2.23.C.1 NMAC
New Mexico Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infants (standard ratios per 8.16.2.23(C)(1) NMAC) | 1:6 (max group size 12) |
|---|---|
| Toddlers | 1:6 (max group size 12) |
| Two years | 1:10 (max group size 20) |
| Three years | 1:12 (max group size 24) |
| Four years | 1:12 (max group size 24) |
| Five years | 1:15 (max group size 30) |
| Six years and older | 1:15 (max group size 30) |
| Combined: six weeks through 24 months | 1:6 (max group size 12) |
| Combined: two through four years | 1:12 (max group size 24) |
| Combined: three through five years | 1:14 (max group size 28) |
| Combined: 18-24 months grouped with 24-35 months | 1:6 (max group size 12) |
| Swimming pools more than two feet deep (water-activity ratio table, 8.16.2.24(K)(4) NMAC) | By age of youngest child: 0-23 months 1:1; 2 years 1:2; 3 years 1:6; 4 years 1:8; 5 years 1:10; 6 years and older 1:12 (heightened supervision beyond standard ratios) |
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New Mexico Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in New Mexico?
New Mexico requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:6 (max group size 12) for the Infants (standard ratios per 8.16.2.23(C)(1) NMAC) age group.
Does New Mexico cap maximum group size?
New Mexico centers set maximum group sizes alongside ratios: infants 12 and toddlers 12 (ratio 1:6), two-year-olds 20 (1:10), three- and four-year-olds 24 (1:12), and five-year-olds and older 30 (1:15) (8.16.2.23.C.1 NMAC); home rules use minimum-educator thresholds rather than a separate group-size cap.
How many staff do I need for my New Mexico classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. New Mexico ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
New Mexico childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published New Mexico administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), Child Care Services Bureau - Regulatory Oversight Unit. Note: The administrative rule text (8.16.2 NMAC) still names "Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD)" as the issuing agency at 8.16.2.1 NMAC because it was last amended 1/1/2022; statutory authority for child care licensing transferred to ECECD effective 2020. before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.