New York Childcare Licensing
New York Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
New York sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infant (6 weeks-18 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core New York licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
New York State Office of Children and Family Services →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamNew York Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In New York, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (6 weeks-18 months) age group is 1:4.
In New York, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (18-36 months) age group is 1:5.
In New York, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (3-4 years) age group is 1:7.
In New York, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (4-5 years) age group is 1:8.
In New York, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School Age (5-6 years) age group is 1:10.
New York sets per-age-band maximum group sizes for child day care centers in addition to staff:child ratios: infants under 6 weeks ratio 1:3 / max group 6
18 NYCRR 418-1.8
infants 6 weeks to 18 months 1:4 / max 8
18 NYCRR 418-1.8
toddlers 18-36 months 1:5 / max 12
18 NYCRR 418-1.8
three-year-olds 1:7 / max 18
18 NYCRR 418-1.8
four-year-olds 1:8 / max 21
18 NYCRR 418-1.8
five-year-olds 1:9 / max 24
18 NYCRR 418-1.8
school-age through 9 years 1:10 / max 20
18 NYCRR 418-1.8
school-age 10-12 years 1:15 / max 30 (18 NYCRR 418-1.8).
18 NYCRR 418-1.8
New York Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infant (6 weeks-18 months) | 1:4 |
|---|---|
| Toddler (18-36 months) | 1:5 |
| Preschool (3-4 years) | 1:7 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:8 |
| School Age (5-6 years) | 1:10 |
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New York Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in New York?
New York requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 for the Infant (6 weeks-18 months) age group.
Does New York cap maximum group size?
New York sets per-age-band maximum group sizes for child day care centers in addition to staff:child ratios: infants under 6 weeks ratio 1:3 / max group 6; infants 6 weeks to 18 months 1:4 / max 8; toddlers 18-36 months 1:5 / max 12; three-year-olds 1:7 / max 18; four-year-olds 1:8 / max 21; five-year-olds 1:9 / max 24; school-age through 9 years 1:10 / max 20; school-age 10-12 years 1:15 / max 30 (18 NYCRR 418-1.8).
How many staff do I need for my New York classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. New York ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
New York childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published New York administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.