Ohio Childcare Licensing
Ohio Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Ohio sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Young Infant (birth to <12 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:5. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Ohio licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamOhio Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Ohio, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Young Infant (birth to <12 months) age group is 1:5.
In Ohio, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Older Infant (12 to <18 months) age group is 1:6.
In Ohio, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Young Toddler (18 months to <2.5 years) age group is 1:7.
In Ohio, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Older Toddler (2.5 years to <3 years) age group is 1:8.
In Ohio, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Young Preschool (3 to <4 years) age group is 1:12.
In Ohio, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Older Preschool (4 years, pre-kindergarten) age group is 1:14.
In Ohio, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Young School Age (kindergarten to <11 years) age group is 1:18.
In Ohio, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Older School Age (11 to <15 years) age group is 1:20.
Ohio sets statutory maximum group sizes for child care centers by age: 12 for infants under 18 months, 14 for toddlers 18-30 months, 16 for toddlers 30 months to 3 years, 24 for 3-year-olds, 28 for 4-5-year-olds (not in school), 36 for school-age (kindergarten through 10 years), and 40 for ages 11-14 (ORC 5104.033
kindergarten through 10 years
OAC 5180:2-12-18 Appendix A).
ORC 5104.033
Ohio Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Young Infant (birth to <12 months) | 1:5 |
|---|---|
| Older Infant (12 to <18 months) | 1:6 |
| Young Toddler (18 months to <2.5 years) | 1:7 |
| Older Toddler (2.5 years to <3 years) | 1:8 |
| Young Preschool (3 to <4 years) | 1:12 |
| Older Preschool (4 years, pre-kindergarten) | 1:14 |
| Young School Age (kindergarten to <11 years) | 1:18 |
| Older School Age (11 to <15 years) | 1:20 |
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Ohio Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Ohio?
Ohio requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:5 for the Young Infant (birth to <12 months) age group.
Does Ohio cap maximum group size?
Ohio sets statutory maximum group sizes for child care centers by age: 12 for infants under 18 months, 14 for toddlers 18-30 months, 16 for toddlers 30 months to 3 years, 24 for 3-year-olds, 28 for 4-5-year-olds (not in school), 36 for school-age (kindergarten through 10 years), and 40 for ages 11-14 (ORC 5104.033; OAC 5180:2-12-18 Appendix A).
How many staff do I need for my Ohio classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Ohio ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Ohio childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Ohio administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.