Oregon Childcare Licensing
Oregon Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Oregon sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: 6 weeks to 24 months of age (Table 3A, OAR 414-305-0400) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4, maximum group size 8. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Oregon licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamOregon Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Oregon, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 6 weeks to 24 months of age (Table 3A, OAR 414-305-0400) age group is 1:4, maximum group size 8.
In Oregon, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 24 months to 36 months of age (Table 3A) age group is 1:5, maximum group size 10.
In Oregon, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 36 months to school-age (Table 3A) age group is 1:10, maximum group size 20.
In Oregon, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age (Table 3A) age group is 1:15, maximum group size 30.
In Oregon, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Legacy Table 3B (centers with initial certification on or before July 15, 2001): 6 weeks to 30 months of age age group is 1:4, maximum group size 8.
In Oregon, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Legacy Table 3B: 30 months to school-age age group is 1:10, maximum group size 20.
In Oregon, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Legacy Table 3B: school-age age group is 1:15, maximum group size 30.
Oregon sets maximum group sizes for Certified Child Care Centers in Table 3A (centers initially licensed after July 15, 2001): 8 children for ages 6 weeks-24 months, 10 for 24-36 months, 20 for 36 months to school-age, and 30 for school-age
centers initially licensed after July 15, 2001
a center may exceed maximum group size only on field trips, outdoor play, planned large-group activities, napping, and eating (OAR 414-305-0400(6) and Table 3A
6
exceptions at 414-305-0400(7)(c)).
c
Registered Family Child Care homes have no separate group-size cap beyond the 10-child total capacity.
OAR 414-305-0400(6) and Table 3A
Oregon Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| 6 weeks to 24 months of age (Table 3A, OAR 414-305-0400) | 1:4, maximum group size 8 |
|---|---|
| 24 months to 36 months of age (Table 3A) | 1:5, maximum group size 10 |
| 36 months to school-age (Table 3A) | 1:10, maximum group size 20 |
| School-age (Table 3A) | 1:15, maximum group size 30 |
| Legacy Table 3B (centers with initial certification on or before July 15, 2001): 6 weeks to 30 months of age | 1:4, maximum group size 8 |
| Legacy Table 3B: 30 months to school-age | 1:10, maximum group size 20 |
| Legacy Table 3B: school-age | 1:15, maximum group size 30 |
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Oregon Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Oregon?
Oregon requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4, maximum group size 8 for the 6 weeks to 24 months of age (Table 3A, OAR 414-305-0400) age group.
Does Oregon cap maximum group size?
Oregon sets maximum group sizes for Certified Child Care Centers in Table 3A (centers initially licensed after July 15, 2001): 8 children for ages 6 weeks-24 months, 10 for 24-36 months, 20 for 36 months to school-age, and 30 for school-age; a center may exceed maximum group size only on field trips, outdoor play, planned large-group activities, napping, and eating (OAR 414-305-0400(6) and Table 3A; exceptions at 414-305-0400(7)(c)). Registered Family Child Care homes have no separate group-size cap beyond the 10-child total capacity.
How many staff do I need for my Oregon classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Oregon ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Oregon childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Oregon administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD) — formerly the Office of Child Care / Early Learning Division before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.