Tennessee Childcare Licensing
Tennessee Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Tennessee 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 - 15 months (infants) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 8). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Tennessee licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamTennessee Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Tennessee, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 6 weeks - 15 months (infants) age group is 1:4 (max group size 8).
In Tennessee, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 12 - 30 months age group is 1:6 (max group size 12).
In Tennessee, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 24 - 35 months (2 years) age group is 1:7 (max group size 14).
In Tennessee, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 3 years age group is 1:9 (max group size 18).
In Tennessee, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 4 years age group is 1:13 (max group size 20).
In Tennessee, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 5 years age group is 1:16 (max group size 20).
In Tennessee, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age age group is 1:20 (no maximum group size).
Tennessee sets maximum group sizes for child care centers in addition to ratios: 8 for infants (6 weeks-15 months), 12 for toddlers (12-30 months), 18 for three-year-olds, 20 for four- and five-year-olds, and no maximum group size for school-age children (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01-.22).
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Tennessee Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| 6 weeks - 15 months (infants) | 1:4 (max group size 8) |
|---|---|
| 12 - 30 months | 1:6 (max group size 12) |
| 24 - 35 months (2 years) | 1:7 (max group size 14) |
| 3 years | 1:9 (max group size 18) |
| 4 years | 1:13 (max group size 20) |
| 5 years | 1:16 (max group size 20) |
| School-age | 1:20 (no maximum group size) |
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Tennessee Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Tennessee?
Tennessee requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 (max group size 8) for the 6 weeks - 15 months (infants) age group.
Does Tennessee cap maximum group size?
Tennessee sets maximum group sizes for child care centers in addition to ratios: 8 for infants (6 weeks-15 months), 12 for toddlers (12-30 months), 18 for three-year-olds, 20 for four- and five-year-olds, and no maximum group size for school-age children (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01-.22).
How many staff do I need for my Tennessee classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Tennessee ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Tennessee childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Tennessee administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), Child Care Services before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.