Utah Childcare Licensing
Utah Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Utah sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infant (0-11 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 8). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Utah licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamUtah Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Utah, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (0-11 months) age group is 1:4 (max group size 8).
In Utah, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Younger toddler (12-17 months) age group is 1:4 (max group size 8).
In Utah, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Older toddler (18-23 months) age group is 1:5 (max group size 10).
In Utah, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Two-year-olds (24-35 months) age group is 1:8 (max group size 16).
In Utah, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Three-year-olds age group is 1:12 (max group size 24).
In Utah, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Four-year-olds age group is 1:15 (max group size 30).
In Utah, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Five years and older / school-age age group is 1:20 (max group size 40).
Utah child care centers set maximum group sizes per age band: infants and younger toddlers (0-17 months) 8, older toddlers (18-23 months) 10, two-year-olds 16, three-year-olds 24, four-year-olds 30, and school-age (5+) 40 (Utah Admin. Code R381-100-10, Table 1)
Utah Admin
family child care homes are capped by overall capacity (max 16) rather than per-band group size (R430-90-10).
R430-90-10
Utah Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infant (0-11 months) | 1:4 (max group size 8) |
|---|---|
| Younger toddler (12-17 months) | 1:4 (max group size 8) |
| Older toddler (18-23 months) | 1:5 (max group size 10) |
| Two-year-olds (24-35 months) | 1:8 (max group size 16) |
| Three-year-olds | 1:12 (max group size 24) |
| Four-year-olds | 1:15 (max group size 30) |
| Five years and older / school-age | 1:20 (max group size 40) |
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Utah Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Utah?
Utah requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 (max group size 8) for the Infant (0-11 months) age group.
Does Utah cap maximum group size?
Utah child care centers set maximum group sizes per age band: infants and younger toddlers (0-17 months) 8, older toddlers (18-23 months) 10, two-year-olds 16, three-year-olds 24, four-year-olds 30, and school-age (5+) 40 (Utah Admin. Code R381-100-10, Table 1); family child care homes are capped by overall capacity (max 16) rather than per-band group size (R430-90-10).
How many staff do I need for my Utah classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Utah ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Utah childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Utah administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Licensing and Background Checks (DLBC), Office of Licensing — Child Care Licensing before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.