Washington Childcare Licensing
Washington Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Washington sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infant (0-12 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Washington licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamWashington Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Washington, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (0-12 months) age group is 1:4.
In Washington, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (12-29 months) age group is 1:7.
In Washington, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (30-59 months) age group is 1:10.
In Washington, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School Age (5+ years) age group is 1:15.
Centers have age-band maximum group sizes and ratios: infants (birth-11 months) 8 at 1:4 or 9 at 1:3
birth-11 months
toddlers (12-29 months) 14 at 1:7 or 15 at 1:5
12-29 months
preschoolers (30 months-6 years) 20 at 1:10
30 months-6 years
and school-age children 30 at 1:15 (WAC 110-300-0356).
WAC 110-300-0356
Washington Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infant (0-12 months) | 1:4 |
|---|---|
| Toddler (12-29 months) | 1:7 |
| Preschool (30-59 months) | 1:10 |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:15 |
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Washington Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Washington?
Washington requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 for the Infant (0-12 months) age group.
Does Washington cap maximum group size?
Centers have age-band maximum group sizes and ratios: infants (birth-11 months) 8 at 1:4 or 9 at 1:3; toddlers (12-29 months) 14 at 1:7 or 15 at 1:5; preschoolers (30 months-6 years) 20 at 1:10; and school-age children 30 at 1:15 (WAC 110-300-0356).
How many staff do I need for my Washington classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Washington ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Washington childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Washington administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.