Staff-to-Child Ratio Calculators Use the following calculators to determine the required staff-to-child ratio for each type of child care. Family Child Care Ratios - Not in Effect Until August 2026 Provider-to-Child Ratio Upcoming Ratios - While these are not yet in effect until August 2026 they are available to view so providers can become familiar with the new ratios and how they will affect programs. Criteria If one provider is caring for 4 children who are under the age of 18 months, the center may only enroll additional children who are 5 years of age and older. DCF 250.055(2)(c) If 2 providers are caring for 8 children under the age of 18 months, the center may only enroll additional children who are 5 years of age and older. DCF 250.055(2)(c) Age Group Numerical Weight Number of Children Birth - 17 months .250 18 months - 23 months .187 2 - 4 Years .125 5 Years and Older .056 Total number of children in the group ? Total numerical weight of the group Number of providers required Notice: You've entered more than the maximum capacity for licensed family child care of 12 children or have exceeded the maximum number of required providers for a group. Group Child Care Ratios Staff-to-Child Ratio Criteria Per DCF 251.055(2)(e), the number of children in a group may not exceed the maximum number of children that can be cared for by 2 staff members as determined by the staff-to-child ratio formula. When children under the age of 18 months are part of a group, the maximum group size may not exceed 8. If the group is made up of all school-age children (age 5 and above), the maximum group size may not exceed 36. One staff member is required for a group of children whose total numerical weight equals 1.04 or less. Any total numerical weight below .05 is considered statistically insignificant and should be dropped. For example, if the total numerical weight is 1.05 or above, two staff are required; if the numerical weight is 2.05 or above, three staff are required and the group needs to be split into two separate groups of children. Age - Child Numerical Weight Number of Children Birth - 18 Months .250 18 Months - 2 1⁄2 Years .143 2 1⁄2 Years .125 3 Years .100 4 Years .077 5 Years .056 Total number of children in the group ? Total numerical weight of the group Number of staff members required Notice: Your calculation has exceeded the maximum number of children in a group. Family Child Care Swimming Ratios Family Staff-To-Child Ratio While Swimming Use this calculator to determine the required number of child care providers who have the ability to swim that must be present when enrolled children are in the water. When children are in the water of a pool, wading pool, water attraction or beach, DCF 250.06(12)(c)3. requires that the staff-to-child ratio be modified. If some of the children are in the water and others are not, at least two child care providers are necessary: at least one child care provider to supervise the children in the water and one child care provider to supervise the children who are not. A child shall be restricted to the area of the pool or beach that is within the child's swimming ability. See DCF 250.06(12)(c). Criteria Any total numerical weight below .05 is considered statistically insignificant and should be dropped. For example, if the total numerical weight is 1.05 or above, two staff are required; however, if the total numerical weight is 1.04, only one staff person is required. The number of providers required below is the number of providers who can swim that must be present when enrolled children are in the water. DCF 250 Family Child Care Centers Age - Child Numerical Weight Number of Children Birth - 2 Years 1.00 2 - 3 Years .333 4 - 5 Years .167 6 Years and Older .125 Total number of children in the group ? Total numerical weight of the group Number of providers required Notice: Your calculation has exceeded the maximum number of children in a group. Group Child Care Swimming Ratios Group Staff-To-Child Ratio While Swimming Use this calculator to determine the required number of child care providers who have the ability to swim that must be present when enrolled children are in the water. When children are in the water of a pool, wading pool, water attraction or beach, DCF 251.06(12)(c)3. requires that the staff-to-child ratio be modified. If some of the children are in the water and others are not, at least two child care providers are necessary: at least one child care provider to supervise the children in the water and one child care provider to supervise the children who are not. A child shall be restricted to the area of the pool or beach that is within the child's swimming ability. See DCF 251.06(12)(c). Criteria Any total numerical weight below .05 is considered statistically insignificant and should be dropped. For example, if the total numerical weight is 1.05 or above, two staff are required; however, if the total numerical weight is 1.04, only one staff person is required. The number of providers required below is the number of providers who can swim that must be present when enrolled children are in the water. DCF 251 Group Child Care Centers Age - Child Numerical Weight Number of Children Birth - 2 Years 1.00 3 Years .250 4 - 5 Years .167 6 Years and Older .083 Total number of children in the group ? Total numerical weight of the group Number of providers required Notice: Your calculation has exceeded the maximum number of children in a group. Day Camps for Children Counselor-to-Child Ratio Criteria Any total numerical weight below .05 is considered statistically insignificant and should be dropped. For example, if the total numerical weight is 1.05 or above, two staff are required; however, if the total numerical weight is 1.04, only one staff person is required. Age Group Numerical Weight Number of Children 3 - 4 Years .250 4 - 5 Years .167 5 - 6 Years .083 7 Years and Older .056 Total number of children in the group ? Total numerical weight of the group Number of counselors required Day Camps for Children Swimming Ratios Counselor-to-Child Ratio While Swimming Criteria Any total numerical weight below .05 is considered statistically insignificant and should be dropped. For example, if the total numerical weight is 1.05 or above, two staff are required; however, if the total numerical weight is 1.04, only one staff person is required. Note: See DCF 252.44(7) for additional swimming and water activity rules. Age Group Numerical Weight Number of Children 3 Years .250 4 Years .167 5 - 6 Years .083 7 Years and Older .056 Total number of children in the group ? Total numerical weight of the group Number of counselors required
