Licensing is a process administered by State governments that sets a baseline of requirements below which it is illegal for facilities that provide child care services to operate, unless the facility is legally exempt from licensing. States have regulations that include the requirements child care facilities must comply with and policies to support enforcement of those regulations. Additional information about licensing is available on NCCIC’s Web site at http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/topics/topic/index.cfm?topicId=2. A directory of all State child care licensing agencies is available on NCCIC’s Web site at http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/statedata/dirs/display.cfm?title=licensing.
The following table includes information about States’ definitions of licensed small and large/group family child care (FCC) homes in 2007. It includes information about the number of children allowed in care, the maximum number of children that can be in the care of one adult provider, and whether the provider’s own children are counted. For small FCC homes, information is also provided on the maximum number of infants and toddlers that are allowed with one adult provider. These data are preliminary results from The 2007 Child Care Licensing Study (in press), by the National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA) and NCCIC. Final study materials will be posted on NARA’s Web site at http://www.naralicensing.org/. NCCIC does not endorse any organization, publication, or resource.
States 1 | Small FCC Homes | Large/Group FCC Homes | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number of Children Allowed | Maximum Number/Ratio of Children to One Provider | Provider's Own Children Counted | Maximum Number of Infants and Toddlers Allowed to One Provider | Number of Children Allowed | Ratio of Children to One Provider | Provider's Own Children Counted | |
Alabama * | 1–6 | 6 | Children younger than lawful school age (age 5 on or before Sept. 1) who live in the home are counted | 3 younger than 1 year | 7–12 | 7:2 | Children younger than lawful school age (age 5 on or before Sept. 1) who live in the home are counted |
Alaska * | 5–8 | 8 | Yes, children younger than age 12 | 3 younger than 30 months, with no more than 2 nonambulatory children |
9–12 | 12:2 | Yes, children younger than age 12 |
Arizona * | NL (voluntary certification) | 5–10 (unrelated) | 5:1 | No (total not to exceed 15) | |||
Arkansas * | 6–16 | 10:1, if none younger than 3 years; 9:1, if none younger than 2 years, and no more than 3 between 2 and 3 years; 8:1, if no more than 1 younger than 2 years; 7:1, if no more than 2 younger than 2 years; 6:1, if no more than 3 younger than 2 years |
Yes, if preschool-age or younger | 3 younger than 2 years (varies for ages of other children in care and additional providers present) | NC | ||
California * | 2–6 (plus 2 SAC) | 8 | Yes, if younger than age 10 | See notes | Up to 12 (plus 2 SAC) |
8:1 |
Yes, if younger than age 10 |
Colorado * | 2–6 (plus 2 SAC) | 8 | Yes, if younger than age 12 | 2 younger than 2 years | 7–12 | 7:1 | NA |
Connecticut | 1–6 (plus 3 SAC) | 9 | Yes, children who are not in school full-time | 2 younger than 2 years | 7–12 | 4:1 for younger than 3 years;
10:1 for 3 years and older |
NA |
Delaware * | 1–4 (plus 2 SAC) | 6 | Yes, if preschool age or younger | 3 younger than 2 years, with max. 2 younger than 1 year | 7–12 (plus 2 SAC during school closings) | 6:1, with max. 4 younger than 2 years and with max 2 younger than 1 year | Yes, if preschool age or younger |
District of Columbia | 1–6 | 6 | Yes, if younger than age 4 | 2 younger than 2 years | NC | ||
Florida * | 2–10 | 10, if no more than 5 are preschool age, with no more than 2 younger than 1 year; 6 preschool, if none younger than 1 year; 6, with 3 younger than 1 year; 4, if all younger than 1 year |
Yes, if younger than age 13 | 4 younger than 1 year | Up to 12 | 8:2, if all children are birth to 24 months; 12:2, if no more than 4 are younger than 24 months |
Yes, if younger than age 13 |
Georgia * | 3–6 (plus 2 children 3 years and older) | 3 younger than 1 year; 6 younger than 3 years; 8 younger than 5 years |
Yes | 3 younger than 1 year | 7–18 | 6:1 for younger than 1 year and younger than 18 months and not walking; 8:1 for 1-year-olds who walk; 10:1 for 2 years; 15:1 for 3 years; 18:1 for 4 years and older |
NA |
Hawaii | 3–6 | 6 | Yes, if younger than age 6 | 2 younger than 18 months | Up to 12 | 8:1 for 2–3 years; 12:1 for 3–5 years and older |
NA |
Idaho * | NL (voluntary license) | NL (voluntary license) | |||||
Illinois * | 4–8 (plus 4 SAC) |
8 | Yes, if younger than age 12 | 3 younger than 2 years, if no more than 5 are younger than 5 years | 4–16 (12 plus 4 SAC) | 8:1;
12:1, if SAC |
Yes, if younger than age 12 |
Indiana | 6–12 (plus 3 SAC during vacations) |
12 | Yes, if younger than age 8 | 6 younger than 2 years, with 2 or more 16 months and older and walking | 13-16 | 4:1 for infants; 6:1 for birth–2 years, with 2 or more 16 months and older and walking; 10:1 for birth–6 years, with no more than 3 younger than 16 months; 12:1 for 3 years and older |
Yes, if younger than age 8 |
Iowa * | 6 (plus 2 SAC) | 6 | Yes, if younger than school-age | 4 younger than 2 years, with no more than 3 younger than 18 months | 6–12 (plus 2 SAC and 2 part-time) | 3:1 for younger than 18 months; 8:1 with no more than 4 younger than 2 years, and no more than 3 younger than 18 months | Yes, if younger than school-age |
Kansas * | 1–6 | 6 | Yes, if younger than age 12 | 3 younger than 18 months | 7–12 (plus 4 SAC) |
See notes | Yes, if younger than age 11 |
Kentucky * | 7–12 | 5:1 for younger than 1 year; 6:1 for 1–2 years; 10:1 for 2–3 years; 12:1 for 3–4 years; 14:1 for 4–5 years; 15:1 for 5–7 years |
Not specified | Yes, if care is provided to them | NC | ||
Louisiana | NL (voluntary registration) | NL | |||||
Maine | 3–12 (up to 8 preschool and 2 SAC, unless all SAC) |
4 infants and toddlers; 3 infants and toddlers, 3 preschool children, and 2 SAC; 8 preschool children and 2 SAC; 12 SAC |
No | 4 younger than 30 months | NC | ||
Maryland | 1–8 | 8 | Yes, if younger than age 6 | 2 younger than 2 years | NC | ||
Massachusetts * | 1–6 | 6 | Yes, if younger than age 10 and present more than 3 hours | 3 younger than 2 years, if at least 1 is 15 months and can walk unassisted | Up to 10 | 6:1, with no more than 3 younger than 2 years, no more than 2 younger than 15 months | Yes, if younger than age 10 and present more than 3 hours |
Michigan | 1–6 | 6 | Yes, if younger than age 7 | 4 younger than 30 months, with not more than 2 younger than 18 months | 7–12 | 6:1 | Yes, if younger than age 7 |
Minnesota * | 2–6 (plus 4 SAC) |
10, if 6 younger than kindergarten age, with no more than 3 younger than 24 months, with no more than 2 younger than 1 year | Yes, if younger than age 11 | 3 younger than 24 months, with no more than 2 younger than 1 year |
Up to 14 | 10:1, with 8 younger than kindergarten age, no more than 3 younger than 24 months, no more than 2 younger than 1 year; 12:1, with 10 younger than kindergarten age, no more than 2 younger than 24 months, no more than 1 younger than 1 year |
Yes, if younger than age 11 |
Mississippi | 6–12 | 4:1 for younger than 1 year; 8:1 for 1 year; 12:1 for 2 years; 14:1 for 3 years; 16:1 for 4 years; 20:1 for 5–9 years; 25:1 for 10–12 years |
Not specified | Not specified | 13 or more | 5:1 for younger than 1 year; 9:1 for 1 year; 12:1 for 2 years; 14:1 for 3 years; 16:1 for 4 years; 20:1 for 5–9 years; 25:1 for 10–12 years |
Not specified |
Missouri | 5–10 | 10, if 2 younger than 2 years; 6, if 3 younger than 2 years; 4, if all younger than 2 years |
No | 2 younger than 2 years if 10 children are present; 3 younger than 2 years if 6 children are present; 4, if all children are younger than 2 years |
11–20 | 4:1 for 0–2 years; 8:1 for 2 years; 10:1 for 3–4 years; 16:1 for 5 years and older; 10:1 for mixed ages older than 2 years; 8:1, with more than 4 2-year-olds |
No |
Montana * | 3–6 | 6 | Yes, if younger than age 6 | 3 younger than 2 years | 7–12 | 6:1; 4:1 for infants |
Yes, if younger than age 6 |
Nebraska * | 4–8 (plus 2 SAC) |
10, if 2 SAC during nonschool hours | Yes, if younger than age 8 | 3 younger than 18 months, with no more than 2 younger than 1 year | Up to 12 | 10:1, if no young preschoolers; 12:1, if all SAC | Yes, if younger than age 8 |
Nevada | 5–6 (plus 3 SAC) |
9, if 3 SAC | No, but additional SAC includes provider’s own children, if younger than age 10 | 4 younger than 2 years, with no more than 2 younger than 1 year | 7–12 (plus 3 SAC) |
6:1, with no more than 4 younger than 2 years and no more than 2 younger than 1 year | No, but additional SAC includes provider’s own children, if younger than age 10 |
New Hampshire | 4–6 (plus 3 SAC) |
6 preschool-age and 3 SAC, with no more than 4 younger than 3 years, and no more than 2 younger than 24 months; 5 preschool-age and 3 SAC, with no more than 4 younger than 3 years, and no more than 2 younger than 2 years; 4 younger than 3 years |
Yes, if younger than age 10 | 4 younger than 3 years, with no more than 2 younger than 24 months |
7–12 (plus 5 SAC) |
17:2 (includes 5 SAC), with no more than 4 younger than age 3 | Yes, if younger than age 10 |
New Jersey | NL (voluntary certification) | NL | |||||
New Mexico | 5–6 | 6 | Yes, if younger than age 6 | 2 younger than 2 years | 7-12 | 6:1, with no more than 2 younger than 2 years | Yes, if younger than age 6 |
New York * | 3-6 (plus 2 SAC) | 6, if none are younger than 2 years; 5, if one or more are younger than 2 years | Yes, if not yet enrolled in kindergarten or higher grade | 2 younger than 2 years | 7–12 (plus 2 SAC) |
6:1; 2:1 younger than 2 years |
Yes, if not yet enrolled in kindergarten or higher grade |
North Carolina | 3–5 (plus 3 SAC) |
8, with no more than 5 preschool-age or younger | Yes, if preschool-age or younger | NA | NC | ||
North Dakota * | 4–7 (plus 2 SAC for 2 hours before and after school, and school vacation) | 9, if 2 are SAC; 4, if all younger than 2 years |
No | 3 younger than 2 years, if exceeds 4 children | 8–18 | 4:1 for younger than 2 years; 5:1 for 2–3 years; 7:1 for 3–4 years; 10:1 for 4–5 years; 12:1 for 5–6 years; 18:1 for 6–12 years |
NA |
Ohio | NL | 7–12 | 6:1 | Yes, if younger than age 6 | |||
Oklahoma | 1–7 | 5 for any age; 6, with no more than 3 younger than 2 years; 7, with no more than 2 younger than 2 years |
Yes, if younger than age 5 | 5 younger than 2 years | 8–12 | 5:1 for any age; 6:1, with no more than 3 younger than 2 years; 7:1, with no more than 2 younger than 2 years; 7:1, if all 2 years and older; 8:1, if all 3 years and older; 10:1, if all 4 years and older; 12:1, if all 5 years and older |
Yes, if younger than age 5 |
Oregon * | 4–6 (plus 4 SAC) |
10 | Yes, if younger than age 13 | 2 younger than 2 years | 7–16 | See notes | Yes, if younger than age 13 |
Pennsylvania * | 4–6 | 6 | Yes, if infants and/or toddlers | 5 toddlers, if no infants; 4 toddlers, if 1 infant; 3 toddlers, if 2 infants |
7–12 (plus 3 SAC) |
See State Notes | Yes |
Rhode Island | 4–8 | 6 younger than 6 years, with no child younger than 18 months; 4 younger than 6 years, with no more than 2 younger than 18 months |
Yes, if younger than 6 years or, if more than 2 are younger than 12 years and present more than 3 hours | 2 younger than 18 months | 9–12 | 4:1 for younger than 2 years; 6:1 for 2 years and older | Yes, if younger than 6 years or if more than 2 are younger than 12 years and present more than 3 hours |
South Carolina | 2–6 | 6 | Yes, if younger than age 12 | NA | 7–12 | 8:1, with no more than 3 younger than 2 years | Yes |
South Dakota | NL (voluntary registration) | 13–20 (plus 3 SAC) |
5:1 for 0–3 years; 10:1 for 3–6 years; 15:1 for 6 years and older |
Yes | |||
Tennessee * | 5–7 (plus 5 children related to the provider) | 7 | Yes, if younger than age 9 | 4 younger than 2 years | 8–12 (plus 3 SAC) |
See State Notes | Yes, if younger than age 9 |
Texas * | 4–6 (plus 6 SAC) |
12 | Yes | 4 younger than 17 months | Up to 12 | See State Notes | Yes |
Utah * | 5–8 | 8 | Yes, if younger than age 4 | 2 younger than 2 years | 5–8 | 8:1, with no more than 2 younger than age 2; 12:1 for SAC | Yes, if younger than age 12 |
Vermont * | 3–12 | 3:1 for younger than 3 years; 6:1, with no more than 2 younger than 2 years |
Yes, if preschool-age or younger or, if homebound | 2 younger than 2 years | NC | ||
Virginia * | NL (voluntary registration) | 6–12 | See notes | Yes, if younger than age 8 | |||
Washington * | 1–12 | See notes | Yes, if younger than age 12 | 2 younger than 2 years | NC | ||
West Virginia | 4–6 | 6 | Yes, if younger than age 6 | 2 younger than 2 years | 7–12 | 6:1, with no more than 2 infants | Yes, if younger than age 6 |
Wisconsin * | 4–8 | 8 | Yes, if younger than age 7 | 4 younger than 2 years | NC | ||
Wyoming * | 3–10 | 10 | Yes, if preschool age or younger | 4 younger than 2 years | Up to 15 | 2:1 for birth–1 year; 8:1 for 2 years and older | Yes, if preschool age or younger |
NA = Not addressed in regulations
NC = No category of facility
NL = Facility not licensed
SAC = School-age childre
*States includes the District of Columbia for a total of 51 entities. Back
For the purposes of this document, a licensed program is required to have permission from the State to operate and must meet specified family child care standards. Some States may call their regulatory processes certification or registration; the term licensed is used to represent all regulatory processes.
Several States have county or city licensing regulations that may supersede State requirements; this table does not include such regulations.
* For small FCC homes, children younger than age 12 who visit the home unaccompanied by an adult are counted in the maximum number of children allowed. Back
* A large/group FCC home (“child care group home”) requires only one provider if the provider has completed 1 year of licensed home child care or the equivalent or meets the college credit or CDA requirements and there are no more than a total of 10 children, with no children younger than the age of 30 months; or no more than a total of 12 children who are all school-age. FCC regulations governing group size and ratio differ slightly between the State and the city of Anchorage. Back
* Regulations for large/group FCC homes include a staffing option of one provider caring for up to five children. Licensing is voluntary for these homes, unless the home receives public funds. Large/group FCC homes can have up to 15 children. Compensation can be received for up to 10 children. The remaining five must be the provider’s own children or family members. Back
* A licensed home may care for two school-age children for not more than 3 hours per day before and/or after a school day; these two children are not required to be counted in the child-staff ratio. Back
*Excludes child care that is provided for the children of only one family. For a small FCC home, the maximum number of children for whom care shall be provided, including children younger than age 10 who live in the licensee’s home, are four infants; six children, no more than three of whom may be infants; or eight children, if at least two of the children are at least 6 years of age, no more than two infants are cared for during any time when more than six children are cared for, and the licensee notifies each parent that there may be up to seven or eight children in the home at one time. Large/group FCC homes may care for up to 14 children when at least 2 are at least 6 years of age, no more than 3 infants are in care, and the licensee notifies each parent that there may be up to 13 or 14 children in the home at one time. Back
* Excludes child care that is provided for the children of only one family. A small FCC home may be approved to care for three children younger than 2 years of age with no more than two children under 12 months, including the caregiver's own children, under the following conditions:
Colorado has separate rules that apply to infant and toddler and experienced provider homes. Back
* There are two levels of small FCC homes. A Level II provider has more extensive qualifications, as demonstrated by education, credentials, or experience specified in the rules, and is permitted to enroll more children. In Level I homes, the provider must meet the qualifications for initial licensure. The following table is an example of the differences that are permitted when the provider is more qualified:
Maximum Number of Children | Number Younger Than 2 Years | Number Younger than 1 Year | Additional School-age Children | Total | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Level I | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4+2=6 |
Level II | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6+2=8 |
There are two types of large FCC homes. Type 1 large FCC homes may care for 7–12 children. A Type 2 large family child care home is also called an “infant/toddler” home. The data reported in the table are for Level l small FCC homes and Type 1 large FCC homes. Back
* Excludes child care that is provided for the children of only one family. Back
* In large (“group”) homes, mixed-age ratios are determined by the age of youngest child if younger than 3; ratios in groups with children older than 3 years of age are determined by the age of the majority of children. Back
* The State has a licensing law, but licensing is not required for centers and FCC homes at the State level. The State has voluntary licensing for small and large/group FCC homes. State certification is required for large/group FCC homes, which includes obtaining a fire inspection and a staff criminal history check. Back
* Excludes child care that is provided for the children of only one family. In a small FCC home, one provider may care for a group consisting of up to eight children younger than age 12, of which up to five children may be younger than age 5, of which up to three children may be younger than age 2; or up to eight children younger than age 12, of which up to six may be younger than age 5, of which up to two may be younger than 30 months of age. In a large/group FCC home, the provider and assistant may care for 16 children: no more than 12 can be younger than age 6, and no more than 6 can be younger than 30 months of age, of which no more than 4 can be younger than 15 months of age. Back
* Homes caring for five or fewer children are not required to register. Iowa registers three types of family child care homes: categories A, B, and C. The data reported in the table for small family child care are for category A homes. Requirements for category C homes are reported under large family child care. Back
* Homes caring for one to six children are registered. In a licensed large/group FCC home serving 7–12 children, the maximum number of children is as follows:
License Capacity, One Adult | |
---|---|
Age of Children Enrolled | License Capacity |
2 ½ years to 11 years | 9 |
3 years to 11 years | 10 |
Kindergarten-age to 11 years | 12 |
License Capacity, Two Adults | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Max. Younger than 18 Months | Max. 18 Months to Kindergarten -Age | Kindergarten -Age to Age 11 | License Capacity | Max. Younger than 18 Months | Max. 18 Months to 2 ½ years | License Capacity |
0 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 12 |
1 | 5 | 4 | 10 | |||
2 | 4 | 3 | 9 | |||
3 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
Kansas also licenses homes with 7 to 10 children. In these FCC homes, one provider may care for the following:
Maximum Number Younger than 18 months | Maximum Number 18 Months to Kindergarten-Age | Kindergarten-Age to 11 Years | Total Maximum |
---|---|---|---|
0 | 7 | 3 | 10 |
1 | 5 | 4 | 10 |
2 | 4 | 3 | 9 |
3 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
*The State also has certified FCC homes that are allowed to care for four to six children. Information reported is only for licensed FCC homes. Back
* A third category of FCC homes, Family Child Care Plus Home, is regulated by the licensing office. A provider in a Family Child Care Plus Home may care for up to eight children, provided that at least two of the eight children are school age. Back
* Excludes child care that is provided for the children of only one family. Back
* Small FCC homes providing care to infants only may enroll up to four infants. Large FCC homes providing care to infants only may enroll up to eight infants. Back
* The number of providers required and the maximum size of the group depends on the ages of children enrolled. The following table summarizes the requirements.
Ages and Number of Children | Family Child Care Homes I: Number of Providers | Family Child Care Homes II: Number of Providers | |
---|---|---|---|
Infants Only | 4 | 1 | 1 |
5–8 | 2 | 2 | |
9–12 | N/A | 3 | |
Mixed Ages | 8 | 1 | 1 |
9–10 | 1 | 1 | |
9–12 | N/A | 2 | |
School-Age | 9–10 | 1 | 1 |
11–12 | N/A | 1 |
N/A = Not applicable Back
* A maximum of 10 children are allowed in large family child care homes if any child is younger than 2 years old. Back
* A small family child care home must be licensed if it cares for four or more children ages 24 months and younger, or six or more children at any time. Back
* The following tables summarize the child-staff ratios for large/group family child care homes:
A) If all children in care are in the same age group, the following determines the staff-child ratio.
Ages of Children in Care | Group Size | Staff-Child Ratio | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
6 weeks to 24 months | 12 | 1:4 | If more than 12 children are in care, the groups must be separated; if more than 8 of the 13 children in care are infants or toddlers the group size, may not exceed 8. |
24 months to eligible for 1st grade | 12 | 1:10 | If more than 12 children are in care, the groups must be separated. |
eligible for 1st grade to age 13 | 16 | 1:15 | Children may be one group; there must be a second provider if more than 15 school age children are in care. |
B) If children in care include any infants and/or toddlers, the following table determines the staff-child ratio.
Ages of Children in Care | Group Size | Child-Staff Ratio | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
One child younger than 24 months | 12 | 1:8 | If more than 12 children are in care and 1 is younger than 24 months, the group must be separated. Each group must meet the appropriate staff-child ratio. Practice note: groups may be arranged to have the younger child in a separate group with 1:8 ratio. For other group use ratios in Table A if all children are the same age; use Table C if mixed ages. |
Two children younger than 24 months | 12 | 1:7 | If more than 12 children are in care and 2 are younger than 24 months, the group must be separated. Each group must meet the appropriate child-staff ratio. Practice note: groups may be arranged to have the younger children in a separate group with 1:7 ratio. For other group use ratios in Table A if all children are the same age; use Table C if mixed ages. |
Three children younger than 24 months | 12 | 1:6 | If more than 12 children are in care and over 3 are younger than 24 months, the group must be separated. Each group must meet the appropriate child-staff ratio. Practice note: groups may be arranged to have the younger children in a group with 1:6 ratio. For other group use ratios in Table A if all children are the same age; use Table C if mixed ages. |
Four or more children younger than 24 months | 12 | 1:4 | If more than 12 children are in care and 4 are younger than 24 months; the group must be separated. Each group must meet the appropriate staff-child ratio and if more than 8 infants or toddlers are in care group size may not exceed 8. Practice note: groups may be arranged to have the younger children in a separate group with 1:4 ratios in Table A if all children are the same age; use Table C if mixed ages. |
C) If children in care include a mix of only preschool- and school-age children, the following table determines the staff-child ratio.
Ages of Children in Care | Group Size | Child-Staff Ratio | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
One child in care aged 24 months to eligible for 1st grade; the rest of children in care are school-age | 12 | 1:12 | If more than 12 children are in care, the groups must be separated to create groups of 12 or fewer children. |
Between 2 and 12 children are between 24 months and eligible for 1st grade, the rest of the children in care are school-age | 12 | 1:10 | If more than 12 children are in care, the groups must be separated to create groups of 12 or fewer children. |
* The following table provides the large/group family child care home ratio and group sizes allowed by the State.
Same-Age Groupings | Mixed Ages | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Age | Max Group Size | Child-Staff Ratio | Age | Max Group Size | Child-Staff Ratio |
Birth–12 months | 12 | 4:1 | Birth–36 months | 12 | 4:1 |
13–24 months | 12 | 5:1 | 13 –36 months | 12 | 5:1 |
25–36 months | 12 | 6:1 | 25 months–6 years | 12 | 6:1 |
37 months–6 years | 12 | 10:1 | 37 months–8 years | 12 | 10:1 |
6–8 years | 12 | 12:1 | 6–15 years | 12 | 12:1 |
9–15 years | 15 | 15:1 |
Number of Caregivers Required 1 | Maximum Number of Children and Ages 2 |
---|---|
1 | Maximum of 15 present and no child present is under 3 years of age. 3 |
2 | Maximum of 15 present and at least 1 child up to a maximum of 9 children present are under 3 years of age, but no more than 4 present are under 2 years of age. 3 |
3 | Maximum of 15 if 10 or more are under 3 years of age. 3 |
1 If any child’s physical or mental condition requires special care, if children under 9 living in the home increases the group size, or when a field trip is taken off premises, the number of caregivers required shall be increased by one. Back
2 Before 8 or more children are enrolled, the facility shall be approved by a fire safety inspector and by an environmentalist. Back
3 If over 12 children are enrolled, the additional children shall be of school-age and a school-age program shall be provided. Back
* Texas requires family child care homes that care for one to three children to be listed with the State. No inspections are conducted, and there are no standards to meet. Small family child care homes are required to be registered and meet State requirements; large family child care homes are required to be licensed. Regulations for registered and licensed homes are combined, with specific stipulations included for each type of home. The following tables present the child-staff ratios and maximum group sizes allowed by the State. A large (licensed) family child care home with 3 providers may care for up to 12 children of any age birth through age 13.
Small (Registered) Family Child Care Combinations | |||
---|---|---|---|
0–17 Months | 18 Months and Older | SAC 5 Years and Older | Max |
0 | 6 | 6 | 12 |
0 | 5 | 7 | 12 |
0 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
0 | 3 | 9 | 12 |
0 | 2 | 10 | 12 |
0 | 1 | 11 | 12 |
0 | 0 | 12 | 12 |
1 | 5 | 4 | 10 |
1 | 4 | 5 | 10 |
1 | 3 | 6 | 10 |
1 | 2 | 7 | 10 |
1 | 1 | 8 | 10 |
1 | 0 | 9 | 10 |
2 | 4 | 2 | 8 |
2 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
2 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
2 | 1 | 5 | 8 |
2 | 0 | 6 | 8 |
3 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
3 | 2 | 2 | 7 |
3 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
3 | 0 | 4 | 7 |
4 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
4 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
4 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
Large (Licensed) Family Child Care Combinations with One Provider | |||
---|---|---|---|
0–17 Months | 18 Months–3 Years | 4 Years and Older | Max |
0 | 8 | 4 | 12 |
0 | 7 | 5 | 12 |
0 | 6 | 6 | 12 |
0 | 5 | 7 | 12 |
0 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
0 | 3 | 9 | 12 |
0 | 2 | 10 | 12 |
0 | 1 | 11 | 12 |
0 | 0 | 12 | 12 |
1 | 6 | 4 | 11 |
1 | 5 | 5 | 11 |
1 | 4 | 6 | 11 |
1 | 3 | 7 | 11 |
1 | 2 | 8 | 11 |
1 | 1 | 9 | 11 |
1 | 0 | 10 | 11 |
2 | 5 | 3 | 10 |
2 | 4 | 4 | 10 |
2 | 3 | 5 | 10 |
2 | 2 | 6 | 10 |
2 | 1 | 7 | 10 |
2 | 0 | 8 | 10 |
3 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
3 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Large (Licensed) Family Child Care Combinations with Two Providers | ||
---|---|---|
0–17 Months | 18 Months and Older | Max |
0 | 12 | 12 |
1 | 11 | 12 |
2 | 10 | 12 |
3 | 9 | 12 |
4 | 8 | 12 |
5 | 7 | 12 |
6 | 6 | 12 |
7 | 5 | 12 |
8 | 4 | 12 |
9 | 3 | 12 |
10 | 0 | 10 |
*Small family child care homes that care for up to four children may voluntarily become registered; homes that care for one to eight children may elect to become licensed. Small family child care requirements reported in the table are for homes required to have a residential certificate. Back
* Vermont regulates two types of small homes. Homes with 3–6 children must be registered, and homes with 3–12 children are licensed. A registered family child care home may care for up to 12 children during the summer if 2 caregivers are on duty. In a licensed family child care home, when only children younger than age 3 are enrolled, two staff are required for four to seven children, and three staff are required when eight or more children are in care. Back
* In determining the need for an assistant, the following ratios are required, including the provider’s own and resident children younger than 8 years of age:
Age of Child | Ratio |
---|---|
Birth–15 months | 4:1 |
16–23 months | 5:1 |
2–4 years | 8:1 |
5–9 years | 16:1 |
10 years and older | Not counted |
When children are in mixed-age groups, the provider shall apply the following point system in determining the need for an assistant. Each caregiver shall not exceed 16 points. The provider's own and resident children under 8 years of age count in point maximums.
Age of Child | Points |
---|---|
Birth–15 months | 4 |
16–23 months | 3 |
2–4 years | 2 |
5–9 years | 1 |
10 years and older | 0 |
Number of Providers Required | Age Range | Max Number of Children Younger than 2 Years | Max Number of Children |
---|---|---|---|
A. Licensee | Birth–11 years | 2 | 6 |
B. Licensee with 1 year experience | 2–11 years | None | 8 |
C. Licensee with 1 year experience | 5–11 years | None | 10 |
D. Licensee with 1 year experience plus assistant | Birth–11 years | 4 | 9 |
E. Licensee with 2 years experience and one early care and education (ECE) class | 3–11 years | None | 10 |
F. Licensee with 2 years experience and one ECE class plus assistant | Birth–11 years | 4 | 12 |
* The maximum number of children per provider allowed by the State is outlined in the following chart.
Maximum Number of Children Per Provider | |||
---|---|---|---|
Younger than 2 Years | 2 Years and Older | Max Number of Additional Children in First Grade or Above, in Care for Fewer than 3 Hours a Day |
Max Number Per Provider |
0 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
1 | 7 | 0 | 8 |
2 | 5 | 1 | 8 |
3 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
4 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
* Excludes child care that is provided for the children of only one family. Back
Updated November 2008