Complete Step by Step system for starting a daycare
Must be at least 19 years old and have a high school diploma or GED certificate or 6 months documented prior work experience in day care or 5 clock hours of day care training or a professional credential from a nationally-recognized organization.
Provider / Child Ratio
Age Range
Ratio For Center-based Care
0 - 2 years
(1:5)
2 - 3 years
(1:8)
3 - 4 years
(1:10)
4 - 5 years
(1:15)
5 - 6 years
(1:20)
6 years and older
(1:25)
Mixed age group
ratio for youngest child in group
Age Range
Ratio For Family Child Care
All ages
(1:6)
[includes provider's own preschool age children; infant care limited to 2 unless another adult is present, then infant capacity can be increased to 5]