Illinois child care staff-to-child ratios
Maximum children per caregiver and group size by age band. This page isolates the configured Illinois figures, related explanations, and primary source links from the full licensing guide.
Cited to 89 Ill. Admin. Code 407Verified June 2026Summary only, not legal advice
| Age group | Ratio | Max group |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (6 weeks to 14 months)Birth–14 mo | 1:4 | 12 |
| Toddlers (15 to 23 months)15 mo–23 mo | 1:5 | 15 |
| 2 years2 yr–35 mo | 1:8 | 16 |
| 3 years3 yr–47 mo | 1:10 | 20 |
| 4 years4 yr–59 mo | 1:10 | 20 |
| 5 years (preschool)5 yr–71 mo | 1:20 | 20 |
| School-age (kindergartners present)6 yr and up | 1:20 | 30 |
- Infants (6 weeks to 14 months)Birth–14 mo1:4Max group: 12
- Toddlers (15 to 23 months)15 mo–23 mo1:5Max group: 15
- 2 years2 yr–35 mo1:8Max group: 16
- 3 years3 yr–47 mo1:10Max group: 20
- 4 years4 yr–59 mo1:10Max group: 20
- 5 years (preschool)5 yr–71 mo1:20Max group: 20
- School-age (kindergartners present)6 yr and up1:20Max group: 30
Illinois ratio calculator
Enter how many children you have in each age group to see the minimum number of caregivers Illinois requires.
Estimates the legal minimum from each group's ratio and assumes single-age groupings. Mixed-age rooms must use the youngest child's ratio, and other rules (naptime, ages turning over) can change staffing. Always confirm against the official Illinois regulations.
Citation: 89 Ill. Admin. Code 407
Illinois staff-to-child ratios FAQ
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Illinois?
For infants ages 6 weeks to 14 months, Rule 407 requires a 1:4 staff-to-child ratio with a maximum group size of 12. Ratios loosen as children get older; the full breakdown by age group is shown in the ratio table on this page.
How many annual training hours are required for staff in Illinois?
Both the director and each staff member must complete 15 in-service clock hours of training per year. Centers should also ensure required safe-sleep and medication-administration training is in place for applicable staff.
How often are background checks renewed for Illinois childcare staff?
Background checks are re-verified at each 3-year license renewal, in line with 89 IAC 385.30 and 407.60. Because the renewal and re-verification cycles align, it helps to track clearance dates against your license expiration.
Disclaimer: The figures on this page are a plain-English summary of Illinois requirements; always confirm current rules and details directly with IDEC before making operational decisions. This page is a summary for informational purposes only and is not legal or compliance advice. Confirm with Illinois Department of Early Childhood.