Indiana child care staff-to-child ratios
Maximum children per caregiver and group size by age band. This page isolates the configured Indiana figures, related explanations, and primary source links from the full licensing guide.
Cited to 470 IAC 3-4.7Verified June 2026Summary only, not legal advice
| Age group | Ratio | Max group |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (6 weeks to 12 months)Birth–1 yr | 1:5 | 12 |
| Young toddlers (12 to 17 months)1 yr–18 mo | 1:5 | 12 |
| Older toddlers (18 to 23 months)18 mo–2 yr | 1:6 | 14 |
| 2 years (24 to 29 months)2 yr–30 mo | 1:8 | 16 |
| 2.5 years (30 to 35 months)30 mo–3 yr | 1:9 | 17 |
| 3 years (36 to 47 months)3 yr–4 yr | 1:11 | 25 |
| 4 years (48 to 59 months)4 yr–5 yr | 1:13 | 29 |
| 5 years (60 to 71 months)5 yr–6 yr | 1:17 | 31 |
| 6 years and over6 yr and up | 1:20 | 40 |
- Infants (6 weeks to 12 months)Birth–1 yr1:5Max group: 12
- Young toddlers (12 to 17 months)1 yr–18 mo1:5Max group: 12
- Older toddlers (18 to 23 months)18 mo–2 yr1:6Max group: 14
- 2 years (24 to 29 months)2 yr–30 mo1:8Max group: 16
- 2.5 years (30 to 35 months)30 mo–3 yr1:9Max group: 17
- 3 years (36 to 47 months)3 yr–4 yr1:11Max group: 25
- 4 years (48 to 59 months)4 yr–5 yr1:13Max group: 29
- 5 years (60 to 71 months)5 yr–6 yr1:17Max group: 31
- 6 years and over6 yr and up1:20Max group: 40
Indiana ratio calculator
Enter how many children you have in each age group to see the minimum number of caregivers Indiana 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 Indiana regulations.
Citation: 470 IAC 3-4.7
Indiana staff-to-child ratios FAQ
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Indiana?
For infants under 12 months, the required ratio is one caregiver to four children (1:4), with a maximum group size of 8. Indiana ratios then loosen by age band; the full table of ratios and maximum group sizes by age is shown above on this page.
Disclaimer: These figures are a summary drawn from Indiana rule 470 IAC 3-4.7 and FSSA guidance; operators should confirm current requirements directly with FSSA's Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning before acting. This page is a summary for informational purposes only and is not legal or compliance advice. Confirm with Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning.