Kentucky child care staff-to-child ratios
Maximum children per caregiver and group size by age band. This page isolates the configured Kentucky figures, related explanations, and primary source links from the full licensing guide.
Cited to 922 KAR Chapter 2Verified June 2026Summary only, not legal advice
| Age group | Ratio | Max group |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (birth to 1 year)Birth–1 yr | 1:5 | 10 |
| Toddler (1 to 2 years)1 yr–2 yr | 1:6 | 12 |
| 2 to 3 years2 yr–3 yr | 1:10 | 20 |
| 3 to 4 years3 yr–4 yr | 1:12 | 24 |
| 4 to 5 years4 yr–5 yr | 1:14 | 28 |
| School-age (5 years+)5 yr and up | 1:15 | 30 |
- Infant (birth to 1 year)Birth–1 yr1:5Max group: 10
- Toddler (1 to 2 years)1 yr–2 yr1:6Max group: 12
- 2 to 3 years2 yr–3 yr1:10Max group: 20
- 3 to 4 years3 yr–4 yr1:12Max group: 24
- 4 to 5 years4 yr–5 yr1:14Max group: 28
- School-age (5 years+)5 yr and up1:15Max group: 30
Kentucky ratio calculator
Enter how many children you have in each age group to see the minimum number of caregivers Kentucky 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 Kentucky regulations.
Citation: 922 KAR Chapter 2
Kentucky staff-to-child ratios FAQ
What is the infant-to-staff ratio for childcare centers in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires one caregiver for every five infants (birth to 1 year), with a maximum group size of ten. Ratios then loosen as children age. For example, one caregiver to six toddlers (1–2 years). The full age-by-age breakdown is in the ratio table on this page.
Disclaimer: These figures are a summary of Kentucky's childcare regulations as of publication; always confirm current requirements directly with the CHFS Division of Child Care before relying on them. This page is a summary for informational purposes only and is not legal or compliance advice. Confirm with Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Child Care.