Ohio child care staff-to-child ratios
Maximum children per caregiver and group size by age band. This page isolates the configured Ohio figures, related explanations, and primary source links from the full licensing guide.
Cited to OAC 5180:2-12Verified June 2026Summary only, not legal advice
| Age group | Ratio | Max group |
|---|---|---|
| Young infant (under 12 months)Birth–1 yr | 1:5 | 12 |
| Older infant (12 to 18 months)1 yr–18 mo | 1:6 | 12 |
| Young toddler (18 to 30 months)18 mo–30 mo | 1:7 | 14 |
| Older toddler (30 to 36 months)30 mo–3 yr | 1:8 | 16 |
| Preschool (3 years)3 yr–4 yr | 1:12 | 24 |
| Preschool (4 to 5 years)4 yr–6 yr | 1:14 | 28 |
| School-age (kindergarten to under 11)6 yr–11 yr | 1:18 | 36 |
| School-age (11 to 14 years)11 yr and up | 1:20 | 40 |
- Young infant (under 12 months)Birth–1 yr1:5Max group: 12
- Older infant (12 to 18 months)1 yr–18 mo1:6Max group: 12
- Young toddler (18 to 30 months)18 mo–30 mo1:7Max group: 14
- Older toddler (30 to 36 months)30 mo–3 yr1:8Max group: 16
- Preschool (3 years)3 yr–4 yr1:12Max group: 24
- Preschool (4 to 5 years)4 yr–6 yr1:14Max group: 28
- School-age (kindergarten to under 11)6 yr–11 yr1:18Max group: 36
- School-age (11 to 14 years)11 yr and up1:20Max group: 40
Ohio ratio calculator
Enter how many children you have in each age group to see the minimum number of caregivers Ohio 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 Ohio regulations.
Citation: OAC 5180:2-12
Ohio staff-to-child ratios FAQ
What is the staff-to-child ratio for infants in Ohio?
For young infants under 12 months, Ohio requires a 1:5 ratio with a maximum group size of 12. Older infants aged 12 to 18 months move to 1:6, also capped at a group of 12. Ratios then loosen with age; see the ratio table above for every age band.
How many training hours are required each year in Ohio?
Both staff and administrators must complete 6 clock hours of training per fiscal year. That ongoing requirement is in addition to onboarding items like first aid, CPR, communicable disease, child abuse recognition, safe sleep, and medication administration.
Disclaimer: These figures are a summary drawn from Ohio's rules; operators should always confirm current requirements directly with the Ohio Department of Children and Youth before making licensing decisions. This page is a summary for informational purposes only and is not legal or compliance advice. Confirm with Ohio Department of Children and Youth.