Indiana Daycare Ratios for Licensed Child Care Centers

Ensuring Quality Care with Proper Staff-to-Child Ratios in Indiana Daycares

Maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios is essential for providing quality care in licensed childcare centers. Indiana has specific regulations to ensure children receive adequate attention and supervision. Below is a concise overview of Indiana childcare ratios and maximum group sizes based on the age of the youngest child in the group.

Staff-to-Child Ratios and Group Sizes in Indiana Licensed Child Care Centers

Infants

Ratio: 1:4

Maximum Group Size: 8

For infants, there must be one caregiver for every four children, with a maximum group size of 8.

Toddlers

Ratio: 1:5

Maximum Group Size: 10

For toddlers, the ratio is one caregiver for every five children, with a maximum group size of 10.

Two-Year-Olds

Ratio: 1:5

Maximum Group Size: 10

Two-year-olds require one caregiver for every five children, with a maximum group size of 10.

Children Aged 30-36 Months

Ratio: 1:7

Maximum Group Size: 14

For children aged 30-36 months, the ratio is one caregiver for every seven children, with a maximum group size of 14.

Three-Year-Olds

Ratio: 1:10

Maximum Group Size: 20

Three-year-olds need one caregiver for every ten children, with a maximum group size of 20.

Four-Year-Olds

Ratio: 1:12

Maximum Group Size: 24

For four-year-olds, the requirement is one caregiver for every twelve children, with a maximum group size of 24.

Five-Year-Olds/Kindergarten

Ratio: 1:15

Maximum Group Size: 30

Kindergarten-aged children require one caregiver for every fifteen children, with a maximum group size of 30.

First Grade and Above

Ratio: 1:20

Maximum Group Size: 40

For children in first grade and above, the ratio is one caregiver for every twenty children, with a maximum group size of 40.

Complying with these ratios ensures that children in Indiana daycare centers receive the required attention and care. Utilizing services like HelloSubs can assist childcare providers in maintaining these standards, helping to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for all children by keeping staff levels in check.

Child/Staff Ratios for Class I and II Child Care Homes

Mixed Age Groups: Simplified Breakdown

Number of Staff Required Based on Number of Infants (under 16 months) and Children (16 months and over)

0 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-10 children: 1 staff member

• Plus 11-16 children: 2 staff members

1 Infant (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-9 children: 1 staff member

• Plus 10-15 children: 2 staff members

2 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-8 children: 1 staff member

• Plus 9-14 children: 2 staff members

3 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-7 children: 1 staff member

• Plus 8-13 children: 2 staff members

4 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-12 children: 2 staff members

5 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-11 children: 2 staff members

6 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-10 children: 2 staff members

7 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-9 children: 3 staff members

8 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-8 children: 3 staff members

9 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-7 children: 3 staff members

10 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-6 children: 4 staff members

11 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-5 children: 4 staff members

12 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-4 children: 4 staff members

13 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-3 children: 5 staff members

14 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1-2 children: 5 staff members

15 Infants (under 16 months)

• Plus 1 child: 5 staff members

Special Notes

• Exception: For the Infant/Toddler Mixed Age Group (Birth-24 months), the ratio is 6:1 if two of the six children are at least 16 months old and walking. Otherwise, the ratio is 4:1.

• Special Rule: One caregiver can care for twelve children only if all children are three years or older.

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HelloSubs can help meet these requirements by providing quality substitute teachers when needed, ensuring that childcare facilities always have the necessary staff to maintain proper ratios and deliver exceptional care.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Child care and daycare center regulations vary by state and can change frequently. Always consult your state's official regulatory bodies for the most up-to-date and accurate information. We are not liable for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in the information provided. Use this article at your own risk.