Staff/Child Ratios and Group Size

PURPOSE: This rule provides the number of staff required for specific ages and numbers of children in care. AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (1) Staff/child ratios shall be maintained at all times. (A) The staff/child ratio and group size shall be followed as outlined in the chart below unless it meets an exception in subsections (1)(B)-(G) below. Ages of Children in Group Description for the Purpose of this Rule Minimum Staff/Child Ratio Maximum Group Size Infants, toddlers, and 2-year-olds Birth to 36 months 1:4 8 2-year-olds Groups composed solely of children 24 to 36 months 1:8 16 3 through 4-yearolds Groups composed solely of children 3 to 4 years old 1:10 20 5-year-olds and up Groups composed solely of children 5 years or older 1:16 32 Mixed ages (Type 1) 2-year-olds and older, with a maximum of four (4) 2-year-olds A mixed group of children consisting of no more than 4 children ages 24 to 36 months, and at least one child older than 36 months 1:10 20 Mixed ages (Type 2) 2-year-olds and older, with more than four (4) 2-year-olds A mixed group of children consisting of more than 4 children ages 24 to 36 months, and at least one child older than 36 months 1:8 16 (B) For group child care homes licensed for a maximum of four (4) infants/toddlers or for child care centers licensed for a maximum of twenty (20) children, including no more than four (4) infants/toddlers, multiple groups may occupy the same physical space. (C) During naptime, groups composed of children two (2) years old and older shall not be required to maintain staff/ child ratio within the napping area, but shall not exceed group size limitations. The required staff/child ratio shall be maintained on the premises during naptime. (D) Groups composed of children two (2) years old and older shall not be required to maintain group sizes during – 1. Outdoor play; 2. Indoor gross motor activities in a gymnasium or multi-purpose room; 3. Meals; 4. Field trips; and 5. Special events including but not limited to guest speakers, assemblies, and celebrations. (E) Group size requirements shall not apply when children are transported to or from the facility. (F) For programs licensed exclusively for school-age children, multiple groups may occupy the same physical space. (G) During outdoor play, staff/child ratios may be one and one-half (1 1/2) times the indoor staff/child ratios if children two (2) years of age or younger are not present in the outdoor play space. The required indoor staff/child ratios shall be maintained on the premises at all times. (2) If a center has an attendance of more than fifty (50) children, the center director or individual in charge shall not be included in staff/child ratios except during naptime or on an emergency substitute basis. (3) If a center has an attendance of more than thirty (30) children at lunch or dinner time, staff shall be provided for meal preparation, serving, and clean-up. The staff shall not be included in staff/child ratios during this time. (4) Individuals employed for clerical, housekeeping, cleaning, and maintenance shall not be included in staff/child ratios while performing those duties. AUTHORITY: section 161.092, RSMo 2016, and section 210.221, RSMo Supp. 2023.* This rule previously filed as 13 CSR 40-62.100, 13 CSR 40-62.112, and 19 CSR 40-62.112. Original rule filed March 29, 1991, effective Oct. 31, 1991. Changed to 19 CSR 40-62.112, effective Dec. 9, 1993. Changed to 19 CSR 30-62.112 July 30, 1998. Moved to 5 CSR 25-500.112, effective Aug. 30, 2021. Amended: Filed June 7, 2023, effective Jan. 30, 2024. *Original authority: 161.092, RSMo 1963, amended 1973, 2002, 2003, 2013, 2014, and 210.221.1(3), RSMo 1949, amended 1955, 1987, 1993, 1995, 1999, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2022.