OAR 414-320-0400
OAR 414-320-0400. Staff-to-Child Ratio and Group Size
(1) “Ratio” means the number of staff required to be physically present with a child or group of children.
(2) "Group" means a specific number of children assigned to specific staff.
(3) When more than one group of children is present on the child care premises at the same time, the following apply:
(a) Each group is considered separate and operates independently. The group must have its own staff, program materials, and attendance records;
(b) Children may not move freely between different groups; and
(c) The multiple groups can come together briefly for a specific activity (e.g., eating, napping, large muscle activities), but in general, the groups should remain separate throughout the day.
(4) A certified ONB program must meet the applicable staff-to-child ratio at all times as identified in OAR 414-320-0400(5). The certified ONB program must limit the number of children in each group to the maximum group size or fewer at all times, except as specified in 414-320-400(3)(c).
(5) Staff-to-Child Ratios and Maximum Group Sizes:
(a) Preschool Age (36 months through eligible for kindergarten):
(A) Staff-to-Child Ratio 1:8
(B) Maximum Group Size: 16
(b) School Age (Eligible for kindergarten through 12 years old)
(A) Staff-to-Child Ratio 1:10
(B) Maximum Group Size: 20
(c) In a mixed age group, a certified ONB program must meet the ratio and group size for the youngest child in the group.
(6) A certified ONB program must have at least one caregiver who meets the qualifications of a teacher, as required by OAR 414-320-0340(2), with each group of children.
(7) Certified ONB programs must have at least two staff members on the certified ONB program premises at all times.
(8) A certified ONB program must count all children in ratios, group size, and capacity with the following exceptions:
(a) Children visiting with a non-staff parent or a staff parent not being counted to meet staff-to-child ratios as long as the parent is directly supervising their child; and
(b) Minors who qualify as volunteers.