California daycare ratios by age
California's child care center rule (22 CCR §101416.5; 22 CCR §101216.3) sets the staff-to-child ratios below: one adult for every 12 three-year-olds. Read on 2026-10-31; your licensing consultant has the last word.
California child care center ratios and group sizes
| Age | Children per adult | Largest group |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 12 months) | 1 to 4 | not set by age |
| Toddlers (12 to 24 months) | 1 to 4 | not set by age |
| Two-year-olds | 1 to 12 | not set by age |
| Three-year-olds | 1 to 12 | not set by age |
| Four-year-olds | 1 to 12 | not set by age |
| Five-year-olds (not yet in school) | 1 to 12 | not set by age |
How many adults does my room need in California?
Type how many children of each age are in the room.
What the rule says
Infant care centers (infant = under 2 yr, 22 CCR 101152): 1 teacher per 4 infants (101416.5(b)); a fully qualified teacher may direct aides for up to 12 infants. Child care centers (preschool, 2 yr to kindergarten): 1 teacher per 12 children, or 1 teacher + 1 aide per 15, or (preschool program) 1 teacher + 1 aide per 18 (101216.3). No group size in the regs. Optional toddler component 18-36 mo (22 CCR 101417) is 1:6 group 12 per Health & Safety Code 1596.955-.956 (statute not read; secondary). (mapped: toddler 12-24 mo = infant rule; twos = preschool 1:12 base, not the optional toddler program)
Rule: 22 CCR §101416.5; 22 CCR §101216.3. Read on 2026-10-31 at law.cornell.edu. Where the rule's ages split one of ours, the younger, stricter figure is shown. This is the rule for licensed centers; family child care homes, school-age care and mixed-age groups have their own rules. A reading of public regulations, not licensing advice.
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