New Mexico daycare ratios by age
New Mexico's child care center rule (8.9.4.23 NMAC) sets the staff-to-child ratios below: one adult for every 12 three-year-olds, in groups of no more than 24. Read on 2026-10-31; your licensing consultant has the last word.
New Mexico child care center ratios and group sizes
| Age | Children per adult | Largest group |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 12 months) | 1 to 6 | 12 |
| Toddlers (12 to 24 months) | 1 to 6 | 12 |
| Two-year-olds | 1 to 10 | 20 |
| Three-year-olds | 1 to 12 | 24 |
| Four-year-olds | 1 to 12 | 24 |
| Five-year-olds (not yet in school) | 1 to 15 | 30 |
How many adults does my room need in New Mexico?
Type how many children of each age are in the room.
What the rule says
Centers grouped by age: infants (6 wks-12 mo) 1:6 group 12*; toddlers (12-24 mo) 1:6 group 12*; two years 1:10 group 20; three years 1:12 group 24; four years 1:12 group 24; five years 1:15 group 30; six and older 1:15 group 30. *Pre-existing larger infant/toddler groups grandfathered. Amended eff. 10/8/2024.
Rule: 8.9.4.23 NMAC. 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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