Arizona Childcare Licensing
Arizona Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Arizona sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infant (0-12 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:5. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Arizona licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamArizona Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Arizona, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (0-12 months) age group is 1:5.
In Arizona, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (12-24 months) age group is 1:6.
In Arizona, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (24-36 months) age group is 1:8.
In Arizona, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (3 years) age group is 1:13.
In Arizona, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (4-5 years) age group is 1:15.
No statewide maximum group-size cap: Arizona child care center rules establish minimum staff-to-children ratios by age (1:5 for infants, 1:6 for 1-year-olds, 1:8 for 2-year-olds, 1:13 for 3-year-olds, 1:15 for 4-year-olds, and 1:20 for 5-year-old not school-age and school-age children) but do not impose a separate maximum group-size limit (Ariz. Admin. Code R9-5-404, Supp. 25-2).
Ariz
Arizona Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infant (0-12 months) | 1:5 |
|---|---|
| Toddler (12-24 months) | 1:6 |
| Toddler (24-36 months) | 1:8 |
| Preschool (3 years) | 1:13 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:15 |
Go Deeper
Generate a Arizona-Compliant Handbook
TotReady builds a fully compliant parent handbook for your Arizona childcare center in minutes — every required section, your branding, and regulatory citations included.
Arizona Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Arizona?
Arizona requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:5 for the Infant (0-12 months) age group.
Does Arizona cap maximum group size?
No statewide maximum group-size cap: Arizona child care center rules establish minimum staff-to-children ratios by age (1:5 for infants, 1:6 for 1-year-olds, 1:8 for 2-year-olds, 1:13 for 3-year-olds, 1:15 for 4-year-olds, and 1:20 for 5-year-old not school-age and school-age children) but do not impose a separate maximum group-size limit (Ariz. Admin. Code R9-5-404, Supp. 25-2).
How many staff do I need for my Arizona classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Arizona ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Arizona childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Arizona administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Child Care before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.