Arkansas Childcare Licensing
Arkansas Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Arkansas sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Birth – 18 months (infants) must be supervised at no looser than 1:5. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Arkansas licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamArkansas Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Arkansas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Birth – 18 months (infants) age group is 1:5.
In Arkansas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 18 months – 36 months (toddlers) age group is 1:8.
In Arkansas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 2½ – 3 years age group is 1:12.
In Arkansas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 4 years age group is 1:15.
In Arkansas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 5 years to Kindergarten age group is 1:18.
In Arkansas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Kindergarten and above (school age) age group is 1:18 (also 1:18 for transporting children kindergarten and above only; driver may be counted).
For child care CENTERS, group size shall be limited to two (2) times the number of children allowed with one (1) staff member (e.g., 10 for birth-18 months at 1:5, 16 for 18-36 months at 1:8, 30 for 4-year-olds at 1:15), excluding periodic or special group activities and structures licensed before November 1, 2002 (Child Care Center MLR 301.13, with ratios per 301.2).
Child Care Center MLR 301.13, with ratios per 301.2
Licensed Child Care Family Homes have no separate group-size cap distinct from their overall capacity and ratio limits.
Child Care Center MLR 301.13, with ratios per 301.2
Arkansas Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Birth – 18 months (infants) | 1:5 |
|---|---|
| 18 months – 36 months (toddlers) | 1:8 |
| 2½ – 3 years | 1:12 |
| 4 years | 1:15 |
| 5 years to Kindergarten | 1:18 |
| Kindergarten and above (school age) | 1:18 (also 1:18 for transporting children kindergarten and above only; driver may be counted) |
Go Deeper
Generate a Arkansas-Compliant Handbook
TotReady builds a fully compliant parent handbook for your Arkansas childcare center in minutes — every required section, your branding, and regulatory citations included.
Arkansas Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:5 for the Birth – 18 months (infants) age group.
Does Arkansas cap maximum group size?
For child care CENTERS, group size shall be limited to two (2) times the number of children allowed with one (1) staff member (e.g., 10 for birth-18 months at 1:5, 16 for 18-36 months at 1:8, 30 for 4-year-olds at 1:15), excluding periodic or special group activities and structures licensed before November 1, 2002 (Child Care Center MLR 301.13, with ratios per 301.2). Licensed Child Care Family Homes have no separate group-size cap distinct from their overall capacity and ratio limits.
How many staff do I need for my Arkansas classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Arkansas ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Arkansas childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Arkansas administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Early Childhood (OEC), Child Care Licensing Unit (functions formerly administered by the Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education / DCCECE) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.