Connecticut Childcare Licensing
Connecticut Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Connecticut sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infants and toddlers (under 2 years; under three endorsement, RCSA 19a-79-10) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4 (group size max 8). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Connecticut licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamConnecticut Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Connecticut, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infants and toddlers (under 2 years; under three endorsement, RCSA 19a-79-10) age group is 1:4 (group size max 8).
In Connecticut, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Two-year-olds (under three endorsement, RCSA 19a-79-10; effective Oct 16, 2024) age group is 1:5 (group size max 10).
In Connecticut, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (3 years to school age, RCSA 19a-79-4a) age group is 1:10 (group size max 20).
In Connecticut, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age (school age children endorsement, RCSA 19a-79-11) age group is 1:15 (group size max 30).
For child care centers and group child care homes the overall group size shall not exceed twenty (20) children, per Conn. Agencies Regs. 19a-79-4a (group-size subdivision)
group-size subdivision
under the infant/toddler (under-three) endorsement the group size shall not exceed eight (8) children for children under two years of age and shall not exceed ten (10) children for two-year-olds, per Conn. Agencies Regs. 19a-79-10.
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Family child care homes have no separate group-size cap beyond their licensed capacity.
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Connecticut Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infants and toddlers (under 2 years; under three endorsement, RCSA 19a-79-10) | 1:4 (group size max 8) |
|---|---|
| Two-year-olds (under three endorsement, RCSA 19a-79-10; effective Oct 16, 2024) | 1:5 (group size max 10) |
| Preschool (3 years to school age, RCSA 19a-79-4a) | 1:10 (group size max 20) |
| School-age (school age children endorsement, RCSA 19a-79-11) | 1:15 (group size max 30) |
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Connecticut Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 (group size max 8) for the Infants and toddlers (under 2 years; under three endorsement, RCSA 19a-79-10) age group.
Does Connecticut cap maximum group size?
For child care centers and group child care homes the overall group size shall not exceed twenty (20) children, per Conn. Agencies Regs. 19a-79-4a (group-size subdivision); under the infant/toddler (under-three) endorsement the group size shall not exceed eight (8) children for children under two years of age and shall not exceed ten (10) children for two-year-olds, per Conn. Agencies Regs. 19a-79-10. Family child care homes have no separate group-size cap beyond their licensed capacity.
How many staff do I need for my Connecticut classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Connecticut ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Connecticut childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Connecticut administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), Division of Licensing before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.