Illinois Childcare Licensing
Illinois Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Illinois 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 1:4. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Illinois licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamIllinois Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Illinois, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (0-12 months) age group is 1:4.
In Illinois, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (13-23 months) age group is 1:5.
In Illinois, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (24-30 months) age group is 1:8.
In Illinois, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (31 months-5 years) age group is 1:10.
In Illinois, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School Age (5+ years) age group is 1:20.
Illinois sets maximum group sizes for day care centers by age band: 12 for infants (6 weeks-14 months), 15 for toddlers (15-23 months), 16 for two-year-olds, 20 for three- and four/five-year-olds, and 30 for school-age children (89 Ill. Adm.
15-23 months
Day care homes have no separate group-size cap beyond the 12-child capacity maximum.
89 Ill
Illinois Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infant (0-12 months) | 1:4 |
|---|---|
| Toddler (13-23 months) | 1:5 |
| Toddler (24-30 months) | 1:8 |
| Preschool (31 months-5 years) | 1:10 |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:20 |
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Illinois Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Illinois?
Illinois requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 for the Infant (0-12 months) age group.
Does Illinois cap maximum group size?
Illinois sets maximum group sizes for day care centers by age band: 12 for infants (6 weeks-14 months), 15 for toddlers (15-23 months), 16 for two-year-olds, 20 for three- and four/five-year-olds, and 30 for school-age children (89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190 / Appendix). Day care homes have no separate group-size cap beyond the 12-child capacity maximum.
How many staff do I need for my Illinois classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Illinois ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Illinois childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Illinois administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.