Indiana Childcare Licensing
Indiana Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Indiana sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infant (birth to 12 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 8). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Indiana licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) - Bureau of Child Care →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamIndiana Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Indiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (birth to 12 months) age group is 1:4 (max group size 8).
In Indiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (12 to 24 months) age group is 1:5 (max group size 10).
In Indiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 2 years (24 to 30 months) age group is 1:5 (max group size 10).
In Indiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 30 to 36 months age group is 1:7 (max group size 14).
In Indiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 3 years age group is 1:10 (max group size 20).
In Indiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 4 years age group is 1:12 (max group size 24).
In Indiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 5 years and older (school age) age group is 1:15 (max group size 30).
Indiana sets maximum GROUP SIZE limits for licensed child care centers, posted on the same chart as the ratios: infant 8, toddler 10, two years 10, 30-36 months 14, three years 20, four years 24, and five years and older 30 (470 IAC 3-4.7-47)
470 IAC 3-4.7-47
the corresponding child/staff ratios from that same chart are infant 4:1, toddler 5:1, two years 5:1, 30-36 months 7:1, three years 10:1, four years 12:1, and five years and older 15:1 (470 IAC 3-4.7-47).
470 IAC 3-4.7-47
No separate group-size cap beyond the overall home capacity is set for family child care homes.
470 IAC 3-4.7-47
Indiana Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infant (birth to 12 months) | 1:4 (max group size 8) |
|---|---|
| Toddler (12 to 24 months) | 1:5 (max group size 10) |
| 2 years (24 to 30 months) | 1:5 (max group size 10) |
| 30 to 36 months | 1:7 (max group size 14) |
| 3 years | 1:10 (max group size 20) |
| 4 years | 1:12 (max group size 24) |
| 5 years and older (school age) | 1:15 (max group size 30) |
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Indiana Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Indiana?
Indiana requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 (max group size 8) for the Infant (birth to 12 months) age group.
Does Indiana cap maximum group size?
Indiana sets maximum GROUP SIZE limits for licensed child care centers, posted on the same chart as the ratios: infant 8, toddler 10, two years 10, 30-36 months 14, three years 20, four years 24, and five years and older 30 (470 IAC 3-4.7-47); the corresponding child/staff ratios from that same chart are infant 4:1, toddler 5:1, two years 5:1, 30-36 months 7:1, three years 10:1, four years 12:1, and five years and older 15:1 (470 IAC 3-4.7-47). No separate group-size cap beyond the overall home capacity is set for family child care homes.
How many staff do I need for my Indiana classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Indiana ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Indiana childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Indiana administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) - Bureau of Child Care before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.