Kansas Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)

In Kansas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infants age group is 1:3 (max 9 per unit) or 1:4 (max 8 per unit); only one staff-child ratio may be used at any one time for each infant unit (K.A.R. 28-4-428(a)(2), eff. 8/2/2024).

In Kansas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infants and other children under the age of 6 (mixed) age group is 1:6 (including not more than 3 infants); max 12 per unit (including not more than 6 infants).

In Kansas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddlers (learned to walk, 12 to 30 months) age group is 1:6 (max 12 per unit).

In Kansas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Children at least 2 years but under 3 years age group is 1:7 (max 14 per unit).

In Kansas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Children at least 2.5 years but under school-age age group is 1:12 (max 24 per unit).

In Kansas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age (will attain kindergarten eligibility, not yet 16) age group is 1:16 (max 32 per unit).

Kansas sets maximum-children-per-unit (group size) caps for child care centers under K.A.R. 28-4-428(a)(2): infants 9 (at a 1:3 staff-child ratio) or 8 (at 1:4)

at 1:4

infants and other children under age 6 = 12 (including not more than 6 infants, at 1:6)

including not more than 6 infants, at 1:6

children at least 2 but under 3 years = 14 (at 1:7)

at 1:7

children at least 2.5 years but under school-age = 24 (at 1:12)

at 1:12

and school-age children = 32 (at 1:16).

at 1:16

What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Kansas?

Kansas requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:3 (max 9 per unit) or 1:4 (max 8 per unit); only one staff-child ratio may be used at any one time for each infant unit (K.A.R. 28-4-428(a)(2), eff. 8/2/2024) for the Infants age group.

Does Kansas cap maximum group size?

Kansas sets maximum-children-per-unit (group size) caps for child care centers under K.A.R. 28-4-428(a)(2): infants 9 (at a 1:3 staff-child ratio) or 8 (at 1:4); infants and other children under age 6 = 12 (including not more than 6 infants, at 1:6); toddlers = 12 (at 1:6); children at least 2 but under 3 years = 14 (at 1:7); children at least 2.5 years but under school-age = 24 (at 1:12); and school-age children = 32 (at 1:16).

How many staff do I need for my Kansas classroom?

Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Kansas ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.