Louisiana Childcare Licensing
Louisiana Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Louisiana sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infants under 1 year must be supervised at no looser than 5:1 (max group size 15). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Louisiana licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Bulletin 137 - Louisiana's Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations (LAC Title 28, Part CLXI) →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamLouisiana Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Louisiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infants under 1 year age group is 5:1 (max group size 15).
In Louisiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 1 year age group is 7:1 (max group size 21).
In Louisiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 2 years age group is 10:1 (max group size 20).
In Louisiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 3 years age group is 13:1 (max group size 26).
In Louisiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 4 years age group is 15:1 (max group size 30).
In Louisiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 5 years age group is 19:1 (max group size 38).
In Louisiana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 6 years and up age group is 23:1 (max group size 46).
and 6 years and up, 46 (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, Pt.
La. Admin. Code tit. 2
Louisiana Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infants under 1 year | 5:1 (max group size 15) |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 7:1 (max group size 21) |
| 2 years | 10:1 (max group size 20) |
| 3 years | 13:1 (max group size 26) |
| 4 years | 15:1 (max group size 30) |
| 5 years | 19:1 (max group size 38) |
| 6 years and up | 23:1 (max group size 46) |
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Louisiana Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires a staff-to-child ratio of 5:1 (max group size 15) for the Infants under 1 year age group.
Does Louisiana cap maximum group size?
Louisiana sets explicit maximum group sizes for centers by age band under §1711.L: infants under 1 year, 15; 1 year, 21; 2 years, 20; 3 years, 26; 4 years, 30; 5 years, 38; and 6 years and up, 46 (La. Admin. Code tit. 28, Pt. CLXI, §1711.L).
How many staff do I need for my Louisiana classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Louisiana ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Louisiana childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Louisiana administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Bulletin 137 - Louisiana's Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations (LAC Title 28, Part CLXI) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.