Maine Childcare Licensing
Maine Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Maine sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infants (6 weeks to 1 year) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 8). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Maine licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), Children's Licensing and Investigation Unit →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMaine Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Maine, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infants (6 weeks to 1 year) age group is 1:4 (max group size 8).
In Maine, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Young toddlers (1 year to 2.5 years) age group is 1:4 (max group 12) or 1:5 (max group 10).
In Maine, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Older toddlers/young preschool (2.5 years to 3.5 years) age group is 1:7 (max group 21).
In Maine, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (3 years to under 5 years) age group is 1:8 (max group 24) or 1:10 (max group 20).
In Maine, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age (5 years to 12 years) age group is 1:13.
Maine sets maximum group sizes for Child Care Centers (distinct from ratios): 8 for ages 6 weeks-1 year
distinct from ratios
12 or 10 for ages 1-2.5 years
10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §28.1, adult-to-child ratio / maximum group size table
21 for ages 2.5-3.5 years
10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §28.1, adult-to-child ratio / maximum group size table
24 or 20 for age 3 to not-yet-school-age (5)
5
and not applicable (no cap) for school-age 5-15 years (10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §28.1, adult-to-child ratio / maximum group size table).
10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §28.1, adult-to-child ratio / maximum group size table
Family child care homes have no separate group-size cap beyond the 12-child capacity limit (10-148 CMR Ch. 33 §7.C).
10-148 CMR Ch. 33 §7.C
Maine Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infants (6 weeks to 1 year) | 1:4 (max group size 8) |
|---|---|
| Young toddlers (1 year to 2.5 years) | 1:4 (max group 12) or 1:5 (max group 10) |
| Older toddlers/young preschool (2.5 years to 3.5 years) | 1:7 (max group 21) |
| Preschool (3 years to under 5 years) | 1:8 (max group 24) or 1:10 (max group 20) |
| School-age (5 years to 12 years) | 1:13 |
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Maine Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Maine?
Maine requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 (max group size 8) for the Infants (6 weeks to 1 year) age group.
Does Maine cap maximum group size?
Maine sets maximum group sizes for Child Care Centers (distinct from ratios): 8 for ages 6 weeks-1 year; 12 or 10 for ages 1-2.5 years; 21 for ages 2.5-3.5 years; 24 or 20 for age 3 to not-yet-school-age (5); and not applicable (no cap) for school-age 5-15 years (10-148 CMR Ch. 32 §28.1, adult-to-child ratio / maximum group size table). Family child care homes have no separate group-size cap beyond the 12-child capacity limit (10-148 CMR Ch. 33 §7.C).
How many staff do I need for my Maine classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Maine ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Maine childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Maine administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), Children's Licensing and Investigation Unit before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.