Minnesota Childcare Licensing
Minnesota Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Minnesota sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infant (6 weeks up to 16 months; per 9503.0040, subp. 4 may extend up to 18 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4 (maximum group size 8). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Minnesota licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMinnesota Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Minnesota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (6 weeks up to 16 months; per 9503.0040, subp. 4 may extend up to 18 months) age group is 1:4 (maximum group size 8).
In Minnesota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (16 months up to 33 months; per 9503.0040, subp. 4 may extend up to 35 months) age group is 1:7 (maximum group size 14).
In Minnesota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschooler (33 months to first day of kindergarten) age group is 1:10 (maximum group size 20).
In Minnesota, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age (attending kindergarten and older) age group is 1:15 (maximum group size 30).
Minnesota child care centers must observe maximum group sizes of 8 for infants, 14 for toddlers, 20 for preschoolers, and 30 for school-age children
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these maximums apply at all times except during meals, outdoor activities, field trips, naps and rest, and special activities such as films, guest speakers, and holiday programs (Minn. R. 9503.0040).
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Family child care does not set a separate group-size cap beyond its total capacity limits.
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Minnesota Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infant (6 weeks up to 16 months; per 9503.0040, subp. 4 may extend up to 18 months) | 1:4 (maximum group size 8) |
|---|---|
| Toddler (16 months up to 33 months; per 9503.0040, subp. 4 may extend up to 35 months) | 1:7 (maximum group size 14) |
| Preschooler (33 months to first day of kindergarten) | 1:10 (maximum group size 20) |
| School-age (attending kindergarten and older) | 1:15 (maximum group size 30) |
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Minnesota Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 (maximum group size 8) for the Infant (6 weeks up to 16 months; per 9503.0040, subp. 4 may extend up to 18 months) age group.
Does Minnesota cap maximum group size?
Minnesota child care centers must observe maximum group sizes of 8 for infants, 14 for toddlers, 20 for preschoolers, and 30 for school-age children; these maximums apply at all times except during meals, outdoor activities, field trips, naps and rest, and special activities such as films, guest speakers, and holiday programs (Minn. R. 9503.0040). Family child care does not set a separate group-size cap beyond its total capacity limits.
How many staff do I need for my Minnesota classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Minnesota ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Minnesota childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Minnesota administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Child Care Centers Licensing. Note: child care center licensing transferred from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to DCYF effective June 18, 2025. Existing DHS-issued licenses remain valid and license holders need not reapply; the governing rules (Minn. Rules ch. 9503) remain in force, and the licensing statutes formerly in Minn. Stat. ch. 245A have been recodified into Minn. Stat. ch. 142B (licensing) and ch. 142C (certification). before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.