Mississippi Childcare Licensing
Mississippi Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Mississippi sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Less than 1 year (infants, birth through 12 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:5 (max group size 10, min 2 caregivers, 40 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Mississippi licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Child Care Facilities Licensure Branch (Bureau of Child Care Facilities) →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMississippi Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Mississippi, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Less than 1 year (infants, birth through 12 months) age group is 1:5 (max group size 10, min 2 caregivers, 40 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3.
In Mississippi, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 1 year (toddlers, 12 months to under 24 months) age group is 1:9 (max group size 18, min 2 caregivers, 45 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3.
In Mississippi, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 2 years age group is 1:12 (max group size 24, min 2 caregivers, 35 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3.
In Mississippi, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 3 years age group is 1:14 (max group size 28, min 2 caregivers, 35 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3.
In Mississippi, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 4 years age group is 1:16 (max group size 32, min 2 caregivers, 35 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3.
In Mississippi, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 5 through 9 years age group is 1:20 (max group size 40, min 2 caregivers, 35 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3.
In Mississippi, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 10 through 12 years age group is 1:25 (max group size 50, min 2 caregivers, 35 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3.
In Mississippi, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Transport vehicle 10,000+ lbs GVWR (e.g., school bus) age group is 1:25 (driver not counted as caregiver, except in dually-licensed facilities when the vehicle carries only school-age children); Rule 1.15.4(2). On vehicles under 10,000 lbs GVWR the classroom ratio applies and the driver is not counted — Rule 1.15.4(1).
Mississippi sets explicit maximum group sizes (distinct from staff-to-child ratio) for centers: infant (birth through 12 months) 10, toddler (12 months to under 24 months) 18, 2 years 24, 3 years 28, 4 years 32, 5-9 years 40, and 10-12 years 50 children per group (MSDH Subpart 55, Chapter 1, Rule 1.8.3 Grouping, Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 43-20-8).
MSDH Subpart 55, Chapter 1, Rule 1.8.3 Grouping, Source: Miss
Mississippi Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Less than 1 year (infants, birth through 12 months) | 1:5 (max group size 10, min 2 caregivers, 40 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3 |
|---|---|
| 1 year (toddlers, 12 months to under 24 months) | 1:9 (max group size 18, min 2 caregivers, 45 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3 |
| 2 years | 1:12 (max group size 24, min 2 caregivers, 35 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3 |
| 3 years | 1:14 (max group size 28, min 2 caregivers, 35 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3 |
| 4 years | 1:16 (max group size 32, min 2 caregivers, 35 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3 |
| 5 through 9 years | 1:20 (max group size 40, min 2 caregivers, 35 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3 |
| 10 through 12 years | 1:25 (max group size 50, min 2 caregivers, 35 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3 |
| Transport vehicle 10,000+ lbs GVWR (e.g., school bus) | 1:25 (driver not counted as caregiver, except in dually-licensed facilities when the vehicle carries only school-age children); Rule 1.15.4(2). On vehicles under 10,000 lbs GVWR the classroom ratio applies and the driver is not counted — Rule 1.15.4(1) |
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Mississippi Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Mississippi?
Mississippi requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:5 (max group size 10, min 2 caregivers, 40 sq ft/child); Rule 1.8.2 / Rule 1.8.3 for the Less than 1 year (infants, birth through 12 months) age group.
Does Mississippi cap maximum group size?
Mississippi sets explicit maximum group sizes (distinct from staff-to-child ratio) for centers: infant (birth through 12 months) 10, toddler (12 months to under 24 months) 18, 2 years 24, 3 years 28, 4 years 32, 5-9 years 40, and 10-12 years 50 children per group (MSDH Subpart 55, Chapter 1, Rule 1.8.3 Grouping, Source: Miss. Code Ann. § 43-20-8).
How many staff do I need for my Mississippi classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Mississippi ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Mississippi childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Mississippi administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Child Care Facilities Licensure Branch (Bureau of Child Care Facilities) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.