Missouri Childcare Licensing

Missouri Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)

Missouri sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Birth through 2 years (infants/toddlers, birth to 36 months, mixed) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4, max group size 8 (5 CSR 25-500.112). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Missouri licensing condition.

Licensing Agency

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood — Section for Child Care Regulation/Compliance (licensing of Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers under 5 CSR 25-500). Licensing authority and rulemaking transferred from the Dept. of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to the DESE Office of Childhood in 2021; the licensing rules were formally MOVED from 19 CSR 30-62 to 5 CSR 25-500 (Title 5, Division 25, Chapter 500) and the old 19 CSR 30-62 sections now read 'Moved to 5 CSR 25-500.XXX'. DHSS retains the day care immunization rule (19 CSR 20-28.040) and the Family Care Safety Registry. →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Missouri Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics

In Missouri, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Birth through 2 years (infants/toddlers, birth to 36 months, mixed) age group is 1:4, max group size 8 (5 CSR 25-500.112).

In Missouri, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 2-year-olds only (groups solely 24–36 months) age group is 1:8, max group size 16 (5 CSR 25-500.112).

In Missouri, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 3 through 4 years age group is 1:10, max group size 20 (5 CSR 25-500.112).

In Missouri, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 5 years and older age group is 1:16, max group size 32 (5 CSR 25-500.112).

In Missouri, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Mixed ages 2 years and up age group is 1:10 (max group 20) with no more than four 2-year-olds; 1:8 (max group 16) when more than four 2-year-olds are in the group (5 CSR 25-500.112).

For child care centers and group child care homes, maximum group size is set by age band: 8 for infants/toddlers/2-year-olds (birth-36 months, ratio 1:4), 16 for groups solely of 24-36-month-olds (ratio 1:8), 20 for 3-4-year-olds (ratio 1:10), and 32 for children 5 and older (ratio 1:16) (5 CSR 25-500.112)

5 CSR 25-500.112

family child care homes have no separate group-size cap beyond the 10-child licensed capacity (5 CSR 25-400.105(2)(A)).

5 CSR 25-400.105(2)(A)

Missouri Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance

Birth through 2 years (infants/toddlers, birth to 36 months, mixed)1:4, max group size 8 (5 CSR 25-500.112)
2-year-olds only (groups solely 24–36 months)1:8, max group size 16 (5 CSR 25-500.112)
3 through 4 years1:10, max group size 20 (5 CSR 25-500.112)
5 years and older1:16, max group size 32 (5 CSR 25-500.112)
Mixed ages 2 years and up1:10 (max group 20) with no more than four 2-year-olds; 1:8 (max group 16) when more than four 2-year-olds are in the group (5 CSR 25-500.112)

Go Deeper

All Missouri requirementsThe full Missouri licensing overview.Compare all 50 statesSee staff-to-child ratios side by side.Read the guidePractical how-to for this topic.

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Missouri Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions

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

Missouri requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4, max group size 8 (5 CSR 25-500.112) for the Birth through 2 years (infants/toddlers, birth to 36 months, mixed) age group.

Does Missouri cap maximum group size?

For child care centers and group child care homes, maximum group size is set by age band: 8 for infants/toddlers/2-year-olds (birth-36 months, ratio 1:4), 16 for groups solely of 24-36-month-olds (ratio 1:8), 20 for 3-4-year-olds (ratio 1:10), and 32 for children 5 and older (ratio 1:16) (5 CSR 25-500.112); family child care homes have no separate group-size cap beyond the 10-child licensed capacity (5 CSR 25-400.105(2)(A)).

How many staff do I need for my Missouri classroom?

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

Missouri childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Missouri administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood — Section for Child Care Regulation/Compliance (licensing of Group Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers under 5 CSR 25-500). Licensing authority and rulemaking transferred from the Dept. of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to the DESE Office of Childhood in 2021; the licensing rules were formally MOVED from 19 CSR 30-62 to 5 CSR 25-500 (Title 5, Division 25, Chapter 500) and the old 19 CSR 30-62 sections now read 'Moved to 5 CSR 25-500.XXX'. DHSS retains the day care immunization rule (19 CSR 20-28.040) and the Family Care Safety Registry. before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.