Montana Childcare Licensing
Montana Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Montana sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Newborn through 11 months (infants) must be supervised at no looser than 4:1 (maximum group size 12). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Montana licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMontana Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Montana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Newborn through 11 months (infants) age group is 4:1 (maximum group size 12).
In Montana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 12 months through 23 months (toddlers) age group is 6:1 (maximum group size 12).
In Montana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 2 years old age group is 8:1 (maximum group size 16).
In Montana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 3 years through 5 years age group is 10:1 (maximum group size 20).
In Montana, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 6 years old and over (school-age) age group is 20:1 (maximum group size 40).
Montana sets child-to-staff ratios and maximum group sizes for child care CENTERS by age: 4:1 with a maximum group size of 12 for children newborn through 23 months
three to eight and 9 to 15 children respectively under 52-2-703, MCA
8:1 with a maximum of 16 for two through three years
three to eight and 9 to 15 children respectively under 52-2-703, MCA
10:1 with a maximum of 24 for four years
three to eight and 9 to 15 children respectively under 52-2-703, MCA
and 14:1 with a maximum of 32 for five years and over (ARM 37.95.623(1)).
ARM 37.95.623(1)
When children of different ages are mixed, the ratio and group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained (ARM 37.95.623(2)).
ARM 37.95.623(2)
Family and group day-care homes are governed by total registered capacity (three to eight and 9 to 15 children respectively under 52-2-703, MCA) rather than per-age group-size caps.
three to eight and 9 to 15 children respectively under 52-2-703, MCA
Montana Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Newborn through 11 months (infants) | 4:1 (maximum group size 12) |
|---|---|
| 12 months through 23 months (toddlers) | 6:1 (maximum group size 12) |
| 2 years old | 8:1 (maximum group size 16) |
| 3 years through 5 years | 10:1 (maximum group size 20) |
| 6 years old and over (school-age) | 20:1 (maximum group size 40) |
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Montana Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Montana?
Montana requires a staff-to-child ratio of 4:1 (maximum group size 12) for the Newborn through 11 months (infants) age group.
Does Montana cap maximum group size?
Montana sets child-to-staff ratios and maximum group sizes for child care CENTERS by age: 4:1 with a maximum group size of 12 for children newborn through 23 months; 8:1 with a maximum of 16 for two through three years; 10:1 with a maximum of 24 for four years; and 14:1 with a maximum of 32 for five years and over (ARM 37.95.623(1)). When children of different ages are mixed, the ratio and group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained (ARM 37.95.623(2)). Family and group day-care homes are governed by total registered capacity (three to eight and 9 to 15 children respectively under 52-2-703, MCA) rather than per-age group-size caps.
How many staff do I need for my Montana classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Montana ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Montana childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Montana administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Early Childhood and Family Support Division (ECFSD) — Child Care Licensing (CCL) Program before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.