Vermont Childcare Licensing
Vermont Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Vermont sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Birth – 18 months (infants) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 8). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Vermont licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division (CDD) — Child Care Licensing Unit →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamVermont Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Vermont, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Birth – 18 months (infants) age group is 1:4 (max group size 8).
In Vermont, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 18 months – 30 months age group is 1:4 (max group size 10).
In Vermont, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 24 months – 36 months age group is 1:5 (max group size 10).
In Vermont, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 32 months – 42 months age group is 1:6 (max group size 15).
In Vermont, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 36 months – Kindergarten (preschool) age group is 1:10 (max group size 20).
In Vermont, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 1st grade and up (school age) age group is 1:13 (max group size 26).
Vermont sets maximum group sizes for center-based programs distinct from staff ratios: birth-18 months = 8, 18-30 months = 10, 24-36 months = 10, 32-42 months = 15, 36 months-Kindergarten = 20, and 1st grade and up = 26 (Vermont Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs Licensing Regulations § 6.2.1.3).
Vermont Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs Licensing Regulations § 6.2.1.3
Vermont Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Birth – 18 months (infants) | 1:4 (max group size 8) |
|---|---|
| 18 months – 30 months | 1:4 (max group size 10) |
| 24 months – 36 months | 1:5 (max group size 10) |
| 32 months – 42 months | 1:6 (max group size 15) |
| 36 months – Kindergarten (preschool) | 1:10 (max group size 20) |
| 1st grade and up (school age) | 1:13 (max group size 26) |
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Vermont Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Vermont?
Vermont requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 (max group size 8) for the Birth – 18 months (infants) age group.
Does Vermont cap maximum group size?
Vermont sets maximum group sizes for center-based programs distinct from staff ratios: birth-18 months = 8, 18-30 months = 10, 24-36 months = 10, 32-42 months = 15, 36 months-Kindergarten = 20, and 1st grade and up = 26 (Vermont Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs Licensing Regulations § 6.2.1.3).
How many staff do I need for my Vermont classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Vermont ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Vermont childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Vermont administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division (CDD) — Child Care Licensing Unit before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.