West Virginia Childcare Licensing
West Virginia Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
West Virginia sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: 6 weeks to 12 months must be supervised at no looser than 1:4 (max group size 8). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core West Virginia licensing condition.
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamWest Virginia Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In West Virginia, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 6 weeks to 12 months age group is 1:4 (max group size 8).
In West Virginia, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 13 to 24 months (1-2 years) age group is 1:4 (max group size 12).
In West Virginia, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 25 to 35 months (2 years) age group is 1:8 (max group size 16).
In West Virginia, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 36 to 47 months (3 years) age group is 1:10 (max group size 20).
In West Virginia, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 48 to 59 months (4 years) age group is 1:12 (max group size 24).
In West Virginia, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 60 months to school-age (5 years) age group is 1:12 (max group size 24).
In West Virginia, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School-age age group is 1:16 (max group size 32).
West Virginia child care centers set maximum group sizes per age band (distinct from ratio) in Appendix 78-1 E, Table A: max group 8 for ages 6 weeks–12 months (ratio 1:4)
ratio 1:4
12 for 13–24 months (1:4)
1:4
16 for 25–35 months (1:8)
1:8
20 for ages 3 / 36–47 months (1:10)
1:10
24 for ages 4 / 48–59 months (1:12)
1:12
24 for ages 5–school-age / 60 months–school-age (1:12)
1:12
and 32 for school-age (1:16) (78 CSR 1 §10.5.b.1 and Appendix 78-1 E, Table A).
78 CSR 1 §10.5.b.1 and Appendix 78-1 E, Table A
West Virginia Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| 6 weeks to 12 months | 1:4 (max group size 8) |
|---|---|
| 13 to 24 months (1-2 years) | 1:4 (max group size 12) |
| 25 to 35 months (2 years) | 1:8 (max group size 16) |
| 36 to 47 months (3 years) | 1:10 (max group size 20) |
| 48 to 59 months (4 years) | 1:12 (max group size 24) |
| 60 months to school-age (5 years) | 1:12 (max group size 24) |
| School-age | 1:16 (max group size 32) |
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West Virginia Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 (max group size 8) for the 6 weeks to 12 months age group.
Does West Virginia cap maximum group size?
West Virginia child care centers set maximum group sizes per age band (distinct from ratio) in Appendix 78-1 E, Table A: max group 8 for ages 6 weeks–12 months (ratio 1:4); 12 for 13–24 months (1:4); 16 for 25–35 months (1:8); 20 for ages 3 / 36–47 months (1:10); 24 for ages 4 / 48–59 months (1:12); 24 for ages 5–school-age / 60 months–school-age (1:12); and 32 for school-age (1:16) (78 CSR 1 §10.5.b.1 and Appendix 78-1 E, Table A).
How many staff do I need for my West Virginia classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. West Virginia ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
West Virginia childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published West Virginia administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance, Division of Early Care and Education (Child Care Licensing). Effective Jan 1, 2024, the former Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) was split into three departments; child care licensing now sits under DoHS. The current child care center rule (78 CSR 1, filed Mar 30, 2023, effective Apr 1, 2023) is captioned 'Department of Human Services,' but its internal definitions (e.g., §78-1-3.52 'Secretary') still reference the 'Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Resources.' before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.