Child Care Centers – Adult-to-Child Ratios
Please note: Qualistar Colorado recommends that there be fewer children in the care of each
adult staff member (in child care centers) than is required by Colorado State Law.
Ages of Children
Colorado Requirements
Qualistar Recommends
6 weeks to 18 months
(infants)
1 years to 3 years
(toddlers)
* 2 years to 3 years
1 staff member to 5
1:3
infants
1 staff member to
1:3
5 toddlers
(18-24 months)
1 staff member to
1:5
7 children
* 2 ½ years to 3 years
1 staff member to
1:6
8 children
3 years to 4 years
1 staff member to
1:8
10 children
4 years to 5 years
1 staff member to
1:8
12 children
5 years and older
1 staff member to
1:8
15 children
Mixed age group
1 staff member to
1:8
2 ½ to 6 years
10 children
Note: * If 20 % of the group is the age of the youngest child then the staff ratio for the younger age
group must be used.
Should you have any further questions about licensing or need to file a complaint,
call the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care:
(303)866-5958 or 1(800)779-5876.
Licensing history can also be accessed online by visiting the following website:
http://www.colorado.gov/apps/cdhs/childcare/lookup/index.jsf
Family Child Care Home – Adult-to-Child Ratios
License Type
Standard/6 + 2
License
3 Under 2
License
Infant/Toddler
License
Large Family Home
License
Extra School Age
Children
2
Max Children
Under age of 2
2
Max # of Children
0
3 (2 under1)
6
0
2 under 1
4
8
2
12 (when 9 or more
children are in care, 2
qualified providers
must be present)
Experienced Family
Many options are included in this license. All will be listed on the
Provider
providers license
* Note: A providers’ own children (12 years of age or younger) are counted in the Adult-to-Child Ratios.
Standard (6 + 2) Family Child Care Home
Six children from birth through 17 years (can have two additional before/after-school children, during
non-school hours or when school is not in session)
Only two children under 2 years of age at any one time - - - (8 children total)
3 under 2 Family Child Care Home
Six children from birth through 17 years
Three children under 2 years (unless specially licensed), only two under 12 months old
No extra before/after children - - - (6 children total)
(This license may switch between the 3 under 2 *FCCH and the Standard *FCCH)
Infant Toddler Family Child Care Home
Four children from birth through 3 years of age
Only 2 children under age 1 - - - (4 children total)
(If previously licensed as a 3 under 2 FCCH this license may switch between the Infant Toddler *FCCH, the 3
under
2 *FCCH and the Standard *FCCH)
Large Family Child Care Home
Twelve children ages birth through 17 years
Only two children under 2 years of age at any one time
Two People must be Providing Care with 9 or more children in care - - - (12 children total)
Experienced Family Child Care Home (the ratios for the experienced providers will vary)
Check the providers’ license to verify information pertaining to ratios for each specific provider.