Mo. Code Regs. tit. 5 § 25-500.112

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 1, January 2, 2025

Section 5 CSR 25-500.112 - Staff/Child Ratios

PURPOSE: This amendment puts ratio and group size limitations in a table format to make the rule easier to read and understand, adds group size limitations for children three (3) years of age and older, and clarifies when staff/child ratios and group sizes apply throughout the day.

(1) Staff/child ratios shall be maintained at all times.

(A) The staff/child ratio and group size shall be followed as outlined in the chart below unless it meets an exception in subsections (1)(B)-(G) below.

Ages of Children in Group	Description for the Purpose of this Rule	Minimum Staff/ Child Ratio	Maximum Group Size
Infants, toddlers, and 2-year-olds	Birth to 36 months	1:4	8
2-year-olds	Groups composed solely of children 24 to 36 months	1:8	16
3 through 4-year-olds	Groups composed solely of children 3 to 4 years old	1:10	20
5-year-olds and up	Groups composed solely of children 5 years or older	1:16	32
Mixed ages (Type 1) 2-year-olds and older, with a maximum of four (4) 2-year-olds	A mixed group of children consisting of no more than 4 children ages 24 to 36 months, and at least one child older than 36 months	1:10	20
Mixed ages (Type 2) 2-year-olds and older, with more than four (4) 2-year-olds	A mixed group of children consisting of more than 4 children ages 24 to 36 months, and at least one child older than 36 months	1:8	16

(B) For group child care homes licensed for a maximum of four (4) infants/toddlers or for child care centers licensed for a maximum of twenty (20) children, including no more than four (4) infants/toddlers, multiple groups may occupy the same physical space.

(C) During naptime, groups composed of children two (2) years old and older shall not be required to maintain staff/ child ratio within the napping area, but shall not exceed group size limitations. The required staff/child ratio shall be maintained on the premises during naptime.

(D) Groups composed of children two (2) years old and older shall not be required to maintain group sizes during-

1. Outdoor play;

2. Indoor gross motor activities in a gymnasium or multi-purpose room;

3. Meals;

4. Field trips; and

5. Special events including but not limited to guest speakers, assemblies, and celebrations.

(E) Group size requirements shall not apply when children are transported to or from the facility.

(F) For programs licensed exclusively for school-age children, multiple groups may occupy the same physical space.

(G) During outdoor play, staff/child ratios may be one and one-half (1 1/2) times the indoor staff/child ratios if children two (2) years of age or younger are not present in the outdoor play space. The required indoor staff/child ratios shall be maintained on the premises at all times.

5 CSR 25-500.112

Adopted by Missouri Register December 1, 2023/volume 48, Number 23, effective 1/30/2024.