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NY Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios
New York childcare centers are licensed by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Note that New York City has its own Department of Health regulations that may differ.
Updated July 2026·8 min read
New York State Ratio Requirements
New York OCFS sets minimum staff-to-child ratios under 18 NYCRR Part 418. These ratios apply to licensed Day Care Centers throughout New York State (excluding NYC which has additional regulations).
| Age Group | Staff:Child Ratio | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (6 weeks–18 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (18–36 months) | 1:5 | 12 |
| 3-year-olds | 1:7 | 18 |
| 4-year-olds | 1:8 | 21 |
| 5-year-olds | 1:9 | 24 |
| School-age (through age 9) | 1:10 | 20 |
Source: NYS OCFS 18 NYCRR Subpart 418-1 (Child Day Care Centers)
Key NY Compliance Points
- New York has stricter ratios than many states, particularly for preschool-age children
- Directors must have appropriate education and experience credentials
- All staff need 15 hours of training in the first 6 months, then 30 hours every 2 years
- NYC programs must also comply with NYC DOHMH Article 47 regulations
NY Licensing Resources
For official New York childcare licensing information:
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