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CT Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios
Connecticut childcare programs are regulated by the Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Connecticut is known for having strong early childhood education standards.
Updated July 2026·8 min read
Connecticut Ratio Requirements
Connecticut OEC sets minimum staff-to-child ratios under Connecticut General Statutes Section 19a-79. These apply to all licensed child care centers.
| Age Group | Staff:Child Ratio | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 years (including infants/toddlers) | 1:4 | 8 |
| 2-year-olds | 1:5 | 10 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:10 | 20 |
| School-Age (5+ years) | 1:10 | 20 |
Source: Connecticut OEC licensing rules (including Oct 2024 two-year-old ratio update); see OEC Q&A on 2-year-old ratios
Key CT Compliance Points
- As of October 2024, two-year-olds may be staffed at 1:5 (max group 10); children under 2 remain 1:4 (max group 8). Mixed-age groups must use the ratio of the youngest child
- Head teachers need at least 12 credits in early childhood education
- All staff must complete OEC-approved training annually
- Programs must maintain detailed daily attendance records
CT Licensing Resources
For official Connecticut childcare licensing information:
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