Back to State RatiosRhode Island
RI Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios
Rhode Island childcare programs are licensed by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Despite its small size, RI has comprehensive childcare regulations.
Updated February 2026·6 min read
Rhode Island Ratio Requirements
Rhode Island DCYF sets minimum staff-to-child ratios under DCYF Regulations for Child Care Programs.
| Age Group | Staff:Child Ratio | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-18 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (18-36 months) | 1:6 | 12 |
| Preschool (3-5 years) | 1:9 | 18 |
| School-Age (5+ years) | 1:13 | 26 |
Source: RI DCYF Child Care Regulations
Key RI Compliance Points
- Rhode Island's BrightStars quality rating system may have enhanced requirements
- Lead teachers must have a CDA or higher credential
- All staff must complete background checks through BCI and FBI
Nearby State Resources
Automate RI Ratio Compliance
CentreCareOS automatically monitors your staff-to-child ratios against Rhode Island DCYF requirements.
- Pre-configured with RI ratio requirements
- Real-time compliance dashboard