Back to State RatiosVermont

VT Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios

Vermont childcare programs are licensed by the Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division. Vermont has strong early childhood education standards.

Updated February 2026·6 min read

Vermont Ratio Requirements

Vermont DCF sets minimum staff-to-child ratios under the Child Care Licensing Regulations. Vermont is known for its commitment to quality early childhood education.

Age GroupStaff:Child RatioMax Group Size
Infants (0-18 months)1:48
Toddlers (18-36 months)1:510
Preschool (3-5 years)1:1020
School-Age (5+ years)1:1326

Source: VT DCF Child Care Licensing Regulations

Key VT Compliance Points

  • Vermont's STep Ahead Recognition System (STARS) offers quality incentives
  • Directors need at least a CDA or equivalent credential
  • All staff must complete 15 hours of professional development annually

Nearby State Resources

Automate VT Ratio Compliance

CentreCareOS automatically monitors your staff-to-child ratios against Vermont DCF requirements.

  • Pre-configured with VT ratio requirements
  • Real-time compliance dashboard
Get a Demo