Childcare ratio rule changes by state.
These are the changes to state staff-to-child ratios for child care centers that we have confirmed. Each one links to the state’s own law or rule.
Last change confirmed November 2, 2026.
| State | Age group | Before | After | Took effect | Official source | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | Two and one-half to five years, combined for the first and last hour and a half of the day (Chart 3) | 1:10 | 1:11 | Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01-.22(1)(c), Chart 3 (the text before) | ||
| Tennessee | Two and one-half to twelve years, combined age group (Chart 2) | 1:10 | 1:11 | Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01-.22(1)(c), Chart 2 (the text before) | ||
| Utah | 2 years - twos | 1:7 | 1:8 | Utah Admin. Code R381-100-10, Table 1 (Filing No. 56903) | ||
| Wisconsin | 5 years to 6 years | 1:17 | 1:18 | Wis. Admin. Code DCF 251.055, Table 251.055 (CR 21-100) | ||
| Iowa | Three years | 1:8 | 1:10 | Iowa Admin. Code 441—109.8(2), ARC 6564C (2022) | ||
| Iowa | Two years | 1:6 | 1:7 | Iowa Admin. Code 441—109.8(2), ARC 6564C (2022) |
How a change gets on this page
We list a change only when the state’s own law or rule shows the old ratio and the new one.
Each row links to that official page and gives the day we read it.
This log covers licensed child care centers. Family child care homes have ratios of their own.
Your state licensing agency has the final word on what applies to your program.
Today’s ratios
Each state’s current ratios and group sizes are on its licensing requirements page. To plan the staff for a room, use the staff-to-child ratio calculator.
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