10A NCAC 09 .2615         Staff/Child Ratios

Each unit in a multi-unit child care center shall meet the following staff/child ratios and group sizes for children:

Age of Children	Ratio Staff/Children	Maximum Group Size
0 to 12 Months	1/5	10
12 to 24 Months	1/6	12
2 to 3 Years	1/10	20
3 to 5 Years	1/15	25
5 Years and Older	1/25	25

(1)           when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group;

(2)           when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio and children under two years of age are in care, that person shall not concurrently perform food preparation or other duties which are not direct child care responsibilities;

(a)           The unit shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief and who can respond within a reasonable period of time; or

(b)           There shall be a second adult on the premises who is available to provide emergency relief. This second adult may be a person in another licensed unit within the multi-unit center or support staff within the building.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-86; 110-88; 110-91;

Eff. January 1, 2024.