Mixed-Age Grouping in Illinois: What’s Allowed and How to Plan Your Daily Schedule - post

Mixed-age grouping can be a lifesaver in child care. It helps you manage staffing, support siblings, and keep classrooms full (without constant room changes). But in Illinois, you also need to follow DCFS group size and ratio rules and plan a daily schedule that truly works for every age in the room.

What does Illinois allow for mixed-age groups in licensed day care centers?

Illinois DCFS rules for day care centers (Part 407) explain how children of different ages may be combined.

Under 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190(d), children may be combined in these ways:

• Infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds may be combined, and/or

• Two-year-olds through five-year-olds may be mixed in any combination, and/or

• Four-year-olds through six-year-olds may be mixed, and/or

• Children of all ages may be mixed during the first hour and last hour of programs that operate 10 or more hours per day.

Also, Illinois says that when you mix ages, your program must have staff training activities and daily schedules that meet the needs of all children in that group.

When you mix ages, what ratio do you use in Illinois?

Illinois is very clear: when different ages are combined, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size are based on the youngest child in the group.

That means if you have a mixed group with toddlers and preschoolers, you must staff it like a toddler group, not a preschool group.

Here are the standard center ratios and max group sizes listed in 407.190(a):

• Infants (6 weeks–14 months): 1:4, max group 12

• Toddlers (15–23 months): 1:5, max group 15

• Two years: 1:8, max group 16

• Three years: 1:10, max group 20

• Four years: 1:10, max group 20

• Five years (preschool): 1:20, max group 20

This “youngest child sets the ratio” rule is the biggest thing directors miss so it’s worth repeating. #Illinois #childcare #ratios

Why do mixed-age classrooms work well (and when do they feel hard)?

Mixed-age grouping can be great when it is planned on purpose.

Benefits you may notice

• Older children model language, routines, and self-help skills

• Younger children learn by watching and copying

• Staff can build stronger relationships because children stay with the same adults longer

Common challenges

• Nap needs and activity needs are different

• Younger children need more help with toileting, transitions, and emotions

• Safety risks go up if older children have small materials near infants/toddlers

If you want mixed-age strategies that are easy to use, this ChildCareEd training is a strong fit:
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-working-with-mixed-age-groups-in-childcare-1.html

How can Illinois programs plan a daily schedule that fits mixed ages?

A good mixed-age schedule does three things:

1. Protects the youngest children’s needs

2. Keeps older children engaged

3. Makes staffing and transitions smoother

Here’s a simple way to build your day.

Start with “anchor times” that stay the same

Anchor times are the parts of the day that rarely change:

• Arrival / greeting

• Meals and snacks

• Nap/rest (if applicable)

• Outdoor time (weather permitting)

• Pick-up / closing routine

When anchor times stay steady, behavior improves because children know what happens next.

For a ready example you can adapt, use this free ChildCareEd resource:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00270-sample-daily-schedule-all-ages-curriculum.html

Use “small group blocks” to meet different age needs

Mixed ages work best when you plan short blocks where children are doing different things in the same room.

Try this approach:

• Block A (10–15 min): younger children = sensory / simple toys; older children = table activity

• Block B (10–15 min): younger children = books with teacher; older children = centers with a second adult watching

• Block C (10–15 min): whole group music/movement that all ages can do

Keep it short. Short blocks reduce meltdowns and waiting time.

Plan your room setup to protect the youngest children

Your schedule will fail if your space does not match your ages.

A mixed-age room often needs:

• A clear safe zone for infants/toddlers (gates, rugs, soft toys)

• A “small parts” rule for older children (and a place those items live)

• Two quick transition tools: a song + a visual cue (like a picture schedule)

What is a smart staffing plan for early/late mixed-age times?

Many programs mix ages most during:

• Early drop-off

• Late pick-up

Illinois allows children of all ages to be mixed during the first hour and last hour for programs operating 10+ hours/day.

To make this safe:

• Staff the group based on the youngest child present

• Use active supervision (positioning, scanning, listening, counting)

• Keep the activity choices simple (blocks, books, dramatic play—not tiny manipulatives)

A helpful training for safety in busy mixed times:
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-active-supervision-a-strategy-that-works-3726.html

What daily schedule mistakes should programs avoid in mixed-age rooms?

Here are common “schedule traps” and simple fixes:

• Mistake: One long circle time for everyone

  • Fix: two mini circles (5–8 minutes) or split by ages

• Mistake: Waiting in lines

  • Fix: transition baskets (books, lacing cards for older kids, soft toys for younger kids)

• Mistake: Using the preschool schedule for toddlers in the same room

  • Fix: follow toddler needs first (shorter transitions, more movement, more support)

• Mistake: No plan for nap/non-nap children

  • Fix: quiet activities ready (puzzles with big pieces, books, drawing) and a defined quiet zone

If you want help making routines smoother across ages, this ChildCareEd course is directly related:
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-balancing-act-schedules-and-routines.html

Where can providers learn more about mixed-age teaching?

For practical teaching tips, you can also share this ChildCareEd article with your team:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/working-with-mixed-age-groups.html

Quick FAQ

Q: If I mix ages, can I use an average ratio?
A: In Illinois day care centers, no. When ages are combined, the ratio and max group size must be based on the youngest child in the group.

Q: Can all ages be together all day?
A: Illinois lists specific ways ages may be combined, including an option for all ages during the first and last hour for long-day programs (10+ hours).

Q: What should I document when we mix ages?
A: Keep a clear daily plan: who is in the mixed group, who is staffing it, and how the schedule meets the needs of all ages (Illinois expects schedules and staff training to support mixed groups).

Mixed-age grouping can absolutely work in Illinois when you plan it on purpose. Use the youngest child to set ratios, build a schedule with short blocks, and support staff with training and strong supervision. #mixedage #earlychildhood #IllinoisDCFS