Illinois Child Care Ratios and Group Sizes by Age (Center + Home Quick Guide) - post

This quick guide helps directors and child care providers understand Illinois rules for staff-to-child ratios and maximum group size by age. It focuses on licensed day care centers (Part 407) and gives simple tips for mixed-age rooms and inspection-ready documentation.

Always remember: rules can change, and requirements vary by program type check your Illinois licensing agency when you need exact wording. #Illinois #licensing #childcare

What are the official Illinois ratios and maximum group sizes by age for centers and homes?

Illinois lists child care center grouping and staffing rules in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190. In centers, your staffing plan must match the age of the children present at that time.

Licensed day care centers (Part 407.190):

• Infants (6 weeks–14 months): 1 adult : 4 children — max group size 12

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

• Two-year-olds: 1 : 8 — max 16

• Three-year-olds: 1 : 10 — max 20

• Four-year-olds: 1 : 10 — max 20

• Five-year-olds (preschool): 1 : 20 — max 20

• School-age with kindergarteners present: 1 : 20 — max 30

One helpful exception to know: Illinois allows an early childhood teacher + early childhood assistant to supervise up to 30 children when all children are at least five years old.

What about family child care (in-home) programs?
Family child care homes follow a different set of rules (Illinois Part 406). Because home rules depend on things like ages served and whether you have an assistant, it’s best to check the home standards and confirm details with DCFS.

How do mixed-age groups change ratios and daily planning?

Mixed-age grouping can help with staffing and sibling care—but it can also create ratio mistakes if you are not careful.

Key rule: When children of different ages are combined (in allowed ways), the ratio and max group size are based on the youngest child in the group.

What does “youngest child sets the rule” look like in real life?

• If toddlers and preschoolers are together, you staff using the toddler ratio (1:5).

• If a child has a birthday and moves up next week, you still staff for the age they are today.

Illinois also limits which ages can mix and when, so always check the mixed-age details in the official rule and follow the allowed combinations for your program.

Practical mixed-age planning tips (simple and director-friendly):

• Use “anchor times” every day. Keep arrival, meals, nap, and outdoor time predictable. Predictable routines help children feel calm and help staff stay organized.

• Plan short activity blocks. Use 10–15 minute small-group rotations so younger children can move and explore while older children can do table work.

• Protect the youngest children first.

  • Create a clear “safe zone” for infants (gates, rugs, soft toys).

  • Store small parts (like beads or tiny manipulatives) out of reach.

• Assign staff roles on purpose. During busy times (arrival, bathroom, transitions), decide who is watching which children—especially who is focused on the youngest group.

For an Illinois-specific mixed-age overview that’s easy to read, use this ChildCareEd article: https://www.childcareed.com/a/mixed-age-grouping-in-illinois-what-s-allowed-and-how-to-plan-your-daily-schedule.html

What practical steps can directors take to stay compliant and safe every day?

Staying compliant is not just about “having enough staff.” It’s about proving you were in ratio all day, even during transitions. #ratios #groupsize

Daily systems that reduce licensing stress

• Use a live roster that moves with children.
  Track:

  • child names

  • ages (or classroom age band)

  • arrival/departure times

  • which room/group they are in right now

• Plan staffing around “risk times.”
  These times often cause ratio slips:

  • opening/closing

  • bathroom trips

  • playground transitions

  • nap wake-ups

  • lunch or snack set-up

Room set-up that supports ratio and supervision

• Keep sight lines open (avoid tall shelves blocking views).

• Label centers and keep materials organized so staff are not searching for supplies.

• Post a simple “Who’s where?” staff plan near the door.

Train staff on supervision + transitions

Even with correct ratios, children can get hurt if supervision is weak. Training helps staff understand what to do, not just what the rule says.

Here are 3 ChildCareEd trainings that fit this topic well:

• A Watchful Eye: Supervision in Early Childhood 

• 45 Hours Director-Administration

What should I keep ready for an inspection (and how do I prove compliance fast)?

Licensing visits often go smoother when your proof is simple and easy to grab.

Keep a “ratio + staffing” folder or binder with:

• daily attendance records

• daily group/room rosters

• staff schedules (including breaks)

• staff training certificates

• written plans for mixed-age times (if you use them)

Helpful ChildCareEd resource (free):
Sample Daily Schedule (All Ages)

Related ChildCareEd article (inspection prep):
How to Prepare for a Licensing Visit Without the Stress

What common mistakes do programs make with ratios and group size?

These are issues licensing reps often notice—and they’re usually fixable.

• Mistake: Staffing to the older children in a mixed group.
  Fix: Always staff to the youngest child present.

• Mistake: Ratios slip during transitions or breaks.
  Fix: Build a written break plan and add “float” coverage during busy times.

• Mistake: Rosters don’t show where children were during the day.
  Fix: Use a live roster that moves with the group, and update it in real time.

Quick FAQ for directors

• If I mix toddlers and preschoolers, what ratio applies?
  The toddler ratio, because the youngest child sets the rule.

• Do Illinois centers have set ratios and group sizes by age?
  Yes—Illinois lists them in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.190.

• How do I stay calm during inspections?
  Keep rosters updated, train staff on supervision, and make documents easy to find.