Georgia daycare staff-to-child ratios by age group
Georgia DECAL mandates specific staff-to-child ratios for every age group. These ratios are the most frequently cited violation during inspections — and the most common reason daycares receive correction notices. Here's the complete table and what you need to know to stay in compliance.
| Age group | Age range | Required ratio | Max per staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infants | 0–12 months | 1:6 | 6 children per staff |
| Young toddlers | 13–24 months | 1:8 | 8 children per staff |
| Older toddlers | 25–36 months | 1:10 | 10 children per staff |
| Preschool | 37–48 months | 1:15 | 15 children per staff |
| Pre-K | 49–60 months | 1:18 | 18 children per staff |
Ratios apply at ALL times
Naptime, outdoor play, field trips, lunch — if children are in your care, ratios must be met. DECAL inspectors can arrive unannounced at any time during operating hours. This is the most commonly cited violation in Georgia inspection reports.
How ratios affect your business
Infant rooms are the most expensive to staff (1 teacher per 6 infants) but command the highest weekly tuition. Many centers run infant rooms at breakeven or a small loss while building long-term family relationships.
Preschool rooms (1:15 ratio) are the most profitable. A single teacher can cover 15 children, making these rooms significantly more cost-effective to operate than infant rooms at equivalent tuition levels.
Frequently asked questions
What are Georgia's required staff-to-child ratios?
Georgia DECAL requires: Infants (0–12 months) 1:6, Young Toddlers (13–24 months) 1:8, Older Toddlers (25–36 months) 1:10, Preschool (37–48 months) 1:15, Pre-K (49–60 months) 1:20. These ratios apply at all times the facility is in operation, including naptime and outdoor play.
Do ratios apply during naptime in Georgia?
Yes. Staff-to-child ratios must be maintained at all times during operating hours, including naptime. This is one of the most common misconceptions among new providers. A DECAL inspector arriving during naptime will verify that ratios are met.
What happens if a staff member calls out sick and we don't meet ratio?
You cannot operate below ratio under any circumstances. If a staff absence drops you below ratio for a given age group, you must either bring in a substitute immediately or reduce the number of children in that group to meet ratio. Documenting how you handle ratio emergencies in your policies is recommended.
Preparing for a DECAL inspection?
See exactly what DECAL inspectors check — including ratios, documentation, outdoor space, and health compliance.
Georgia DECAL licensing guide →