Licensing rules · Colorado
Daycare ratios in Colorado
In a Colorado daycare center, one adult may care for up to 5 babies or toddlers at 18 months, 10 three-year-olds or 12 four-year-olds. Group sizes run from 10 babies in a room to 24 children at age 4.
- Babies (6 weeks)
- 1:5
- Toddlers (18 months)
- 1:5
- 3-year-olds
- 1:10
- 4-year-olds
- 1:12
Daycare centers
Ratios and group sizes in Colorado centers
The most children one adult may care for, and the largest group allowed in one room, at each age. From Colorado's licensing rules as compiled in the 2025 national database.
| Child's age | Adults to children | Largest group |
|---|---|---|
| 6 weeks | 1:51 adult for 5 children | 10 children |
| 11 months | 1:51 adult for 5 children | 10 children |
| 18 months | 1:51 adult for 5 children | 10 children |
| 35 months | 1:71 adult for 7 children | 14 children |
| 3 years | 1:101 adult for 10 children | 20 children |
| 4 years | 1:121 adult for 12 children | 24 children |
| 5 years | 1:151 adult for 15 children | 30 children |
| 6 years | 1:151 adult for 15 children | 30 children |
| 7 years | 1:151 adult for 15 children | 30 children |
| 8 to 9 years | 1:151 adult for 15 children | 30 children |
| 10 years and older | 1:151 adult for 15 children | 30 children |
The national database reads each state's rule at these sample ages; Colorado's own rules give the exact age bands.
In the room
What the ratio means for your child
At 1:5 for babies, a room of 10 infants, the largest group allowed, needs at least 2 caregivers. Colorado keeps that same 1:5 ratio through 18 months, then moves to 1:7 at 35 months, with up to 14 children in the room.
A ratio is the minimum, not the usual staffing. Watch the room at the busy edges of the day, drop-off and pick-up, and count the adults and children for yourself during a tour.
When a room mixes ages, Colorado's rules set the ratio by the age of the youngest child.
Home daycares
Rules for home daycares in Colorado
A licensed family home daycare in Colorado may care for up to 6 children, plus up to 2 school-age children. A larger group home may care for up to 12 children, with one adult for every 8.
Because one provider may have babies and school-age children together, ask how many children under age 2 are in the group and what happens when the provider needs a break.
- As the national database records them
- Family child care home (one provider): up to 6 children (plus 2 school-age children).
- Group child care home (two or more providers): 8 children to 1 adult. Largest group: 12 children.
Enforcement
How Colorado checks these rules
- Centers: Colorado reported routine inspections once a year, without notice.
- Family child care homes: routine inspections once a year, without notice.
Inspection schedules are from a 2017 national survey of state licensing agencies.
On the tour
Ask about ratios on a tour
- How many adults are in my child's room, and how many children?
- How do staff keep track of every child during outdoor play, nap and pick-up?
- Who may pick up my child, and how do you check?
- Is the ratio the same at the start and end of the day, when fewer staff are in?
More questions: the daycare tour checklist.
Questions
Questions about daycare ratios in Colorado
What is the infant ratio for daycare centers in Colorado?
1:5. One adult may care for up to 5 babies, with no more than 10 in one room.
What is the toddler ratio in Colorado?
1:5 at 18 months, with up to 10 in a group, and 1:7 at 35 months, with up to 14.
What is the ratio for 4-year-olds in Colorado daycares?
1:12, with up to 24 children in a group. For 3-year-olds it is 1:10, with up to 20.
How many children can a Colorado home daycare have?
Up to 6 children in a family home daycare, plus up to 2 school-age children. A group home may have up to 12.
How do I check whether a Colorado daycare keeps to the ratio?
Count the adults and children in each room on your tour, and ask what ratio the center keeps at opening and closing, when fewer staff are in.
Rules change. Before you rely on a number here, check Colorado's current licensing rules or ask the state licensing agency.
Source: National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations, Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families (licensingregulations.acf.hhs.gov), 2025 tables, retrieved October 7, 2026.