Licensing rules · Minnesota
Daycare ratios in Minnesota
A Minnesota daycare center must have one adult for every 4 babies, every 7 children at 18 months, and every 10 children at ages 3 and 4. Group sizes are capped as well, from 8 babies to 20 preschoolers in one room.
- Babies (6 weeks)
- 1:4
- Toddlers (18 months)
- 1:7
- 3-year-olds
- 1:10
- 4-year-olds
- 1:10
Daycare centers
Ratios and group sizes in Minnesota centers
The most children one adult may care for, and the largest group allowed in one room, at each age. From Minnesota's licensing rules as compiled in the 2025 national database.
| Child's age | Adults to children | Largest group |
|---|---|---|
| 6 weeks | 1:41 adult for 4 children | 8 children |
| 11 months | 1:41 adult for 4 children | 8 children |
| 18 months | 1:71 adult for 7 children | 14 children |
| 35 months | 1:71 adult for 7 children | 14 children |
| 3 years | 1:101 adult for 10 children | 20 children |
| 4 years | 1:101 adult for 10 children | 20 children |
| 5 years | 1:101 adult for 10 children | 20 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; Minnesota's own rules give the exact age bands.
In the room
What the ratio means for your child
A ratio of 1:7 at 18 months means a room of 14 toddlers, the most Minnesota allows in one group at that age, needs 2 teachers. For babies, 8 infants in a room need 2 adults, one for every 4.
These numbers are the minimum the rules allow, not the staffing every center keeps. Rooms are most likely to run tight early in the morning and late in the day. When you visit, count heads and ask what happens when a teacher steps out.
When a room mixes ages, Minnesota's rules set the ratio by the age of the youngest child.
Home daycares
Rules for home daycares in Minnesota
Minnesota licenses home daycares in a few sizes. A family home with one provider may care for up to 6 children plus up to 4 school-age children, with limits on how many may be babies and toddlers. A group home may care for up to 14 children when a second adult is there.
In a home, the age mix decides how many children one provider may take, so ask how many infants and toddlers are enrolled, whether a helper is ever on site and who steps in if the provider is sick.
- As the national database records them
- Family child care home (one provider): up to 6 children (plus 4 school-age children).
- Group child care home (two or more providers): the rule reads (children to adults): “8:1; max group size 10 - of the total children under school age, a combined total of no more than 3 shall be infants and toddlers. Of this total, no more than 2 shall be infants. 10:1; max group size 12 - of the total children under school age, a combined total of no more than 2 shall be infants and toddlers. Of this total, no more than 1 shall be an infant. 10:2; max group size 14 - of the total children under school age, a combined total of no more than 4 shall be infants and toddlers. Of this total, no more than 3 shall be infants.” Largest group: 14 children.
Enforcement
How Minnesota checks these rules
- Centers: Minnesota 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
- of the 830 Minnesota daycare websites we read post a staff-to-child ratio
- 13.7%
- 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 Minnesota
What is the infant ratio for Minnesota daycare centers?
1:4. One adult may care for up to 4 babies, with no more than 8 babies in one room.
What is the toddler ratio in Minnesota?
1:7 at both 18 months and 35 months, with up to 14 toddlers in a group.
What is the ratio for 4-year-olds in Minnesota daycares?
1:10, the same as for 3-year-olds, with up to 20 children in a group. From age 6 it is 1:15.
How many children can a Minnesota home daycare have?
A family home daycare with one provider may care for up to 6 children plus up to 4 school-age children; a group home with two adults may have up to 14. Ask how many are babies.
How do I check whether a daycare keeps to the ratio?
Count the adults and children in the room on your tour. 13.7% of the 830 Minnesota daycare websites we read post a ratio; if yours does not, ask the director for it.
Rules change. Before you rely on a number here, check Minnesota'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. Website figure: daycare websites read in 2026.