Licensing rules · Oregon
Daycare ratios in Oregon
In an Oregon daycare center, one adult may care for up to 4 children from babyhood through 18 months, 5 at 35 months, or 10 three- and four-year-olds. Groups may hold up to 8 babies and toddlers, 10 at 35 months and 20 preschoolers.
- Babies (6 weeks)
- 1:4
- Toddlers (18 months)
- 1:4
- 3-year-olds
- 1:10
- 4-year-olds
- 1:10
Daycare centers
Ratios and group sizes in Oregon centers
The most children one adult may care for, and the largest group allowed in one room, at each age. From Oregon'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 | 1:41 adult for 4 children | 8 children |
| 35 months | 1:51 adult for 5 children | 10 children |
| 3 years | 1:101 adult for 10 children | 20 children |
| 4 years | 1:101 adult for 10 children | 20 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; Oregon's own rules give the exact age bands.
In the room
What the ratio means for your child
A ratio is the most children one adult may care for at the same time. Oregon keeps the 1:4 ratio for babies all the way to 18 months, so a full group of 8 needs 2 caregivers with them at all times. For 3- and 4-year-olds, a group of 20 at 1:10 also needs 2 adults.
The ratio is a minimum, and the moments it slips are drop-off, nap time and pick-up, when staff change shifts or take breaks. On your tour, count the adults and children in the room, and ask how the center covers lunch breaks. Of the 957 Oregon daycare websites we read, 5.9% post their ratio, so you will usually need to ask.
When a room mixes ages, Oregon's rules set the ratio by the age of the youngest child.
Home daycares
Rules for home daycares in Oregon
Oregon home daycares come in two sizes. A registered family home may care for up to 6 children plus up to 4 school-age children, usually with one provider, so ask how many are babies or toddlers and who covers if the provider is ill.
A certified family home is larger, with up to 16 children, and its ratio depends on the ages in the group, with its own limits when babies or toddlers are in the group. Ask how many adults are there at each time of day and how many children under age 2 are enrolled.
- 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): “The regulations include tables that show the ratios and group size for when all children are in the same age group, the group includes any infants and/or toddlers, and when there is a mix of preschool and school-age children.” Largest group: 16 children.
Enforcement
How Oregon checks these rules
- Centers: Oregon reported routine inspections twice 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 957 Oregon daycare websites we read post a staff-to-child ratio
- 5.9%
- 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 Oregon
What is the infant ratio for daycare centers in Oregon?
1:4. One adult may care for up to 4 babies, and an infant group may hold no more than 8.
What is the toddler ratio in Oregon?
1:4 at 18 months, with up to 8 in a group, and 1:5 at 35 months, just before age 3, with up to 10 in a group.
What is the ratio for 4-year-olds in Oregon daycares?
1:10, with up to 20 children in a group. The same limits apply at 3 years.
How many children can an Oregon home daycare have?
A registered family home may care for up to 6 children plus up to 4 school-age children. A certified family home may have up to 16.
How do I check whether a daycare keeps to the ratio?
Count the adults and children in the room on your tour, at more than one time of day if you can, and ask the director how breaks and shift changes are covered.
Rules change. Before you rely on a number here, check Oregon'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.