Family Child Care is regulated care that takes place in a caregiver’s home. Group size may vary according to caregiver preferences and state/ local regulations. Ages often vary, although some caregivers service only a specific age group (e.g., infants, toddlers or preschoolers).
State Adult to Child Ratios
A family child care provider may care for one of the following groups of children, including the caregiver’s own children under age 13.
- 1:4 Birth to 12 months of age
- 1:6 if no more than three are under 12 months
- 1:10 as long as at least five of the children are school age and no more than two are under 12 months of age or all ten can be school-age
- 2:12 for large family child care homes, a maximum of 12 children, no more than 4 children under 24 months
Registered Homes
Are not required to meet state requirements, except as follows:
- Register annually
- Complete and provide to parents an annual health and safety home inspection checklist
- Provide proof of substitute care
- Proof of screening/background checks of adults in household
- Keep current immunization records of children on file
- Complete a 30-hour family child care course prior to caring for children
- Complete 10 clock hours of training annually
Licensed Homes
Must meet all requirements for registration, and must:
- Follow health, safety and nutrition guidelines
- Maintain enrollment and attendance records
- Comply with licensing standards of local and state governments
- Maintain current certification of CPR and first aid
- Pass an initial inspection prior to receiving a license
- Comply with two routine inspections per year.
Note: Some counties may have more restrictive ratios than those required by the state.

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