10A NCAC 09 .0712. STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS WITH A LICENSED CAPACITY OF LESS THAN 30 CHILDREN

(a)  The staff/child ratios and group sizes for a child care center with a licensed capacity of less than 30 children are as follows:

 

                Age of Children                    Ratio Staff/Children           Maximum Group Size

                0 to 12 Months                                    1/5                                          10

                12 to 24 Months                                  1/6                                          12

                2 to 3 Years                                          1/10                                        20

                3 to 5 Years                                          1/15                                        25

                5 Years and Older                                1/25                                        25

 

(1)           When only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, and children under two years of age are in care, that person shall not concurrently perform food preparation or other duties which are not direct child care responsibilities.

(2)           When only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the operator shall select one of the following options for emergency relief:

(A)          The center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief and who can respond within a reasonable period of time; or

(B)          There shall be a second adult on the premises who is available to provide emergency relief.

(b)  The staff/child ratios for a center located in a residence with a licensed capacity of three to 12 children when any preschool aged child is enrolled, or with a licensed capacity of three to 15 children when only school-aged children are enrolled are as follows:

 

Age of Children                                                    Ratio Staff/Children

                0 to 12 Months                                    1/5 preschool children plus three additional school-aged children

                12 to 24 Months                                  1/6 preschool children plus two additional school-aged children

                2 to 13 Years                                        1/10

                3 to 13 Years                                        1/12

                All school-aged                                    1/15

 

(c)  The staff/child ratio applicable to a classroom shall be posted in that classroom in an area that parents are able to view at all times.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 110-91(7); 143B-168.3;

Eff. December 1, 1988;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2006; July 1, 1998; July 1, 1994; January 1, 1992; August 1, 1990.