10A NCAC 09 .0713. STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS WITH A LICENSED CAPACITY OF 30 OR MORE CHILDREN

(a)  The staff/child ratios and group sizes for single‑age groups of children in centers with a licensed capacity of 30 or more children shall be 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 4 Years                                          1/15                                        25

                4 to 5 Years                                          1/20                                        25

                5 Years and Older                                1/25                                        25

 

(b)  In any multi‑age group situation, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group.

(c)  Children younger than two years old may be cared for in groups with older children for the first and last operating hour of the day provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained.

(d)  A child two years of age and older may be placed with children under one year of age when a physician certifies that the developmental age of the child makes this placement appropriate.

(e)  When determined to be developmentally appropriate by the operator and parent, a child age two or older may be placed one age level above his or her chronological age without affecting the staff/child ratio for that group.  This provision shall be limited to one child per group.

(f)  Except as provided in Paragraphs (c) and (d) of this Rule, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over.

(g)  Children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years old.

(h)  When only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, and no children under two years of age are in care, that person may concurrently perform food preparation or other duties which are not direct child care responsibilities as long as supervision of the children as specified in Rule .0714(f) of this Section is maintained.

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

(1)           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

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

(j)  Except as provided in Paragraph (h) of this Rule, staff members and administrators who are counted in meeting the staff/child ratios as stated in this Rule shall not concurrently perform food preparation or other duties which are not direct child care responsibilities.

(k)  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; November 1, 1989.