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Staff-to-Child Ratio SOP – Mixed Age Groups

Purpose

To ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of all children by maintaining staff-to-child ratios in compliance with Section 402.305(4), Florida Statutes, at all times children are in care.

Scope

This procedure applies to all childcare personnel responsible for the direct supervision of children, including classrooms, playgrounds, transition times, and any mixed-age group settings.

Policy Statement

Staff-to-child ratios are based on primary responsibility for direct supervision and must be maintained at all times while children are present in the facility.

Procedure

1. General Supervision Requirement

  • A designated childcare staff member must be actively responsible for supervising assigned children at all times.

  • Ratios must be met during all activities, including:

    • Indoor and outdoor play

    • Transitions

    • Meals

    • Rest periods

    • Arrival and dismissal

2. Mixed Age Group Ratio Requirements

2.1 Mixed Age Groups Including Infants (Under 1 Year)

  • When any child under one (1) year of age is present in a mixed-age group:

    • One (1) childcare personnel may supervise no more than four (4) children total, regardless of the ages of the other children in the group.

  • This ratio must be maintained at all times.

2.2 Mixed Age Groups Including Young Toddlers (1 Year to Under 2 Years)

  • When any child who is at least one (1) year old but under two (2) years of age is present in a mixed-age group:

    • One (1) childcare personnel may supervise no more than six (6) children total, regardless of the ages of the other children in the group.

  • This ratio must be maintained at all times.

Compliance and Monitoring

  • The Director or designee is responsible for:

    • Monitoring classroom ratios throughout the day

    • Adjusting staffing immediately if ratios are exceeded

    • Ensuring substitute or float staff are available as needed

Failure to maintain required ratios may result in licensing violations and corrective action.