The Child Care Regulations, 2015 identify the maximum number of children one person can be responsible for at any one time. The number depends on the ages of the children. These numbers apply to both regulated and unregulated child care centres and family child care homes.
Child Care Centres:
One worker can care for a maximum of three infants, five toddlers, 10 preschool age children or 15 school age children except in specific circumstances identified in the regulations.
Family Child Care Homes:
Whether regulated or not regulated, one provider may care for a maximum of eight children. Five of these children may be infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children, of which only two may be infants and toddlers. If three infants and toddlers are in care, all other children must be of school age.
All combinations listed in the table below are permitted within the eight-child limit.
Infant/Toddler
6 Weeks-29 Months |
Preschool
30 Months-Kindergarten |
School Age
Grade 1-13 Years |
3 |
0 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
6 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
5 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
2 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
8 |