Table 6.9 shows the group sizes recommended by NAEYC for children at specific ages and the number and percent of states that limit group sizes to NAEYC’s recommendations.
Table 6.10 has information about the group size requirements by NAEYC for children at specific ages and the number and percent of states that meet that recommendation.
Table 6.9 NAEYC Group Size Requirements Age of Child
Size of Group
Birth to 15 months
6-8 children
12 to 28 months
6-8 children
21 to 36 months
8-12 children
2 to 3 years
12-18 children
4 years
16-20 children
5 years
16-20 children
Table 6.10 States That Meet NAEYC Group Size Requirements for Specific Age Groupings
Reality There is a considerable difference among the states in their requirements for limiting group size. Almost half of the states do not even regulate group size. States that do regulate group size are most likely to meet NAEYC group size requirements for infants and young toddlers.
Number of States Requiring NAEYC Group Size
Percent of States Requiring NAEYC Group Size
6 months
23
44%
9 months
23
44%
18 months
9
17%
27 months
14
27%
3 years
8
15%
4 years
19
37%
5 years
11
21%
Note: NACCRRA selected a specific age within each age group in order to score the states.
■■
Only 23 states limit the group size for six-month-olds and nine-month-olds at or below NAEYC recommendations.
■■
Nine states require NAEYC group size recommendations for 18-month-olds.
■■
Nineteen states require NAEYC group size recommendations for 4-year-olds.
■■
3-year-olds and 5-year-olds are least likely to be in classrooms where the group size is in compliance with NAEYC recommendations. Just eight states (California, District of Columbia, Kansas, Mississippi, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island and Tennessee) require the group size recommended by NAEYC for 3-year-olds. Eleven states (California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee and Vermont) meet NAEYC group size recommendations for 5-year-olds.
30
Age of Child
Some states meet NAEYC group size recommendations for one age group but not for other age groups. ■■
Twenty-two states do not require NAEYC group size recommendations for any age group.
■■
An additional 16 states require NAEYC group size recommendations for three or fewer age groups.
■■
Only the District of Columbia requires NAEYC group size recommendations for all age groups.
NACCRRA’s Ranking of State Child Care Center Regulations and Oversight