What is the staff to child ratio for a caregiver with infants (birth to 1 year)?

The staff to child ratio for caregivers with infants, who are defined as children from birth to 1 year of age, is set at 1:4. This means that one caregiver is responsible for a maximum of four infants at any given time.

This specific ratio is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of infants, who require a higher level of supervision and individualized care compared to older children. Infants depend on caregivers for not just supervision but also for meeting their basic needs, including feeding, changing, and ensuring overall emotional support. A lower ratio allows caregivers to provide attentive care, closely monitor each infant's development, and quickly respond to any needs or emergencies that may arise.

While other ratios might apply to different age groups or circumstances, they do not reflect the unique needs of infants. The higher ratios, such as 1:6, 1:11, or 1:15, would not adequately support the intensive care and attention that infants require, potentially compromising their safety and developmental needs.