Ratios and Group Sizes

POLICY:

NOCAC Head Start will maintain appropriate ratios during all hours of program operations including nap time.

PROCEDURES:

1. NOCAC Child Development will determine ratios and maximum group sizes according to the majority age of the group.
   1. 4 & 5 year olds:  No more than 20 children enrolled in any class.  No more than 17 children enrolled in any double session class.
   2. 3 year olds:  No more than 17 children enrolled in any class.  No more than 15 children enrolled in any double session class.
   3. Under 3 year olds:  No more than 8 or 9 children enrolled in any class, depending on the number of teachers.
   4. NOCAC Child Development will determine the age of the majority of the participants in the beginning of the program year.
      1. NOCAC Child Development may adjust the group’s size throughout the program year, if necessary.
      2. No NOCAC Child Development Centers will exceed the license capacity any time.
2. NOCAC Child Development maintains a ratio of 1 teacher/teacher assistant to 10 children.
   1. NOCAC Child Development ensures there is at least 2 teacher/teacher assistant, approved staff member in the classroom at all times, including nap time.
   2. A NOCAC Child Development Staff member is not counted in ratio if they are engaged in an activity that prohibits them from active supervision of the participants.

Forms and Additional Guidance: