Maximum Group Size for a Center 620-01-85-10

(Revised 3/27/20 ML #3770)

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A group is the number of children assigned to a staff member or team of staff members occupying an individual classroom. The number of children assigned is based upon rules for child/staff ratio and indoor space requirement of minimum of 35 square feet per child as well as all other rules that apply.

 

Areas occupied by groups must be defined by permanent walls, movable walls, or other partitions approved by the Early Childhood Licensing Specialist or Early Childhood Services Supervisor.

 

Here are examples of what meets the requirements of a partition or moveable wall:

  1. Shelving units can be used as long as they are heavy enough not to tip over and injure a child, they can also be reinforced using two shelves back to back.

  2. Accordion Walls are a good option this type of wall would meet all regulations and is not a tipping hazard.

  3. Privacy Panels and Room Dividers these need to heavy enough not to pose a tipping hazard.

 

While there may be times when it is appropriate to bring groups together or to rotate groups throughout the facility during the day, it is important that children have a consistent home classroom where they spend the majority of their day in a familiar group with familiar staff members.