Virginia Daycare Ratios and Maximum Group Sizes

Virginia child day center ratios

Source

These figures come from Virginia Administrative Code 8VAC20-780-350 (Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers), administered by the Virginia Department of Education.

Last verified: October 2026

Rules that can change these numbers

In ongoing mixed-age groups, the ratio and group size for the youngest child apply to the whole group. Group size limits do not apply during designated rest periods, outdoor activity, transportation and field trips, meals and snacks, special group activities, or the first and last hour of operation at centers open more than six hours a day. Separate rest-period ratios and balanced mixed-age grouping rules apply when their conditions are met.

Track staff-to-child ratios in Caredence

Caredence compares the children checked in to each classroom with the staff checked in to that room, using the children-per-staff limit your center sets for the room, and shows an over-ratio warning when there aren't enough staff. It doesn't apply state rules automatically, so use the figures above to choose each room's limit.

Check another location with the state ratio calculator, or see how Caredence supports daycare compliance.

For a national overview, read the staff-to-child ratios by state guide.