Library: Policy

340:110-3-286. Ratios and group sizes

Revised 6-1-22

(a) Ratios. Ratios are the number of teaching personnel required to be physically present with a child or group of children, per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340 Appendix GG - Ratios and Group Sizes. Only teaching personnel count in ratios, unless requirements specifically state otherwise. The program is required to maintain ratios at all times.

(1) Counted in ratios. Personnel may count in ratios when these situations apply.

(A) Transportation. Drivers may count in ratios when only one or two children of any age or only children 4 years of age or older are transported.

(B) Teaching personnel performing minimal cleaning and food service. Teaching personnel may count in ratios while performing minimal cleaning and food service duties, provided supervision is maintained.

(C) Adjacent restrooms. Teaching personnel may count in ratios when present or children are present in a restroom opening directly into the classroom, provided children can be seen or heard and supervision is maintained.

(D) Rest time – 3- through 5-year-olds. When children are resting quietly or sleeping, the exceptions in (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph may apply.

(i) One group. At least one teaching personnel is present in the classroom. Other teaching personnel required for ratios remain in the building on the same floor.

(ii) Combined groups. When two or more groups are combined into one classroom for rest time, at least one teaching personnel is with each group and present in the classroom. Other teaching personnel required for ratios remain in the building on the same floor. When groups are combined the:

(I) maximum group size requirements, per (b) of this Section, do not apply; and

(II) classroom capacity requirements, per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:110-3-301(b) apply.

(E) Overnight care. When children are resting quietly or sleeping, at least one teaching personnel is with each group and present in the classroom. Other teaching personnel required for ratios remain in the building on the same floor. Teaching personnel are awake at all times, per OAC 340:110-3-287.

(2) Not counted in ratios. Personnel do not count in ratios when the situations in (A) through (C) of this paragraph apply.

(A) Transportation. Drivers do not count in ratios when 3-year-olds or younger are transported, unless the transportation exception applies, per (1) of this subsection.

(B) Support services personnel. Support services personnel do not count in ratios when performing support services, unless the minimal cleaning and food service exception applies, per (1) of this subsection.

(3) Children with special needs. When children with special needs are in care, additional teaching personnel may be required, ensuring appropriate supervision and care of all children.

(b) Groups and group sizes. Groups are determined by the number of children cared for by one or more teaching personnel. There is only one group of children per classroom or other area, and the maximum group size is not exceeded, per OAC 340 Appendix GG – Ratios and Group Sizes, unless an exception applies, per (2) of this subsection.

(1) Classrooms. Rooms may be one classroom or divided into more than one classroom by permanent or temporary walls or barriers, including large areas, such as gymnasiums, provided the large area requirements, per OAC 340:110-3-301(b) are met.

(A) Classrooms - 4-year-olds or younger. Walls or barriers are at least three feet in height.

(B) Classrooms - 5-year-olds or older. Walls or barriers may be established through a variety of options, such as partitions or tables.

(2) Maximum group size exceptions. The maximum group size requirements do not apply when groups are combined for special activities, outdoor play, meals, snacks, rest time, and field trips. However, the ratio requirements apply, including the combined group rest time exception, per (a) of this Section.