PDFWAC 110-300-0357
Center mixed age group capacity, ratio, and group size.
(1) A center early learning program must do the following to mix age groups of children in care (in addition to any specific requirements of this section):
(a) Meet the square footage and staff-to-child ratio requirements for the youngest child present in the group;
(b) Meet the health, safety, and developmental needs for all ages of children in the mixed group; and
(c) Inform the department of the center's mixed age group policy.
(2) A center early learning program must do the following to mix groups of children birth to thirty-six months old with a maximum group size of eight children:
(a) Have at least two staff present with the group, consisting of one lead teacher and one other staff member qualified under this chapter; and
(b) Keep a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4.
(3) A center early learning program must do the following to mix groups of children birth to thirty-six months old with a maximum group size of nine children:
(a) Have at least three staff present with the group, consisting of one lead teacher and two other staff members qualified under this chapter; and
(b) Keep a staff-to-child ratio of 1:3.
(4) A center early learning program must do the following to mix groups of children twelve to thirty-six months old:
(a) Have at least two staff present with the group, consisting of one lead teacher and one other staff member qualified under this chapter; and
(b) Keep a staff-to-child ratio of 1:7 with a maximum group size of fourteen children.
(5) A center early learning program must do the following to mix groups of children twelve to thirty-six months old:
(a) Have at least three staff present with the group, consisting of one lead teacher and two other staff members qualified under this chapter; and
(b) Keep a staff-to-child ratio of 1:5 with a maximum group size of fifteen children.
(6) A center early learning program must do the following to mix groups of children between thirty-six months old through kindergarten with a maximum group size of twenty children:
(a) Have at least two staff present with the group, consisting of one lead teacher and one other staff member qualified under this chapter; and
(b) Keep a staff-to-child ratio of 1:10.
(7) A center early learning program must do the following to mix groups of children between thirty-six months old through kindergarten with a maximum group size of twenty-six children:
(a) Have at least three staff present with the group, consisting of one lead teacher and two other staff members qualified under this chapter; and
(b) Keep a staff-to-child ratio of 1:10.
(8) A center early learning program must do the following to mix groups of children four and one-half to nine years old with a maximum group size of twenty children:
(a) Have at least two staff present with the group, consisting of one lead teacher and one other staff member qualified under this chapter; and
(b) Keep a staff-to-child ratio of 1:10.
(9) A center early learning program must do the following to mix groups of children four and one-half to nine years old with a maximum group size of twenty-six children:
(a) Have at least three staff present with the group, consisting of one lead teacher and two other staff members qualified under this chapter; and
(b) Keep a staff-to-child ratio of 1:10.
[WSR 18-15-001, recodified as § 110-300-0357, filed 7/5/18, effective 7/5/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.215.070, 43.215.201 and chapter 42.56 RCW. WSR 18-14-079, § 170-300-0357, filed 6/30/18, effective 8/1/19.]