1. (1) “Ratio” means the number of staff required to be physically present with a child or group of children.
   (2) "Group" means a specific number of children assigned to specific staff.
   (3) When more than one group of children is present on the child care premises at the same time, the following apply:
   (a) Each group is considered separate and operates independently. The group must have its own staff, program materials, and attendance records;
   (b) Children may not move freely between different groups; and
   (c) The multiple groups can come together briefly for a specific activity (e.g., eating, napping, large muscle activities), but in general, the groups should remain separate throughout the day.
   (4) A certified ONB program must meet the applicable staff-to-child ratio at all times as identified in OAR 414-320-0400(5). The certified ONB program must limit the number of children in each group to the maximum group size or fewer at all times, except as specified in 414-320-400(3)(c).
   (5) Staff-to-Child Ratios and Maximum Group Sizes:
   (a) Preschool Age (36 months through eligible for kindergarten):
   (A) Staff-to-Child Ratio 1:8
   (B) Maximum Group Size: 16
   (b) School Age (Eligible for kindergarten through 12 years old)
   (A) Staff-to-Child Ratio 1:10
   (B) Maximum Group Size: 20
   (c) In a mixed age group, a certified ONB program must meet the ratio and group size for the youngest child in the group.
   (6) A certified ONB program must have at least one caregiver who meets the qualifications of a teacher, as required by OAR 414-320-0340(2), with each group of children.
   (7) Certified ONB programs must have at least two staff members on the certified ONB program premises at all times.
   (8) A certified ONB program must count all children in ratios, group size, and capacity with the following exceptions:
   (a) Children visiting with a non-staff parent or a staff parent not being counted to meet staff-to-child ratios as long as the parent is directly supervising their child; and
   (b) Minors who qualify as volunteers.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 329A.260

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 329A.280

History

DELC 2-2025, adopt filed 03/26/2025, effective 07/01/2025