A program that serves twenty or fewer children, and routinely operates a mixed age group, shall meet a ratio of ten children to one staff. Each provider may care for a maximum of four children under the age of two, with no more than two children under the age of one.

1. (1) Maintain a ratio of five children to one staff, if the group includes three or more children under the age of three; and

2. (2) In all other circumstances, maintain the children to staff ratio that is based on the age range of the majority of children in the group.

   Children of program employees must be included in determining the children to staff ratio.

A center program that serves more than twenty children in a mixed age group, must:

Source: 49 SDR 124, effective July 3, 2023 .

General Authority: SDCL 26-6-16 .

Law Implemented: SDCL 26-6-16 (5)(6) .