Free tool for daycares
Daycare staff-to-child ratio calculator
Enter the number of children in each age group: the calculator gives the minimum number of adults present under Québec’s ratios (centres or home daycares), Ontario’s, or your own.
Your groups
| Age group | Children | Ratio | Adults |
|---|
Free, no sign-up. What you enter stays in your browser: nothing is sent to Maliah.
Ratios in Québec
In childcare centres (CPE) and daycares, Québec’s Educational Childcare Regulation sets the minimum number of childcare staff present:
- 1 adult for 5 children under 18 months;
- 1 adult for 8 children from 18 months to under 4 years;
- 1 adult for 10 children 4 years and older.
In a home daycare, a provider on their own cares for at most 6 children, including at most 2 under 18 months; with an assistant, at most 9 children, including at most 4 under 18 months. Some of the provider’s own children may not be counted, under specific conditions set out by the Ministère de la Famille.
Ratios in Ontario
In a licensed child care centre, Schedule 1 of Ontario Regulation 137/15 sets 3 adults for 10 infants (under 18 months, group of 10 at most), 1 for 5 toddlers (18 to 30 months, group of 15 at most) and 1 for 8 preschoolers (group of 24 at most). Reduced ratios are allowed at specific times, never for infants.
Elsewhere: your own ratios
Every province, state and country has its own rules. Choose “Elsewhere: my ratios” and enter your regulation’s ratios, age group by age group.
How the calculation works
Each age group is calculated on its own, as if it had its own room, then the adults are added up. For mixed-age groups, outings or drop-off and pick-up times, your regulation’s exact rule applies: this calculator helps you plan schedules, it doesn’t replace the official text.
Ratios in real time, with Maliah Classes
Maliah Classes, the free daycare app, counts children present and adults on duty all day long, and the director’s dashboard shows whether each group’s ratios are met or exceeded.
Frequently asked questions
What is the daycare ratio in Québec?
1 childcare staff member for 5 children under 18 months, 1 for 8 children from 18 months to under 4 years and 1 for 10 children 4 years and older, under section 21 of the Educational Childcare Regulation.
What are the ratios in an Ontario child care centre?
3 adults for 10 infants (under 18 months), 1 for 5 toddlers (18 to 30 months) and 1 for 8 preschoolers, with maximum group sizes of 10, 15 and 24, under Schedule 1 of O. Reg. 137/15.
Does the calculator handle mixed-age groups?
It calculates each age group on its own, then adds them up. For a mixed-age group, check your regulation’s rule, which may give a different result.
Is what I enter sent anywhere?
No. The calculation happens in your browser; nothing is sent to Maliah.
Sources : Légis Québec : Règlement sur les services de garde éducatifs à l’enfance (S-4.1.1, r. 2), article 21 · Québec.ca : devenir une personne responsable d’un service de garde éducatif en milieu familial · Ontario : Child Care Centre Licensing Manual, part 3 (ratios and group size) · Ontario : O. Reg. 137/15, Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, Schedule 1
This tool helps you plan; it doesn’t replace your regulation’s official text or advice from your ministry or licensing office. Updated November 3, 2026.