OAR 414-300-0130
Staff/Child Ratios and Group Size

(1)

The number of caregivers and group size shall be determined by the number and ages of the children in attendance.

(2)

The maximum number of children in a group and the ratio of caregivers to children specified in Table 3A of this rule shall apply, except that:

(a)

When all toddler, preschool and school-age children are at rest, the situation permits, and the room is arranged so all children are supervised, there may be one teacher or Aide II supervising the resting room. As children awaken and become active, additional staff shall be added to return ratios to those in Table 3A. Sufficient staff to meet the required ratio shall be in the facility and able to be summoned by the caregiver without leaving the resting room; and

(b)

Maximum group size shall not apply to field trips, outdoor play, planned large group activities, napping and eating. Staff/child ratios shall apply to these activities.

(c)

Centers with certification in effect on July 15, 2001, shall comply with age groupings, staff/child ratios and group size in either Table 3A or Table 3B for as long as the facility is continuously used for child care, under the following conditions:

(A)

The center must choose to operate under Table 3A or Table 3B; centers shall not operate under a combination of both;

(B)

If centers wish to change from operating under one set of ratios to operating under the other set of ratios, the change shall occur at the time of certification renewal; and

(C)

Centers may change options only twice.

(3)

Children shall at all times have the full attention of the appropriate number of staff. Children shall be within sight and sound of a caregiver at all times, except as specified below.

(a)

School-age children shall be within sight and/or sound of staff at all times, and staff shall be near enough to children to respond when needed. Children out of direct visual contact shall be monitored regularly and frequently and must be in approved activity areas. A written plan regarding the use and monitoring of these activity areas must be approved by OCC.

(b)

School age programs with toilet facilities or activities off-site shall have a written plan, approved by OCC, to assure accountability for all children.

(4)

At least one caregiver who meets the qualifications of a teacher (OAR 414-300-0100 (Teacher)) shall supervise each group of children.

(5)

In a mixed group of older toddler, preschool and school-age children, the number of caregivers shall be determined by the age of the youngest child in the group.

(6)

If there are four or fewer children of any age in care for 45 minutes or less directly after opening or directly before closing, OAR 414-300-0300 (Infant and Toddler Program of Activities)(10) does not apply and infants and younger toddlers may be included with older children. The staff shall be teacher-qualified in one of the represented age groups and the staff/child ratio must be 1:4.

(a)

Each age group must have age appropriate activities, equipment and toys available for use; and

(b)

If infants or toddlers are part of the multiple age group, a diaper changing area must be located in the room being utilized for care.

(7)

Any time there are children in care,

(a)

There shall be a staff person and one other adult on site. The other adult shall be enrolled in the Central Background Registry and shall be physically available to be called on by staff, if needed; or
(b) There shall be a written plan, approved by OCC, for a second caregiver to be available within 5 minutes for emergencies. The name and telephone number of the emergency back-up shall be known to all staff who work alone.
[NOTE: Tables referenced are available from the agency.]
[ED. NOTE: To view attachments referenced in rule text, click here to view rule.]

Source: Rule 414-300-0130 — Staff/Child Ratios and Group Size, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=414-300-0130.

414‑300‑0000
Applicability of Rules 414‑300‑0005
Definitions 414‑300‑0010
Application for a Child Care Certificate 414‑300‑0015
Issuance of a Child Care Certificate 414‑300‑0020
Exceptions to Rules 414‑300‑0030
General Requirements 414‑300‑0040
Enrollment 414‑300‑0050
Arrival and Departure 414‑300‑0060
Record Keeping 414‑300‑0070
General Requirements 414‑300‑0080
Director — Qualifications and Duties 414‑300‑0090
Head Teacher — Qualifications and Duties 414‑300‑0100
Teacher 414‑300‑0110
Teacher Aides 414‑300‑0115
School-Age Multi-Site Programs — Additional Staff 414‑300‑0120
Staff Training 414‑300‑0130
Staff/Child Ratios and Group Size 414‑300‑0140
Indoor Space 414‑300‑0150
Outdoor Space 414‑300‑0160
Fire Protection 414‑300‑0170
Hazards and Emergencies 414‑300‑0180
Sanitation 414‑300‑0190
Toilet Facilities 414‑300‑0200
Kitchens 414‑300‑0205
Testing for Lead in Drinking Water 414‑300‑0210
Furniture 414‑300‑0215
Infant and Toddler Furniture and Equipment 414‑300‑0220
Illness or Injury 414‑300‑0230
Medications 414‑300‑0240
Animals in the Center 414‑300‑0250
Food Selection, Storage, and Preparation 414‑300‑0260
Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Storage of Food Service Equipment and Utensils 414‑300‑0270
Nutrition 414‑300‑0280
Meals and Snacks 414‑300‑0290
Program Plan 414‑300‑0295
Program of Activities for All Children 414‑300‑0300
Infant and Toddler Program of Activities 414‑300‑0310
Preschool-Age Program of Activities 414‑300‑0320
School-Age Program of Activities 414‑300‑0330
Guidance and Discipline 414‑300‑0340
Equipment and Materials 414‑300‑0350
Transportation 414‑300‑0360
Night Care 414‑300‑0380
Swimming Activities 414‑300‑0390
Drop-in Care 414‑300‑0400
Suspension, Denial and Revocation 414‑300‑0415
Civil Penalty
Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 414-300-0130’s source at or​.us