DAYCARE

Carefully choose a day care for your child that has the same concerns for her health that you do. 

Choose a day care with an appropriate staff to child ratio. In Arkansas, the recommended staff-to-child ratios for daycare settings vary depending on the age group and the specific care environment: 

• For infants aged 0 to 18 months, the typical ratio is one caregiver for every 3 to 6 infants to ensure close supervision and care. 
• For toddlers, aged 18 to 36 months, the ratio is generally one caregiver for every 5 to 9 toddlers, allowing caregivers to manage their increased mobility and activity levels effectively. 
• Preschoolers, ages 2.5 to 5 years, usually have a ratio of one caregiver for every 10 to 15 children, providing enough attention while fostering social and educational development. 
• For school-age children, those aged 5 years and older, the ratio is often set at about one caregiver for every 15 to 20 children, which is appropriate as these children are more independent but still require supervision. 

These ratios are designed to ensure safety and provide adequate attention and care for each child. Daycare providers are required to adhere to ratios to meet state regulations and maintain quality standards.

Try to limit your child’s exposure to children with fever and other infections. We recommend that you not take your child to daycare or to the baby-sitter when she is sick.