Alberta's facility-based ratios (Early Learning and Child Care Regulation) are the staffing spine of every licence. Here's the table and the rules around it. (Confirm specifics with your licensing officer — and note day homes follow different limits.)
The facility-based table
- Under 12 months — 1 : 3, max group 6
- 12 to under 19 months — 1 : 4, max group 8
- 19 months to under 3 years — 1 : 6, max group 12
- 3 to under 4 years — 1 : 8, max group 16
- 4 years to kindergarten age — 1 : 10, max group 20
- School age (grade 1+) — 1 : 15, max group 30
The flexibility rules
- Nap-time halving: primary staff ratios may drop to half while children sleep (supervision must still be adequate) — this is your staff-lunch window; schedule and record it deliberately.
- Mixed-age groups: programs may mix children over 19 months through the day, with the group following the rules tied to its composition. Infants are the exception â if you’re licensed for 3+ infants, mixing under-12-month children with older groups during core hours needs specific approval.
- Day homes: capacity rules differ entirely (six unrelated children, with sub-limits by age) — see the Alberta startup guide.
The budget translation
The jump from 1:6 (under 3) to 1:8 (age 3) to 1:10 (age 4+) is where Alberta programs make their economics work — and why infant spots are scarce and expensive everywhere. When projecting a new room, model the step function: child #13 in a 19-month room doesn't cost one-twelfth more staffing, it costs a whole new group. The profitability calculator runs the scenario; Mitten's live dashboard then tracks each room against ratio in real time, including the nap window.
Run your daycare on Mitten — free to start
Mitten does everything in this guide — daily reports, photos, messaging, billing, even payroll prep — free for your first 5 children, then just $20/mo + $2 per child.
Start free — no card needed → See the live demoFrequently asked questions
- What is the infant ratio in Alberta daycares?
- Under 12 months: 1 staff per 3 infants, maximum group of 6. From 12 to under 19 months: 1:4 with a maximum group of 8.
- Can Alberta ratios be reduced at nap time?
- Yes — primary staff ratios may be halved while children are sleeping, provided supervision requirements are still met. Plan your lunch-break schedule around it, and document it.
- How many four-year-olds can one educator supervise in Alberta?
- Children four years to kindergarten age run at 1:10 with a maximum group size of 20; three-year-olds run 1:8 (group 16); school-age children 1:15 (group 30).