In Ohio, two state agencies regulate early care and education programs. The Department of Job and Family Services (ODFJS) regulates group child care for children in centers, school age programs and camps. The Department of Education (ODE) licenses child care programs operated by public and private chartered schools. The City of Cincinnati has an additional license required of all non-school based child care centers located in the city.
Not all forms of child care must be licensed. Type B, family child care homes are exempt from licensing. These providers are allowed to care for 6 or fewer children at one time, including her own children under six years of age. And, of the six or less children, no more than 3 children can be under the age of two. Other examples of exempted programs include those that operate only two weeks or less a year, enrichment programs in specific subject such as drama or dance, or program where a parent remains on the premises while care is provided, such as a health club. Places of the parent’s employment are not exempt.
Ohio's child care regulations cover children’s basic health, safety and development in the areas of staffing, equipment, records, and program policies. Trained staff inspect centers before a license is issued and twice a year thereafter. Staff also investigate complaints. Child care centers are required to post their license and copies of inspection reports in a conspicuous place.
Types of Regulated Child Care in Ohio
- Center – a facility where trained staff care for seven or more children of any age at one time.
- School-age centers – a program caring for seven or more children aged kindergarten and above.
- Type A Homes – a family child care home where the provider and assistant(s) cares for seven to twelve children (or four to twelve children if four children are under two years of age) at one time. The provider's own children under six years of age are included in the total count.
- Child day camps – a program, which operates less than seven hours a day during school vacations and caring only for school-age children. At least half the program time is spent outdoors.
Staff to Child Ratios and Group Sizes for Centers
| NAEYC* Recommendations |
State of Ohio Requirements |
City of Cincinnati Requirements |
Age |
Ratio |
Group Size |
Age |
Ratio |
Group Size |
Age |
Ratio |
Group Size |
0-12 mos. |
1:4 |
8 |
0 to 12 mos. |
1:5
2:12 |
10
12 |
1 – 18 mos. |
1:4 |
8 |
12-24 mos. |
1:5
1:4 |
10
12 |
12 – 18 mos. |
1:6 |
12 |
3 – 18 mos. |
1:4 |
12 |
24-30 mos. |
1:6 |
12 |
18 – 30 mos. |
1:7 |
14 |
18 – 36 mos. |
1:5 |
14 |
30-36 mos. |
1:7 |
14 |
30 – 36 mos. |
1:8 |
16 |
|
|
|
3-5 yrs. |
1:10 |
20 |
3 yrs. |
1:12 |
24 |
3 – 5 yrs. |
1:10 |
20 |
|
|
|
4 and 5 yrs. |
1:14 |
28 |
5 yrs, not K |
1:14 |
28 |
Kindergrtnrs |
1:12 |
24 |
K – 11 yrs. |
1:18 |
36 |
K and older |
1:15 |
30 |
6-12 yrs. |
1:15 |
30 |
11-14 yrs. |
1:20 |
40 |
|
|
|
*National Association for the Education of Young Children
Licensing Contact Information (file a complaint) |
To request or review a complaint history |
Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services Licensing
1-866-886-3537--option 4
Ohio Dept. Of Education: 877-644-6338
Cincinnati Health Dept.: 513-357-7456 |
Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services
PO Box 182709
50 West Town St. - Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43218-2709
Fax: 614-728-9682, atten: Public Records Request
www.jfs.ohio.gov/cdc/childcare.stm , click Search for Child Care, enter program information, click on the provider, click See Current Inspections |
