Educator to child ratios, by age and state
Educator to child ratios are set under the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations. The ratios are largely national, but a few differ by state and territory. As a general guide, the ratio is one educator to four children for babies and toddlers, and it widens as children get older.
ACECQA, Educator to child ratios
Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations
The common ratios by age
For children from birth to 24 months, the ratio is one educator to four children across Australia. For children aged 24 to 36 months, it is usually one to five, although Victoria applies one to four. For children over 36 months up to preschool age, most states and territories use one to eleven, while New South Wales and Western Australia use one to ten. These apply to centre based services such as long day care and preschool.
Why some ratios vary
The National Regulations set the framework, but they allow some jurisdictions to keep different requirements for particular age groups. Family day care and outside school hours care have their own ratios, and school age ratios can differ again. Ratios are worked out across the whole service, and educators only count while they are working directly with children.
Where to check for your state
Because the details can differ and change over time, confirm the current ratio with your state or territory regulator or with ACECQA before you rely on a figure. Your service should also be able to explain how it meets its required ratios.
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