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The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Ohio Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Ohio. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.

OHIO Child Care Licensing Requirements

Child Care license obtained from:

Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, Bureau of Child Care and Development

50th W. Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215-5222

http://emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov/ChildCare/ChildCareCenter/Rules/

(614) 466-3822

Provisional License for first year, then continuous license obtained.

Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child

  

0-12 Mos.

12-18 Mos.

18-30 Mos.

30-36 Mos.

3Years

4Years

5-10 Years

11-14 Years

Required

Teacher:Child Ratio

1:5 or 2:12

1:6

1:7

1:8

1:12

1:14

1:18

1:20

Required

Max. Group Size

12

12

14

16

24

28

36

40

Recommended 

Classroom Capacity

12

12

14

16

24

28

36

40

Recommended 

Staff per Classroom

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

Recommended 

Min. Classroom Area

420 sf.

420 sf.

490 sf.

560 sf.

840 sf.

980 sf.

1260 sf.

1400 sf.

Outdoor Space Requirements: 60 sf per child

  • The play area for 2-1/2 and younger must be separated from older children by a fence that is at least 36″ tall.
  • Access to restroom facilities and drinking water must be provided during play times.
  • The play areas and equipment shall be inspected quarterly by the administrator.
  • A center may be exempt from providing the minimum outdoor space if there is an indoor recreation areas that has a minimum of 1040 sf.

Building Code Requirements

child care child toilet child care adult toilet child care drinking fountain child care mop sink child care bath tub

CHILD

FIXTURES

ADULT

FIXTURES

DRINKING FOUNTAINS

MOP

SINK

BATH TUB/

SHOWER

1:​15

1:50

1:100

1

1

2017 Ohio Building Code

Fire Code Requirements

18

Staff members must be at least 18 years old and have a high school education or have completed a training program.

120

Apply for licensure not less than 120 days prior to the intended date of commencing operation.

12

All age groups may be combined when there are 12 or fewer children in the center.

2017 Ohio Fire Code

Did you know . . .

child care smoke detector At least one carbon monoxide detector shall be on each floor where care is provided. child care thermometer Mercury thermometers shall not be used. child care pet Pets and animals shall be permitted if they present no apparent threat to the safety or health of the children.

To access Ohio Child Care requirements along with other states please see our interactive Child Care Requirements US map here.

Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC.  Updated 2019