Change of Ownership Applicant Guide - Bright from the Start

MIXED-AGE GROUPS FOR CHILD CARE LEARNING CENTERS
Children may be combined in mixed-age groups provided that infants and children
younger than three (3) years are not grouped with children three (3) years and older
except as set forth below. In mixed-age groups, the required staff:child ratios shall be
based on the ages of the youngest children in the group if more than twenty percent
(20%) of the children in the mixed-age group belongs to younger age grouping(s).
During first hour of the center’s operation and last hour of operation, infants and children
younger than three (3) years may be grouped with older children so long as staff:child
ratios and group size are met based upon the age of the youngest child present in the
group.
Children who turn three (3) years of age during the regular school year may remain
grouped with other two (2) year olds for the remainder of the school year provided that
the continued placement in the younger group is with the written agreement of the older
child’s parents and is developmentally appropriate for the child.
MIXED-AGE GROUPS FOR GROUP DAY CARE HOMES
When children of different ages (including children less than 3 years) are housed together
in one room, the ratio shall be based on the age of the youngest child present.
When children of different ages (3 year olds and older) are housed together in one room,
the ratio shall be based on the age of the majority of the children in the group.