Supervision

MIT recommends the following supervision ratios for group programs set by the American Camp Association, which are based on the age of the children participating.

• 5 years & younger 1:6
• 6–8 years 1:8
• 9–14 years 1:10
• 15–17 years 1:12

For classroom lectures, MIT recommends a ratio of 1:20 for middle school students and 1:25 for high school students.

When minors are working in labs or with hazardous materials, the ratio should be either 1:2 or 1:3 depending on the severity of the hazard or potential injury. Please confirm the ratio with EHS staff as part of the EHS Hazard Assessment.

In addition to meeting the ratios above, programs for minors that are run by MIT students must have at least 2 MIT students present at all times.

For residential programs that use MIT Housing, the supervision ratio is one staff member for every 6 participants. Minors residing in the residence halls must have completed Grade 9, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

MIT recommends that at least two adults are online during live programs.

Please refer to the guidance here.

Minors are not allowed to work alone under any circumstances even if they are working in an office setting. Minors may not be given keys, card access, or punch codes to laboratories, machine shops, maker spaces, or any other work areas.