I only have 3 kids, but then have 2 or 3 more in my home daycare, so usually feed 6, plus myself.
We also have individual water bottles so that the kids aren’t getting a new cup every time they are thirsty.
I use paper towels as plates whenever possible (most snacks, sandwiches, etc.) We use the ‘select-a-size’ type so they are only half size. I think the minimal cost is mostly offset by reduced dishwasher use and time saved. We compost most of the paper towels, so that reduces our environmental impact.
We run the dishwasher every evening after supper, then unload in the morning and reload after breakfast and lunch, so it runs again in the afternoon, to be unloaded as part of supper preparation. Anything that doesn’t fit in the evening load gets washed by hand.
We have colour coded towels, both for baths and hand towels, so they get used for a few days before needing to be laundered. We use the IKEA kids plastic dishes, so theoretically we could colour code dishes (there are six colours), but it doesn’t seem worth it. A dirty dish has to be washed before it is used again, regardless of who used it.