One of the best indicators of a quality childcare provider is a good student-teacher ratio. The student teacher ratio is simply the number of teachers or childcare professionals on hand at any given time in a childcare, preschool or daycare setting in relation to the number of kids.
For example, a preschool class of 20 children and 2 teachers has a student teacher ratio of 10:1. This means one teacher for every 10 kids. A class of 18 and 2 teachers has a ratio of 9:1 and so on.
There are many factors that go into determining what a good student-teacher ratio is, including the age of the children and the type of program – educational or simple childcare. And what is considered good in one scenario may be considered inadequate in others. But generally the lower student teacher ratio the better the quality and safety.
What is a Good Student Teacher Ratio?
A low student teacher ratio is a good indicator of a quality child care center.
The most ideal circumstance, and one that many parents dream about, is if your child were paired up with a single adult childcare provider who could provide individual attention and support to your child and no one else for the entirety of their school days.
Unfortunately there are not enough teachers and child care providers to create a 1 to 1 ratio between every student and teacher in the country.
Instead, child care providers try to maintain a student-teacher ratio that is within the acceptable range. The acceptable range of class size to number of teachers is the subject of much study and debate. But the general consensus is that a student teacher ratio of 10:1 is more than sufficient for preschoolers and older.
What are the Benefits of a Low Student Teacher Ratio?
The lower (better) a student teacher ratio becomes, the more expensive the childcare usually becomes. But the quality also increases dramatically.
According to research conducted by the national bureau of economic research, small class size and low student teacher ratios were most vital in early childhood education settings to future academic achievement.
It’s not surprising why. A lower student teacher ratio allows for more personalized learning and care. A teacher who has to juggle too many kids is just not going to be able to make sure that all of them are performing at a decent level.
Another factor of teacher student ratio is safety. A teacher who has too keep his or her eyes on 25 preschoolers – just imagine that for a moment – by themselves may become distracted and not be able to make sure that the kids are not getting themselves into unsafe situations.
While most childcare facilities are safe places to be for all children, making sure that there enough adult eyes and supervision per child is a childcare safety essential.
Student Teacher Ratio at Toddler Town Chicago
At Toddler Town, we understand the importance of a good child to caregiver ratio. In pursuit of this
Toddler Town Daycare is dedicated to quality child care.
dedication to quality child care, we maintain a child to caregiver ratio that meets and exceeds the state and local requirements for childcare centers. These ratios encompass all of our classrooms and programs.
Both our Toddler Town Daycare locations in Chicago and Evanston have received the prestigious NAEYC accreditation. This accreditation requires that we demonstrate a commitment to quality by implementing their stringent care giver to child ratio in all classes and age groups.
Come stop by our centers in Evanston or Chicago, or contact us online and schedule a tour. We look forward to hearing from you!