23.1: Introduction

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Todd LaMarr

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Introduction to Small Group Size and Low Ratios

Infancy and toddlerhood are critical years in shaping children’s developmental trajectories (Gilkerson et al., 2018). Research has shown that high quality early childhood programs can enhance child development (Davies et al., 2021; Narea, Arriagada & Allel, 2020; Orri et al., 2019); therefore, it is important to identify aspects of programs that are key factors in supporting children’s development. Group size and the ratio of caregivers to children are two aspects of structural quality identified as key quality indicators by various organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Program for Infant and Toddler Care (PITC) (Donoghue et al., 2017; Lally, 2009; National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2005). ^{^[1]}

Caregiver holding a young infant while interacting with an older infant — Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Small groups allow for more focused care. (^{^[2]})

^{^[1]} Perlmanet al., (2017). Child-staff ratios in early childhood education and care settings and child outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS One, 12(1), e0170256. CC by 4.0

^{^[2]} Image from Head Start ECLKC is in the public domain.