Work

Effects of Child–Caregiver Ratio on the Interactions Between Caregivers and Children in Child-Care Centers: An Experimental Study

Year: 2006

Type: article

Abstract: To investigate the effects of child-caregiver ratio on the quality of caregiver-child interaction in child-care centers, 217 caregivers (ages 18-56 years) from 64 child care centers were observed during two structured play episodes: one with a group of three children and one with a group of 5 children. As predicted, a child-caregiver ratio of 3:1 produced a significantly higher quality of caregiver-child interaction than a ratio of 5:1 and particularly for younger children. Significant and meaningful effects were found for both the interactive behaviors of the caregivers and the children's well-being and cooperation. Significant correlations with caregiver-child interaction during lunchtime and throughout the remainder of the morning confirmed the ecological validity of the caregiver-child interactions observed during structured play episodes.

Source: Child Development

DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2006.00907.x

Authors: Elles J De Schipper, J Marianne Riksen-Walraven, Sabine A E Geurts

Institution: Radboud University Nijmegen

Language: English

Topic: Early Childhood Education and Development

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek