For the age group of 1-2 years, how many children can one staff member supervise?

In child care settings, the appropriate staff-to-child ratio is crucial for ensuring safety, supervision, and quality interaction among caregivers and children. For children aged 1 to 2 years, research and guidelines suggest that each staff member can effectively supervise up to 6 children.

This ratio is designed to promote individual attention and care. It allows caregivers to adequately address the developmental needs of toddlers, who require more hands-on supervision due to their natural curiosity and tendency to explore their environment. By limiting the number of children to six per staff member, facilities can ensure that each child receives the necessary support for their emotional and physical development, as well as ensuring safety and facilitating effective learning experiences.

In contrast, higher ratios would likely compromise the quality of care and supervision, as it would become increasingly difficult for one staff member to keep an adequate eye on all children, especially considering the unpredictable nature typical of this age group. Thus, the guideline of 6 children per staff member is aligned with promoting a safe, nurturing environment that allows for appropriate interactions and developmental opportunities for 1- to 2-year-olds.