The Insanity of Child Care Ratios

According to the American Public Health Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the following child-to-staff ratios are recommended for the various age groups: 3:1 for ages 0-24 months, 4:1 for ages 25-30 months, 5:1 for ages 31-35 months, 7:1 for ages 3 years and up, and 8:1 for ages 4to 6 years. Unfortunately, many child care centers in various states fail to follow these recommended standards. As a former child care worker, I guarantee that if every daycare were to adhere to these standards, it would be a teacher's as well as a parent's dream come true. Studies have shown that young children in a smaller group setting have a more positive experience in child care. In addition, the teachers in these situations are much more relaxed and happy, which thus leads to overall positive employee morale and lower turnover.

So why do many states fail to follow these standards? It all comes down to one issue: money. If daycare centers were to miraculously follow the expert guidelines, this would mean they would have to hire more teachers for children and thus increase their labor costs, leaving less money in their pockets for profit and other forseen expenses. Aren't the children the most important, though? Shouldn't the needs of the children be first and foremost a top priority? One would tend to think so. It's no wonder daycare has such a high turnover and many parents are afraid to turn their most precious assets over to someone else.