What is the maximum number of children one preschool teacher is able to care for?

Question

Is there a legally set number?

Answer 1

Yes, there are legally set numbers- depending on where you live. Each state regulates their own Licensing Division, which regulates and monitors child care centers in the state. In CA, the maximum number of children ages 3-12 that one person may have is 12 children to one adult. This ratio also varies based on the age of the children (infants and toddlers have different ratios) and it varies based on the developmental level of the children (such as if you serve children with disabilities). For instance, at my center, we operate a toddler program with a ratio of 4:1, a preschool program with a ratio of 3:1 (because children with disabilities are included), and a pre-k program with a ratio of 10:1. These are far below state standards, which state 12:1. Class size is also regulated... you wouldn't want 36 kids in a room with 3 teachers... mayhem!! Check out your state's Licensing Division under the Dept of Education website for your state. It lists all the requirements for a center to be licensed in your state. You can also check out the NAEYC's website for info on "best practices" related to number of children in groups and ratios. The best schools will be accredited by the NAEYC and adhere to their standards, which are the highest in the nation.

Answer 2

It depends on the state, but the age makes a difference. Age 2 1/2 and below is 1 to 5, age 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 is 1 to 7, age 3 1/2 to 4 is 1 to 10 and age 4 to 5 is 1 to 12. I was a preschool teacher for 3 years so this is typical in both Illinois and Indiana.

Answer 3

This is what Licensing requires.

1 Teacher to 4 babies
1 Teacher to 8 Preschoolers
1 Teacher to 14 School Age Children
or it can be 1 Teacher to 12 School age children
It also depends on the school that you work at and their rules on the Ratio to children. I have trained in the Licensing Requirements and I was a Director.

Answer 4

Depends on what state you are in. In Pennsylvania, for children ages 3-5, the ratio is 10 children to 1 adult. For toddlers and infants, the ratios are few children than that but I'm not sure what the numbers are. I think it's 6 to 1 for toddlers and 4 to 1 for infants.

There is no way that 1 adult can adequately provide for the developmental needs of 50 preschoolers. Children that age need more one to one attention than could be provided in such a situation.

Answer 5

Yes there is, but it depends what state you live in. I know in California it goes like this.

*Infants-6 weeks- 24 months: 2 to 1 (2 teachers to one child)
*Toddlers- 2 years-3 years: 1 to 6
*Preschool age- 3 years to 4 years: 1 to 12
*Pre-k age- 4 years to 5 years: 1 to 12

Answer 6

Here in Canada it's actually 1-8 for preschoolers according to the Day Nurseries Act and for the person who said her sister can look after 50 preschoolers with no problem I find that very hard to believe unless they are all sleeping!!!!!!

Answer 7

It depends on the age of the children. Any where from 4-6 for babies up to 15 for 6-8year old. You want a good child to adult ratio to provide safety and guidence for the children.

Answer 8

Each state has a set ratio. Usually 4 kids per 1 adult. Check with your State Laws on Childcare. Most are on the net. Look up Code of _______? Wherever you live....

Answer 9

I think it varies by state. I know a few years ago in Vermont it was 10 to 1.

Answer 10

There is no legal number. It depends on the teacher. My sister can take care of fifty preschoolers with no problem, but I on the other hand, cannot tolerate one.