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

Elles J. De Schipper ^[1] ; J. Marianne Riksen-Walraven ^[1] ; Sabine A. E. Geurts ^[1]
1. [1] Radboud University Nijmegen
  
  Radboud University Nijmegen
  
  Países Bajos
Localización: Child development, ISSN 0009-3920, Vol. 77, Nº. 4, 2006, págs. 861-874
Idioma: inglés
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Resumen
- 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.