What are the preschool ratios for ages of children? i want to open preschool with children ages 3-5?

Question

is it okay to mix a group of children from ages 3-5 or is it better to do all the same age so everyone is on the same level. if anyone owns a preschool. HELP ME OUT

Answer 1

It depends on your state.  In Michigan the ratio for 3's is 1:10, 4's is 1:12, and 5's (I am not quite sure because we always follow 1:12).  If the children are grouped together then you must follow the 1:10 ratio, because you have to follow the ratio for the youngest child present.  We keep the ages separate and there are pros and cons to this.  When they are all grouped, the older children can help the younger children.  But you have to follow the younger ratio, and sometimes the older children teach the younger children stuff you do not want them to do.  It also depends on how many kids you are going to have in your preschool.  If it is going to be a small group, then you might want to keep them together.  If it is a large group, then you probably want to separate them by age.  I am a preschool 4's teacher and there is a huge difference in the ages.  So this might also affect your decision.

Answer 2

In NY the ratio for a child care center is 2 adults for 14 three year olds and 2 adults for 18 four year olds. Homes are not allowed to have that many children and as the other responders have pointed out, the ratio is based on the age of the youngest child. Check with your states child care resource and referral or day care licensing department. Mixed age groups are not a problem. In fact Montessori programs are always mixed age groups so thet the youngest can learn from the oldest. Also, if you have a child who is advanced, or one who is developing at  a slower pace, they will still fit into the group.

Answer 3

Go to your local department of children and family services' (called different things in different states) website and find the ratios for your state there.

Your ratios will probably be for the youngest age in the group, so from that stand point, better not to mix.

My website has links for info on opening child care centers...

http://the-preschool-pages.com/Links

And also I post weekly tips for increasing quality in your preschool...

http://the-preschool-pages.com/Tips

If you don't know anything about child care centers, your best bet is to get the required credentials and then go work in one for awhile. You may quickly change your mind or find that it's your true love.

Answer 4

as ann has said, it depends on the state in which you live.  in most states if you are doing a multi-age group the ratio would apply to the youngest child in the group.

as far as a multi-age or single age group. that depends as there are pros and cons to both.  obviously if the kidlets are all the same age you can do more age appropriate activities.  it the group is multi-age you would need to water down the activity (if possible) for the younger ones.

but a pro is that younger ones will learn and look up to the older ones and the older ones can have the experience of giving to younger children. being role models, learning patience and how to give.

in a center i'd prefer a single age group but in a home childcare i'd prefer a multi-age group.  i had a home daycare for 13 years for ages nb-10 years and it was great.  it is more of a family setting with everyone assuming responsibility for everyone else.  but as a former director of a center, it's easier to do single age in each room.

clear as mud?

Answer 5

As the others have stated you will need to check your state regulations. It depends on what your goals are as a teacher and director. You can have a very successful class of mixed ages. It all depends on what you are comfortable with. You can have threes come two days a week, fours three days a week and fives five days a week. Depends on how many teachers you want to hire etc. Good luck, we need many preschools.

Answer 6

You have to go by the youngest child in any age group -in Ohio (it could be different where you are) the ratio is one adult for 12 children for 3 year olds and one adult for 14 children for 4 year olds.