What is one of the benefits of lower ratios and smaller group sizes in child care?

One of the benefits of lower ratios and smaller group sizes in child care is that they support individualized attention. When caregivers are responsible for fewer children, they can devote more time and energy to each child's unique needs, interests, and developmental levels. This individualized attention fosters meaningful relationships between caregivers and children, allowing for better understanding and support in a child's learning process. Children benefit from more personalized interactions, which can enhance their emotional security and encourage positive social interactions and growth.

In contrast, higher child-to-staff ratios often lead to less opportunity for such focused attention, as caregivers must divide their time among more children. This can often result in reduced quality of care and less favorable developmental outcomes.