Safety, Supervision and Relationships
The main priorities are for children to be safe, feel secure and know this is a place where they belong. Teachers set up a safe, warm and welcoming environment in each of their classrooms. Children and families are greeted each day by name. A sense of belonging is created by giving each child their own cubby with their name and place to keep their personal items. They see images of themselves and their family in the environment. Teachers talk and listen to children and families to get to know each person. To be sure children feel loved and nurtured, teacher are responsive to their needs and respect each child as an individual.
Teachers select age appropriate materials and monitor the room for any potential areas or items that may cause injury. Classrooms and materials are sanitized and both adults and children wash hands regularly to minimize the spread of germs. Teachers supervise the children at all times and count children when transitioning from one area of the building to another. UNOW has teacher to child ratios that meet or exceed national child care accreditation standards.
In all classrooms, minimum ratios may occur at the beginning and end of the day to accommodate teacher shifts as children stagger in and out each day. Otherwise the ratios are better than required ratios.
Staffing may go down to no less than 2 adults during nap or rest time in all age groups.
Teacher to Child Ratios and Group Sizes
Younger Infant classrooms (approximately 3 months to approximately 12 months of age)
- Group size – 8 infants group by similar age
- Staffing – 4 full-time staff dedicated to same group of 8 children.
- Ratios – 1 adult to every 3 children when the majority of children are present.
- Beginning and end of day ratios – minimum 1 adult to 4 children.
Older Infant classrooms (approximately 12 months to 24 months of age)
- Group size – 8 to 9 older infants grouped by similar age
- Staffing – 3 full time and 1 part-time staff dedicated to the same group of 8 children.
- Ratios – 1 adult or more to every 3 children during the day when the majority of children are present.
- Beginning and end of day ratios – minimum 1 adult to every 4 children
Younger and Older Toddlers1 (approximately 19 months to 3 years of age)
- Group size - 10 to 12 toddlers grouped by similar age
- Staffing – 3 full time and 1 part-time staff dedicated to the same group of 12 children.
- Ratios – At least 1 adult or more to every 4 children during the day when all children are present.
- Beginning and end of day ratios – minimum 1 adult to every 6 children
Younger and Older Preschool classrooms (ages 3 to 5 years old)
- Group size – 18 preschoolers grouped by similar ages (3’s or 4’s)
- Staffing – 3 full time and 1 part-time staff dedicated to the same group of 18 children.
- Ratios – A minimum of 1 adult to every 6 children when the majority of children are present.
- Beginning and end of day ratios – minimum 1 adult to 9 children