Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Best practices for proper staffing for a multi-age group of 15

    Posted 09-28-2017 06:14 AM
    I currently have 15 students ranging in age from 36 mos to almost 60 months. We are a considered a Pre-K 3/4 class. I only have 1 assistant. I know the NAEYC standards but feel with so many young 3s I should have more staffing just to meet their daily needs. Any help and recommendations would be great


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    Anne Shields
    Southampton PA
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  • 2.  RE: Best practices for proper staffing for a multi-age group of 15

    Posted 09-29-2017 03:36 AM
    Hi, 
    I was in the same situation.  I divided the students into 2 groups between myself and my assistant. Keep in mind that many three year olds are more advanced than others and would benefit and learn from doing activities with their older peers. I hope this information is helpful.

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    Celeste Glascoe-Njoku
    Brooklyn NY
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Best practices for proper staffing for a multi-age group of 15

    Posted 09-29-2017 05:53 PM
    I see that you are located here in PA. Group ratios for multi-age groups are based on the youngest child. The ratio for 2 and 3 year olds is 6:1 with a cap of 12 children. You cannot have a group of 15 if the youngest is only 36 months old. You are correct they do need more supervision. I hope this helps.

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    Kathy Pelosi
    Warwick PA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Best practices for proper staffing for a multi-age group of 15

    Posted 09-30-2017 09:31 PM
    Since you have 3, 4 and sometimes 5 year olds the ratio in PA and NJ is 10:1 so you are in a correct ratio. That being said, it can be very difficult at times to attend to all of the needs of the students (especially at the beginning of the year). My advice with you is to stick with teaching rules, routines, and expectations at the beginning of the year. This can take up to 2 months (and may need to be retaught). You want to teach children how to enter into and sustain play, how to be independent, and how to solve problems. Taking the time to really teach these skills will allow you more flexibility to conduct smaller groups and one-on-one instruction. I like to use a lot of music in the beginning along with very short large group sessions. This allows them to feel successful when they are in a large group and progressively I work them up to 15-20 minutes. I also use a lot of visual cues that I make. For example, I have a "stand up" and "sit down" card that I use along with verbal instruction. I have a lot of children who have never been to school before so I try to hit as many senses as I can when teaching. I hope this helps!

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    Erin Daddio
    Plainsboro NJ
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Best practices for proper staffing for a multi-age group of 15

    Posted 10-06-2017 12:52 PM
    This is a difficult situation. Even if you are technically in ratio, the needs of the children can be demanding and overwhelming. Could parent volunteers visit during the week to work with small groups and add an additional adult presence to the room? Best of luck to you and your busy classroom!

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    JLD
    Dover NH
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    Original Message