Purpose
The study investigates how the relationship between the number of adults per child and group size in Scandinavian kindergartens affects children’s everyday life, development and well-being. The researchers wanted to understand how these structural factors are perceived by those working in kindergartens, as well as what opinions the kindergarten employees have about what constitutes the optimal group size and adult/child ratio.
Result
The review shows that lower numbers of children per employee and smaller groups in kindergarten provide more positive interaction, better well-being and increased learning for the children. As the group size increases, employees focus more on behavioural control than on facilitating children’s development. Small groups often provide better follow-up and safer relationships, but the research also shows that optimal conditions vary depending on the context. The researchers behind the knowledge review emphasise that there are few studies that include the perspectives of children and parents.
Design
The study is a systematic knowledge review in which the researchers conducted a systematic review of existing qualitative research on the relationship between adult/child ratio and group size in Scandinavian kindergartens. The researchers conducted extensive searches in several scientific databases to identify relevant studies. A total of 12 studies were included in the analysis. The data from these studies were analysed using thematic analysis.
References
Dalgaard, N. T., Bondebjerg, A., & Svinth, L. (2023). Caregiver/child ratio and group size in Scandinavian Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC): a systematic review of qualitative research. Nordic Psychology, 75(4), 397–428.
Online year: 2022
Issue year: 2023
Review year: 2022