When it comes to preschool, the amount of time and interaction a child has with a teacher can have a profound effect on their education; from enhanced learning to better results. But when teachers may be given large classes to manage, trying to meet the individual needs of each child may become challenging.
In this blog, we’re going to discuss the impact that a low and high student-teacher ratio can have on a child’s performance at preschool. We have also included some points that you can look out for when selecting a preschool that is suitable for your child.
What is the definition of student-teacher ratio?
Student-teacher ratio refers to the number of adults present to teach and look after a child divided by the number of children in a class.
How does the student-teacher ratio impact the child’s learning environment?
This is an important consideration for any parent as it could impact both the quality of teaching received and the amount of support for that child.
Low student-teacher ratios would ensure that your child gets more one-on-one time which could potentially result in the below benefits:
- Better attention to social and emotional needs
- Learning flexibility
With low student-teacher ratios, given there are fewer students per group, teachers can be more flexible with their approach to teaching and have more opportunities to accommodate different learning styles. Teachers can spend more time with each child on problems or subjects that they find difficult. After all, everyone learns at their own pace.
- More feedback opportunities and better relationships
Smaller classes mean more opportunities to assess the progress of children over time and feedback to parents. Parents will also build a rapport with the teacher and get a better understanding of what they can do at home to help progress their child’s education.
What to look out for when selecting a preschool
The best choice is the one that meets the needs of your child. For example, if they have social interaction or learning difficulties, they may benefit from preschools with low student-teacher ratios and carers, whilst more independent children may prefer a less “hands-on approach”.
You should also assess the teachers who will be working with your child; are they interacting pleasantly with children? Do they regularly communicate with parents and provide feedback on progress? Are they friendly and full of life?
What our parents say
- “I chose White Lodge because the school offered a low student-teacher ratio, staff trained in Special Needs and trial classes. The teachers at White Lodge were patient, flexible and provided a creative environment for the children.” https://whitelodge.edu.sg/testimonial/naz-ghouse/
- “We (also) appreciated the class size and the one-to-one attention that Shira enjoyed.” -https://whitelodge.edu.sg/testimonial/wold-upper-bukit-timah/
The number and quality of teachers supervising your children at preschool is critical to their health, safety and personal development.
While low student-teacher ratios enable a greater quality of interaction between children and their teachers through additional support and assistance, there’s no exact ratio to go for.
The key is to identify what you would like your child to get out of their preschool experience. Remember, it’s all about finding the best school for their needs.
Take a look at our checklist to find out what to look out when attending a tour and the key signs that reflect great teaching, care and learning.