What staff-to-children ratio applies for children from 4 to 5 years of age?

The appropriate staff-to-children ratio for children aged 4 to 5 years, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families regulations, is 1 staff member for every 20 children. This ratio is established to ensure that there is adequate supervision and support for young children during activities, thereby fostering a safe and nurturing environment.

In this age group, children are developing social skills, learning to interact with peers, and requiring guidance in various activities. A ratio of 1:20 allows staff to effectively manage a group of children, attending to their needs while facilitating engagement in educational and play activities. A higher number of children per staff member could compromise individual attention and supervision, which are critical during this developmental stage.