Searches of Medline, PsycINFO, ERIC, websites of large datasets and reference sections of all retrieved articles were conducted up to July 3, 2015. The purpose of this systematic review, and where possible, meta-analysis, was to evaluate the association between child-staff ratios in preschool ECEC programs and children’s outcomes. Better ratios are believed to improve child outcomes by increasing opportunities for individual interactions and educational instruction from staff.
Child-staff ratios are a key quality indicator in early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs.