Caring for the Little Ones - Aggressive Two-Year-Olds

Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/caring-for-the-little-ones-aggressive-two-year-olds/5013476/

Group Size

The most common factor that seems to affect aggression in two-year-olds, according to our network, is GROUP SIZE. Even with excellent staff:child ratios and a large space, if the group is large, there are just that many more bodies to compete with, and tension rises. The person who asked the original question seemed to confuse group size and staff ratio because she responded that their group size is 1:7. She went on to say that they staff two primary teachers and two assistant teachers in every classroom. So that seems to say that there are 28 two-year-olds in the classroom. Too many bodies!

Staff Ratio

Knowing that two-year-olds are by nature volatile, it is really important to have a good staff:child ratio. One adult to seven children is pretty good. It's actually the combination of small group size and favorable staff ratio that makes the biggest difference. One director says it helps to have three adults working in the room. Thus, activities can be carried out in very small groups while someone is available to change diapers and attend to toileting routines, and the third adult can oversee the whole room, locating where it seems most necessary.

Space

Of course, you don't want to ...