We believe teacher to child ratios should not be able to be changed with an allowable variance.

New Proposed Regulation

Solidifies the pandemic allowance that programs can temporarily operate at a higher teacher child ratio than allowed in the standards.

8VAC20-781-270 Staff-to-children ratio and group size requirements

C. In accordance with Part V of 8VAC20-820 and with approval by the superintendent, a center may temporarily alter the staff-to-child ratios (i) by one child for groups of children from birth up to school-age eligibility, and (ii) by two children for groups of children school-age eligible through age 12. Under this provision, group sizes three times the approved ratios may be implemented for children ages birth up to school-age eligibility. Group size for school-age children shall meet the requirements in subsection A of this section.

Why has this been added

During the pandemic early childhood programs faced severe staffing shortages and so the department allowed programs to notify the department and the families and temporarily increase the teacher-child ratios. Adding of this standard (8VAC20-781-270 C) allows the practice of higher ratios to continue through the variance process. 

Our concern

This was a bad idea when it was offered and continues to be a bad idea.

We do not believe that it is safe to have five infants cared for by one teacher. We cannot imagine that safe care much less quality care can be offered if there are six toddler or nine two year olds with one teacher. I want to encourage people to imagine what it might be like to be responsible for caring for, loving, educating, and supporting nine two year olds or five six month olds. This is not safe.

Burnout in early childhood is real and staffing struggles are difficult. Nothing will push educators out of the field faster than increasing the teacher to child ratios. This is ill advised. 

We advocate for removal of 8VAC20-781-270 C.