Smaller group sizes and lower child-caregiver ratios are associated with higher interactive skills of individual caregivers¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · quant-synthesis r3 · q3 · i1 small
Currency · newest study 2026 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q3 i1 Larger group sizes (r = −.20) and higher child-caregiver ratios (r = −.13) were significantly associated with lower interactive skills. → Støve 2026

Evidence¶

Støve 2026¶

Støve, L. L., Dalgaard, N. T., Mohr, J. W., Hansen, J. E., Wendelboe, K. I., Hestbaek, E., Vieira, C. C., Væver, M. S., & Smith-Nielsen, J. (2026). Individual and Structural Factors Associated with Interactive Skills of Child-Care Professionals in Early Childhood Education and Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-026-10162-3

q3 · i1 · quant-synthesis · r3

Three-level meta-analysis (ratio: k = 19, N = 3146, r = −.125, p = .032; group size: k = 16, N = 2308, r = −.195, p = .007). The authors argue larger groups "create additional challenges beyond those explained by ratios alone."

"Higher child-caregiver ratios (more children per caregiver) ( r = − .13) and larger group sizes ( r = − .20) were significantly associated with lower observed levels of interactive skills."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• The evidence base on caregiver interactive skills is fragmented: 57% of identified factors were examined in only one study — related
• Region, study quality, and interaction domain moderate associations between factors and interactive skills — related
• The ratio–interactive-skills association may be partly or entirely attributable to small-study publication bias — related
• Higher caregiver salary is associated with higher interactive skills, though causality cannot be determined — related