Action | Amend Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers to Address Federal Health and Safety Requirements |
Stage | Final |
Comment Period | Ended on 5/12/2021 |
As mixed-age grouping is essential to all levels of Montessori education (Early Childhood 3-6; Lower Elementary 6-9; Upper Elementary 9-12; Montessori Middle School 12--15; Montessori High School 12-18) I want to offer my deepest gratitude for remembering this critical piece in keeping Montessori education authentic. Thank you for keeping the balanced mixed-age groupings of children at the staff ratio of 14:1 as outlined in 22VAC40-185-350 section O.
"The ratio for balanced-mixed-age groupings of children shall be one staff member for every 14 children provided:
1. The center has additional staff who are readily accessible in the event of an emergency to maintain a ratio of one staff member for every 10 children when three-year-olds are included in the balanced-mixed-age group; and
2. The lead teacher has received at least eight hours of training in classroom management of balanced-mixed-age groupings.
Again, thank you.