What is the minimum staff-to-child ratio for children under 2 years in a nursery setting?

In a nursery setting, the minimum staff-to-child ratio for children under 2 years of age is 1:3. This means that there should be one staff member for every three children in this age group. This ratio is established to ensure that infants and toddlers receive the high level of care and supervision they require for their safety and developmental needs.

Younger children necessitate more intensive supervision due to their limited ability to communicate and their exploratory nature, which can lead to safety concerns. A lower ratio helps staff effectively monitor the children, respond to their needs promptly, and create a supportive learning environment that encourages healthy growth and development.

Higher staff-to-child ratios, as indicated by the other options, would not be appropriate for this age group since they could compromise the quality of care and attention each child receives. Maintaining a ratio of 1:3 ensures better individual attention, which is crucial for infants and toddlers' physical and emotional well-being.