Examining Swedish Profit and Nonprofit Child Care: The Relationships between Adult-to-Child Ratio, Age Composition in Child Care Classes, Teaching and Children's Social and Cognitive Achievements

摘要: Because of severe economic cuts in the child care budget Sweden from 1990 to 1993, a sharp increase number children classes has been observed (Lidholt & Norrman, 1994). Average class sizes have risen throughout country, although there are great differences between, and even within, communities. In early 1980s, it was rare more than 15 class. one third had at least 18 children. Simultaneously with classes, employees centers decreased. During were, on average, four per full-time employee. employee increased as much six New laws also significant impact Swedish system. Until 1991, profit-run could not, based law, receive public funding. The average annual cost for agencies about $10,000 US 1993. federal government funding local authorities subsidized approximately 90% cost, parental fees financing remaining 10%. This made impractical run private without However, after study investigated effects program auspice (nonprofit vs. profit care), adult-to-child ratios (1:4.6 ‐1:8.7), age span teaching children’s social cognitive achievement. sample included 394 3- 5-year-old 32 centers. Results show that larger groups nonprofit centers, lower adult:child ratio, positive staff attitude toward goals. Age, gender, background, were predictors achievements. Adult-to-child ratio style did not prove be good or