Student-to-Teacher Ratios
At Sea Island Sprouts, we are committed to providing an environment where every child feels supported, nurtured, and engaged. One of the ways we ensure this is by adhering to low student-to-teacher ratios, which play a critical role in maintaining high-quality early childhood education.
NAEYC Standards vs. South Carolina Requirements
South Carolina’s Department of Social Services (DSS) sets maximum student-to-teacher ratios for licensed child care centers. While these regulations provide a baseline for supervision, they don’t always reflect what’s best for children.
That’s why we align with the more rigorous standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)—a nationally recognized benchmark for excellence in early learning. In some cases, we go even further.
Here’s how our ratios compare:
Why Ratios Matter
We believe that fewer children per teacher leads to deeper engagement, calmer classrooms, and more individualized care. That’s why we maintain a 1:6 ratio for 2-year-olds and a 1:8 ratio for 3–4 year olds—both lower than South Carolina’s legal limits and NAEYC’s recommended maximums.
These decisions reflect our commitment to creating an environment where children are known, supported, and free to thrive.
Lower ratios allow us to:
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Foster Individualized Attention – Every child’s needs are noticed and met
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Enhance Learning Experiences – Children have more time to explore, create, and connect
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Support Social-Emotional Growth – Secure relationships flourish in low-stress, nurturing environments
We also intentionally limit our enrollment to 80% capacity to protect this level of care. That means fewer transitions, smaller groups, and more space for children and teachers to thrive.
What This Means for Your Family
Choosing Sea Island Sprouts means choosing a preschool that prioritizes relationships, presence, and purpose. Our low ratios, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, and community-centered approach ensure your child receives the time, space, and guidance they need to grow.
Here, your child won’t get lost in the crowd—they’ll be known, supported, and celebrated.