DALLAS, TX—
For preschool teacher, Shavon Ransom, the classroom at the Bock Child Development Center in Oak Cliff is a slice of education heaven.At the daycare center, the teaching veteran has a small class, about nine children. In the past, she has worked in centers where she would have to supervise up to 17 children, alone. She says it was too chaotic and hard to learn and teach.
"To keep the kids calmed down we would put them in front of a TV or in the arcade. It was not the best way to do it."
In many Texas daycare facilities, classrooms are overcrowded. Often two teachers meet the needs of more than two dozen children.
"My heart goes out to the teacher when she is trying to provide quality care with 30 in the class. That is impossible," Sherry Wells, a parent, said.
That is the current state standard. Texas allows two caregivers to watch 22, 2-year olds or 30, 3-year olds. But, advocates want lower teacher-child ratios. They favor two caregivers to watch 18, 2-year olds or 28 3-year olds. A proposal some say is long overdue.
"The purpose is to protect children. I know this is a tricky situation for the state, but it would be a step in the right direction," Melanie Rubin, with the Texas Association for Infant Mental Health.
But critics of the change now being considered by officials at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, say it could force daycares to hike prices. Some fear families might abandon licensed care in favor of a baby sitter or even leaving children with older siblings.
Still, advocates say if the state doesn't act this Fall, the issue probably won't be looked at again for years.
