07/18/2026
One of the questions childcare centers hear most often is, "Why is there so much turnover?"
The truth is, there isn't just one answer.
Childcare is one of the most rewarding careers, but it is also one of the most demanding. The work is physically exhausting, emotionally draining at times, and requires incredible patience, compassion, and dedication. Unfortunately, despite how important early childhood educators are, the pay often doesn't reflect the value of the work they do. Many amazing teachers eventually realize they simply cannot support themselves or their families on a childcare salary. While centers do everything they can to offer competitive wages, many are limited by tuition costs, operating expenses, and state regulations. We wish we could pay every teacher exactly what they deserve.
Sometimes, turnover has nothing to do with a teacher not wanting to stay. A teacher may discover that a particular age group isn't the best fit for their personality or teaching style. Other times, administrators may need to move teachers to different classrooms because it creates a stronger learning environment for the children. Occasionally, a teacher's own child moves into the classroom where they work, and they realize that balancing the roles of parent and teacher isn't the best fit for either of them.
And yes, there are times when administration has to make difficult decisions. Our responsibility is to do what is best for the children, the classroom, and the center as a whole. Those decisions are never made lightly, and they are never meant to diminish the value of the teacher involved.
The goal isn't to avoid turnover at all costs. The goal is to build the strongest team possible for the children we serve.
So here's something to think about:
Would you rather your child's center keep someone in a classroom simply because they're afraid of having turnover? Or would you rather they continue searching until they find the teacher who is truly the right fit for your child's classroom?
At the end of the day, turnover isn't always a sign that something is wrong. Sometimes it's part of building the right team—one where teachers feel supported, children thrive, and everyone is in the role where they can be most successful.
To all of the early childhood educators: thank you. Whether you stay in childcare for a season or a lifetime, the love and care you give to children leaves a lasting impact that can never be measured.