Understanding Childcare Staff Turnover 2026

Staff turnover is common in childcare, but it affects children and families. Understanding why it happens and how to navigate it helps you support your child through transitions.

Staff turnover

Understanding Turnover

Why It Happens

Common reasons:

Low wages in field
Limited benefits
Burnout
Career advancement
Personal circumstances

Industry Reality

The facts:

Childcare has high turnover
Industry-wide challenge
Not always program's fault
Affects children
Quality indicator

Impact on Children

Turnover affects:

Attachment relationships
Sense of security
Routine comfort
Adjustment needs
Emotional well-being

Evaluating Programs

Questions About Turnover

Ask:

What's your staff turnover rate?
How long have current teachers been here?
How do you support staff retention?
How do you handle transitions?
What's the average tenure?

Good Signs

Positive indicators:

Long-tenured staff
Low turnover rate
Staff seem happy
Competitive compensation
Supportive environment

Warning Signs

Be concerned if:

Constant new faces
High turnover rate
Staff seem unhappy
Evasive answers
Frequent transitions

When Teachers Leave

Program's Responsibilities

They should:

Communicate with families
Provide transition plan
Introduce new staff
Maintain consistency
Support children

What to Expect

Good programs:

Notify families
Introduce replacement
Transition period
Child support
Parent communication

If Handled Poorly

Concern if:

No notification
Abrupt change
No transition plan
Inadequate replacement
Poor communication

Supporting Your Child

Acknowledging Feelings

Help child by:

Validating emotions
Acknowledging change
Allowing expression
Talking about teacher
Providing comfort

Preparing for Change

When you know:

Discuss the change
Keep it positive
Answer questions
Introduce new teacher
Maintain routine

During Transition

Support through:

Extra patience
Consistent routine
Extra connection time
Open communication
Emotional validation

After Transition

Ongoing support:

Monitor adjustment
Communicate with new teacher
Build new relationship
Address concerns
Celebrate progress

Building Relationships with New Staff

Starting Fresh

Approach:

Introduce yourself
Share about your child
Be welcoming
Express interest in partnership
Give time to adjust

Information Sharing

Communicate:

Child's needs
Routines and preferences
Concerns
What works at home
Goals

Building Trust

Over time:

Regular check-ins
Positive interactions
Patience
Collaboration
Relationship building

Age-Specific Considerations

Infants

Particularly sensitive:

Attachment forming
Primary caregiver important
Consistency matters most
Extra transition support
Close monitoring

Toddlers

May show:

Regression
Behavior changes
Attachment needs
Adjustment period
Varied responses

Preschoolers

Can understand more:

Explain changes
Answer questions
Acknowledge feelings
Build new relationships
Often adapt well

When to Be Concerned

Red Flags

Worry if:

Constant turnover
No transition support
Child significantly affected
Quality declining
Pattern continues

Taking Action

If concerned:

Discuss with director
Express concerns
Request improvements
Evaluate alternatives
Consider options

When to Consider Leaving

May need to leave if:

Turnover is excessive
Quality suffers
Child not adjusting
No improvement
Better options exist

Industry Solutions

What Good Programs Do

Retention strategies:

Competitive wages
Benefits offered
Professional development
Supportive culture
Career advancement

Supporting Childcare Workers

Broader solutions:

Better compensation
Improved benefits
Professional recognition
Career pathways
Policy changes

Key Takeaways

Understand reality:

Turnover is common
Industry challenge
Affects children
Quality programs manage better
Your support helps

Evaluate programs:

Ask about turnover
Note staff tenure
Watch for patterns
Consider stability
Factor into choice

Support your child:

Acknowledge feelings
Maintain routine
Extra connection
Build new relationships
Monitor adjustment

Build new relationships:

Welcome new staff
Share information
Be patient
Collaborate
Give time

Know when to act:

Address concerns
Advocate for child
Consider alternatives
Make changes if needed
Trust your judgment

Staff transitions are challenging but manageable with good program practices and family support.

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