Training and Retaining Top Talent in Early Childhood Education

Hiring and retaining passionate preschool teachers can be tougher than convincing a toddler to share their favorite toy. With $15.41 median hourly pay for childcare workers and many centers reporting staffing shortages, the struggle is real. But what if you could build a team that stays…and thrives? Keep reading for battle-tested strategies to hire hidden talent, boost morale, and create a workplace where teachers want to grow.  

How to Recruit Great Preschool Teachers 

Finding great teachers deserves just as much attention as filling your classroom. It’s easy to focus on enrollment and waitlists, but building a strong pipeline of educator talent is just as important. 

Take a fresh look at your job posts. Ditch the generic buzzwords and focus on what actually makes your school a great place to work. Share what sets your team apart and why someone would want to be part of it. Not sure your listing is landing? Run it through tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini for a quick refresh. Remember, a job post is often your first impression, so make it an amazing one. 

When it’s time to interview, go beyond the basics. Ask how a candidate might turn a wild snack time into a learning moment or help a child who’s scared of thunderstorms. Don’t forget to talk up the perks, like tuition support for Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials—more than 50,000 educators renewed theirs in 2024. Building relationships with local colleges is another smart move. It’s a great way to meet fresh talent and show them your center is a place where they can grow and bring their ideas to life. 

Training Programs for Early Childhood Educators 

Ditch the boring seminars. Instead, use self-paced online courses on topics like trauma-informed care or STEAM activities—perfect for busy teachers. Try project-based learning. Challenge staff to design a sensory-friendly classroom corner, then showcase their work at a parent open house. For teamwork skills, the Virtual Lab School’s free module offers checklists and videos to strengthen collaboration. Want to go a step further? Make custom courses specific to your school using platforms like Google Classroom, Canvas, or Thinkific.Tailoring training to your team’s real challenges and goals makes professional development more relevant, more engaging, and more likely to stick. 

Tips for Retaining Daycare Staff 

In early childhood education, teacher retention matters a lot. Young kids thrive on routine and familiar faces. Sticking with the same trusted adult helps them feel safe, build strong relationships, and grow more confidently. 

Start with listening. Try stay interviews and ask, “What would make your job easier?” Then follow through. Flexible schedules can go a long way for staff juggling parenting, especially when 43% of early educators rely on public aid. Small gestures like classroom supply stipends or covering a coffee run show appreciation without breaking your budget. Want to go bigger? Invest in coaching and mentorship programs that offer real support, not just one-off workshops. And don’t forget to celebrate wins, whether it’s a teacher’s five-year work anniversary or a toddler finally learning the ABCs. 

Turnover isn’t just a hassle—it hits your budget too. Use this teacher turnover cost calculator to see how quickly expenses add up when a staff member leaves. 

How to Foster Teamwork in Preschool  

Spark curiosity with monthly book clubs diving into titles like The Art of Leadership: Leading Early Childhood Organizations by Margie Carter and Deb Curtis. Or launch action-research teams where teachers pilot new strategies and share results. Podcast rounds are another low-prep crowd-pleaser. Assign episodes from top early-ed podcasts like Teaching with the Heart in Mind by Lorea Martinez or The Preschool Podcast from HiMama, and host discussions.

Turn colleagues into collaborators with hands-on activities like mural-making sessions, where teachers co-create classroom art, or “mystery reader” swaps where staff surprise different classes with storytime. Rotate meeting leaders to give everyone a voice. For bigger-picture bonding, partner with local libraries or pediatricians. 

Ready to slash turnover and build a dream team? Schedule a free consultation with our franchise team! We’ll help you create a preschool where teachers stay for the kids and the culture.