Let’s be real—childcare is one of the toughest (and most important) jobs out there. Teachers and staff are shaping little humans every day while juggling routines, emotional needs, safety, and learning. But here’s the problem: staff are leaving, and it’s happening a lot. If your center has struggled with keeping good people around, you’re definitely not alone.
In this post, we’ll break down why staff turnover is so high in childcare—and more importantly, what you can actually do about it.
1. Burnout is Real
Long hours, non-stop energy, and the emotional toll of caregiving all day? It’s exhausting. Many teachers love the kids but feel physically and mentally drained
2. Too Much Admin, Too Little Time
Paperwork, reports, attendance sheets, behavior logs, injury forms, parent messages—the list goes on. Teachers didn’t get into early childhood education to stare at clipboards or chase down forms. But that’s what ends up happening.
3. Feeling Undervalued
Sometimes it’s not about the paycheck. It’s about feeling seen, heard, and appreciated. Many staff members leave simply because they don’t feel like anyone notices the effort they put in.
What Can Centers Do To Keep Great Staff?
1. Make Communication Easier
When teachers can quickly update parents, log notes, or send reminders without switching tools or writing things down three times, they get more time with the kids (and less stress).
Tools like Bounce make it super easy to:
- Share daily reports in seconds
- Send real-time updates and photos
- Track attendance automatically
- Message parents securely without giving out personal info
Less paperwork = less frustration.
2. Celebrate the Small Wins
People stay when they feel appreciated. Shout out teachers during meetings. Share positive parent feedback with your staff. Even a simple thank-you note can go a long way. Recognition doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to be genuine.
3. Give Staff The Right Tools
A lot of burnout comes from juggling too many things at once. When your team is using outdated systems, spreadsheets, and manual forms, they’re going to feel overwhelmed.
With Bounce, everything from communication to reporting to check-in/out is in one place. No extra apps. No scattered systems. Just one smooth platform that works for everyone—especially your teachers.
4. Listen to What They Need
Have regular check-ins. Ask your staff what’s working and what’s not. Don’t wait for exit interviews to learn what could’ve been fixed.
Final Thought: Retention Starts with Respect
Keeping great teachers isn’t just about better pay (though that helps). It’s about respecting their time, making their jobs easier, and showing them that they matter. When you support your staff, they’ll stick around—and your center will thrive.
Want to Keep Your Best Teachers?
Bounce was built to take the pressure off staff. From easier parent updates to real-time reports, we help centers reduce burnout and keep the focus on what matters most: the kids.
