What Happens Inside the Classroom Determines Whether Educators Return

Staffing stability is not decided at hiring.

It is decided inside the classroom.

Educators make return decisions based on how a center feels, how prepared it is, and how they are treated once they arrive. The in-center experience matters more than job titles, schedules, or even convenience.

Educators Decide Quickly Whether a Center Is a Good Fit

Many educators know whether they would return to a center within their first shift.

They are paying attention to:

• How organized the day feels
• Whether expectations are clear
• How staff interact with one another
• If leadership is present and supportive

As one educator shared:

“I returned because of the staff, the children, and the management. It was organized and they care for their families and children.” – G.D., Columbus, OH

Organization and care signal professionalism.

Professionalism builds trust.

Respect Shapes Whether Educators Come Back

Feeling respected is one of the strongest predictors of return.

Educators repeatedly emphasized the importance of being treated as professionals, not outsiders or stopgaps.

“I’m happy to return to centers where I’m treated with respect and teachers and staff use open communication about what is expected during the shift.” – C.C., Columbus, OH

“The respect and professionalism I receive every time I enter the daycare create a welcoming and trusting environment, making me feel valued and confident.” – S.M., Chicago, IL

Respect shows up in:

• Tone
• Communication
• Preparation
• Inclusion

It is often communicated before a single word is spoken.

Support Inside the Classroom Makes the Difference

Educators are clear that support is not about lowering expectations.

It is about not being left alone without guidance.

“The biggest reasons I choose to return are the way the environment feels and how supported I am. When staff is warm, helpful, and genuinely cares, it makes me feel like I belong.” – C.P., Chicago, IL

When educators feel supported:

• Confidence increases
• Classroom flow improves
• Educators are more likely to return

When support is missing, stress rises quickly.

Structure and Preparation Reduce Stress for Everyone

A recurring theme in survey responses was the need for structure and readiness.

Educators shared that unclear routines, missing materials, or inconsistent expectations make shifts significantly harder.

“One thing centers could do to better support teachers like me is provide more structure and hands-on support in the classroom.” – D.B., Cleveland, OH

Preparation does not require perfection.

It requires intention.

What This Means for Centers

Centers that retain educators tend to do a few things consistently well:

• Prepare classrooms so educators are not starting from scratch
• Communicate expectations clearly at the start of the shift
• Treat all educators with respect, regardless of role
• Provide visible support inside the classroom

As one educator put it:

“Provide adequate resources, create a supportive and trusting work environment, and invest in professional development if looking to hire teachers permanently.” – L.H., Chicago, IL

These practices do more than improve individual shifts.

They build relationships that last.

Retention Is Built One Experience at a Time

Educators are not disengaged or unreliable.

They are discerning.

They return to centers where:

• They feel respected
• The environment is organized
• Support is available
• Expectations are clear

Staffing stability does not come from asking educators to tolerate chaos.

It comes from designing classrooms that support the people inside them.

Read the Full 2025 Workforce Report

The 2025 Workforce Report explores:

• Why educators return or do not return
• What drives trust and commitment
• How in-center experiences shape workforce stability

👉 Read the full Workforce Report

🧸 Crib Notes

• Educators decide whether to return based on in-center experience
• Respect and professionalism strongly influence return decisions
• Support inside the classroom builds confidence and trust
• Organization and preparation reduce stress for educators
• Retention is built through everyday experiences, not one-time fixes

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