Why Flexibility Is the #1 Driver of Retention Right Now

Child care directors know the challenge all too well: keeping classrooms staffed is only half the battle. The bigger hurdle is keeping great teachers happy, motivated, and committed to your program.

For years, wages have dominated the conversation about turnover. And while pay matters, what we’re hearing from thousands of teachers across our network is clear: flexibility is just as important — sometimes even more.

What Teachers Are Telling Us

Every day, we see the choices teachers make about where they work, when they pick up shifts, and what keeps them coming back. A few patterns stand out:

• Control over schedules matters. Many teachers cite the ability to choose when they work as a top reason they stay engaged.
• Balance prevents burnout. When teachers can avoid back-to-back long days or step away when life outside the classroom demands attention, they’re more likely to stay in the field.
• Flexibility builds loyalty. Programs that respect staff needs around time off and scheduling see fewer resignations and stronger morale.

Why This Matters for Retention

Rigid staffing models often push teachers out of the field. A lack of flexibility leaves them feeling unheard, stressed, and stretched too thin. On the flip side, offering choice and autonomy communicates trust and respect — two of the most powerful drivers of retention.

Flexibility isn’t just a perk. It’s a strategy that makes staff more likely to stay, grow, and invest in your program long-term.

How Centers Can Put This Into Practice

• Offer small scheduling accommodations when possible, even within a set staff roster.
• Cross-train staff so coverage isn’t dependent on one or two people.
• Build a substitute bench so your core staff can take the breaks they need without the guilt of leaving colleagues short-staffed.

When you give teachers breathing room, you don’t lose control — you gain stability.

The Tandem Perspective

At Tandem, we’ve seen flexibility transform the workforce. Teachers using our platform cite the freedom to choose when and where they work as a major reason they stay in the classroom. For directors, this translates into higher reliability and a stronger, more committed team.

The lesson is simple: when teachers feel supported, they stay. And flexibility is the foundation of that support.

🧸 Crib Notes

Like Cliff Notes, but for child care:

• Rebook familiar subs to start the year with consistency
• Reset roles and responsibilities for smoother routines
• Early team check-ins reveal easy improvements
• Tandem offers flexible, vetted staffing without subscriptions
• A strong start leads to steadier months ahead

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