Why Passion Alone Can’t Sustain the Child Care Workforce

Child care educators are often described as passionate, selfless, and deeply committed.

That description is accurate.

But it is incomplete.

In 2025, educators told us clearly why they stay in child care and just as clearly what makes staying possible. Passion brings educators into the field. Support is what allows them to remain.

Passion Is Real and It Runs Deep

When educators were asked why they continue working in child care, the answer was consistent.

• 76% said they stay because they love helping children learn and grow

Educators spoke openly about purpose, impact, and connection to children.

“My love for children and watching them grow and develop keeps me in child care.” – R.P., Chicago, IL

“What keeps me in child care, even when it’s challenging, is knowing the powerful impact I have on a child’s early development. These early years are foundational, and being part of that journey is deeply rewarding.” – M.S., Cincinnati, OH

“I love that Tandem is helping me to do what I love to do best. If it wasn’t for Tandem, I probably wouldn’t be doing what I love most, which is working with children.” – A., Cleveland, OH

This passion is not abstract.

It is emotional, personal, and enduring.

Passion Is the Why, Not the How

While love for children anchors educators to the field, it does not remove the barriers that make child care work difficult to sustain.

Survey responses made this distinction clear.

Educators also shared what they need in order to keep working:

• Over half said flexibility is what allowed them to stay in child care
• Many cited clear communication and expectations as essential
• Teachers repeatedly asked to be informed about routines, changes, and cancellations ahead of time
• Respect and fair treatment surfaced as a core expectation
• A significant number called for higher pay, especially for experienced educators

Passion does not replace predictability.

It does not prevent burnout.

It does not make unclear expectations easier to manage.

Staying in Child Care Is a Practical Decision

Educators stay when the work fits their lives.

They described wanting:

• Clear expectations before entering a classroom
• Respect and dignity equal to permanent staff
• Pay that reflects their experience and effort
• Flexibility to balance work and personal responsibilities

When these conditions are missing, even deeply committed educators are forced to reconsider their ability to stay.

Growth Matters More Than We Often Acknowledge

Educators are not just looking to survive in the field.

They want to grow within it.

• 99% of educators said they would take advantage of professional development or training opportunities

This signals something important.

Educators see child care as a profession.

They want tools, learning, and pathways that reflect that.

Growth opportunities are not an add-on.

They are a retention strategy.

What This Means for Centers

Educators are not asking centers to fix everything.

They are asking for conditions that respect the work they already love.

Centers can support retention by:

• Communicating expectations and routines clearly and early
• Treating substitute, part-time, and permanent educators with equal respect
• Offering flexibility where possible
• Paying educators fairly and transparently
• Investing in professional development and growth

Retention does not come from asking educators to sacrifice more.

It comes from removing the barriers that make staying hard.

Passion Plus Support Is the Formula for Retention

Educators stay in child care because the work matters deeply to them.

But passion alone cannot carry the weight of unclear systems, low pay, or lack of support.

When purpose is matched with:

• Flexibility
• Respect
• Fair compensation
• Opportunities to learn and grow

Educators are far more likely to stay in the field they care so deeply about.

Read the Full 2025 Workforce Report

The 2025 Workforce Report explores:

• Why educators stay and why they leave
• What makes participation sustainable
• How centers can build long-term workforce stability

👉 Read the full Workforce Report

🧸 Crib Notes

• 76% of educators stay in child care because they love helping children learn and grow
• Passion is strong, but it is not enough on its own
• Over half say flexibility allowed them to stay in the field
• Educators want clear communication, respect, and fair pay
• 99% would take advantage of professional development opportunities

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