It seems my son's preschool is having monumental turnover; what could it be?

Question

I switched my son to a well rated -- 4 star preschool last year when his previous preschool 'went under' financially. I've had a few small concerns, but the staff has always addressed issues. Overall it's been a great experience...however in the past 6 mos., a director + 3 primary staff teachers & now the asst. director have made transfers to another facility within this particular "chain" of centers. They all seem to be moving on to the same job within the co., but at another location in the area; one moved to another city in the state. Some have been promoted. But this is a great change for a small facility... maybe only 12 staff in all. It's leading me to believe that something is wrong there that I don't know about. Do you think it's just personality issues? or just promotions...life? If you're a teacher that can give some feedback, I'd really appreciate it. And for the record my son is happy, well cared for and definitely getting a great education in the meantime.

Answer 1

I think it is a good sign that they are staying with the company and it may that the company is expanding and redistributing their current staff. I'm a big believer in being direct and asking questions so I would ask the facility why the changes are happening. Be frank and ask if they are having financial dificulties at your facility. I find that if you express your concern sincerely most people will put aside their company loyalty and give you an honest answer.  In any case, you will accomplish two things: you'lll get an answer (hopefully that will make you feel better) and you will alert the company that their moves are creating concern. If your son is happy and well treated I wouldn't worry much about it.

Answer 2

I worked at a chain daycare and we had a high turnover rate due to the following:

1. Very long hours

2.Not supported by the administration

3. Large class sizes

4. Not paid enough

5.Bad kid/pushy parents

6. Became more about filling classes/$$$$$$$$$$$

7. Lack of resources/ too much out of pocket expenses for teachers

8. Pushing kids in the next class when they are not ready

9.Boss playing favorites to certain staff

10. Better position opened up/shorter commute/better hours

11. Co worker tension

12. Ready to move on/grew out of current job

13. Not getting hours & pay that you were promised

14. No vacations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

15.Too much PAPERWORK and not enough teaching

16. Becomes more about teaching the kids certain skills and less about teaching in a creative & fun manner and kids having fun

Is this chain Bright Horizons or Chesterbrook Academy by chance????

Answer 3

I am a preschool teacher.  I am going back to work this school year after taking time off to care for a sick family member.  I am not that excited to go back to the preschool.  I have looked for another job, but can't find anything that will pay even $10 per hour.  I don't have a 4 year degree, and was a stay-at-home mom for many years.  I am great with kids, and love them dearly.  I like preschool age kids, but it is hard work, and the pay is low.  We get no benefits, sick days, or paid holidays. The director is awful to work for.  The reason I am going back is because of the schedule, and it is close to my home.  It would take very little for me to quit and go somewhere else.  Even if the pay was the same, I would move to another facility in order to work for someone decent.  And if my fellow teachers had moved there before me, all the better- I could work with people I already know.  I hope knowing my situation has helped you as you are evaluating your childcare.  It sounds like your son is doing fine.  You are a good Mom to be watching what is going on.  

Answer 4

Daycares have high turnover in general. It is extremely rare for daycare employees to stay too long. They are underpaid and underappreciated. I remember working at a daycare and always feeling that way and also thinking that the grass was always greener on the other side.

Some possibilities:

1. Bad kid or bad parent

2. Higher level management could be rude or difficult to work with considering the directors are moving.

3.  Personality issues could be part of it - a workplace full of women sometimes / often results in gossip and that kind of drama.

Answer 5

It's likely just a coincidence that they are all going at the same time and a combination of reasons, as you said: promotion, moving to another city, a personality issue, etc. In the scheme of things, 5 staff members changing over a period of 6 months isn't so unusual, either.

The last day care I worked at had the same number of staff leave in 6 months. #1 left because she retired, #2 left because she was going back to school full time, #3 left because she had to do student teaching for her elementary ed. degree, #4  (my partner) left because her husband was suddenly transferred to another city, and #5 (me) left 2 months early for mat leave because I was put on complete bed rest for the last 3 months of pregnancy.

It sounds like someone is taking care during the transitions to ensure that children receive the same quality of care as before. However, if you are still concerned, it is okay to talk to the director or a trusted staff member and just say that you are concerned about the great number of changes recently and ask why.  

Answer 6

From my experience working with various sizes and types of centers, corporate is so corporate. Sometimes the policies are wonderful, but the goal is money. Children get swapped around from class to class; teachers get moved around all day; etc. They stay in the company, although unhappy, because non-corporate centers can't offer them the same pay or benefits. It's often the privately owned centers that have the true love for children and appreciate their workers.

In general, people leave managers, not jobs.

Answer 7

If these preschools are not a part of the public education system, you should realize :

• the pay is usually the pits

• benefits for the employees are few if any

• sometimes, people will move to be closer to home.

• sometimes they can get a better schedule with more or less hours.

• sometimes there are personality conflicts or disagreements in procedures.

• certainly promotions mean more money so that could be another incentive

But as long as your son is being well cared for, & learning, that is really where your focus should be.  I'm guessing in another year or so, he'll be moving on to kindergarten anyway.  And he'll most likely be having new teachers every year.  So, this will a way to prepare him for what lies ahead.

You sound like a great mom.

Answer 8

I am the director of a preschool that is a part of a large company and people change schools within the company for a number of reasons whether it be a promotion or the person is moving or possibly a spot opened up at a school closer to their home.  I am not gonna lie, turn over is a huge problem in the early childhood field for a number of reasons.  Have you tried asking the person who is above the director?  She or he may not be able to give details but you might get a feeling for the situation.  I would hang on and see how the new director is as long as you feel your son is safe and well cared for.  Sometimes change is for the good.  It can bring about fresh ideas and a new perspective.  Talk to the new director about your concerns.  She should see it as an opportunity to share her thoughts and ideas!

Answer 9

childcare is an industry with large turnover, but it's a great sign that they are staying with the same company.  i know it's difficult for you but it's common in the industry.  these people are moving up or moving closer to home due to their own situations.  and if the center you are at is a tutor time, childtime, la petite.......they are going through large changes right now with expansion throughout their company.  they need key personnel in new positions so people move up.  if you're happy, in general, with your center then i'd stick and see how things go.  get to know the new staff.  be a help to them.  maybe talk to the new director about a parent board.  be involved.