McCormick Institute for Early Childhood

As a field we have several decades of accumulated research about the early childhood workforce. A reoccurring theme across studies is that early childhood practitioners are not compensated as well as workers with similar qualifications in other occupations. Meager benefits, poor working conditions, low professional standards, and limited support for professional development are some of the additional challenges facing the early childhood workforce. These issues clearly impact recruitment and retention and other concerns that early childhood center directors face. In such a climate, what steps are directors taking to advocate for change? … Download this resource to read the rest of the research.


This resource is part of our Research Note series.

By Emilie Austin November 5, 2025
Scaffolded Beginnings supports effective staff onboarding through intentional orientation design, helping early childhood programs build confident, competent, and connected teams from day one.
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