Staff turnover in the child care field is higher than in many professions, averaging between 25% and 50% each year. High staff turnover is often related to low wages and lack of benefits. Child care professionals are among the lowest paid of all classes of workers in the United States, according to the National Center for Early Development and Learning. Many child care professionals do not receive health insurance, retirement, paid leave, or other benefits of employment.
The biggest problem with high turnover is that it can have negative effects on children's development. Children in child care programs with high turnover must regularly adapt to new providers and new rules and must build new attachment relationships with the adults around them. Children who have a strong attachment to their child care provider tend to be more independent, better problem solvers, and better at relating to other children.
