8 Effective Ways to Boost Employee Engagement in Early Childhood Education

As 2025 begins, it’s an ideal time for childcare owners, directors, and managers to assess staff engagement and implement strategies that boost morale, retention, and productivity. Employee engagement is essential for creating a positive work environment where team members feel valued and motivated. Engaged educators are not only more likely to stay with the center but are also more productive, innovative, and committed to the childcare’s mission and values.

In the childcare industry, where employee turnover can be high and burnout is common, focusing on building a solid employee engagement strategy can make a world of difference. By supporting employee well-being, offering professional development opportunities, and cultivating a positive workplace culture, you can create a team that’s not just going through the motions but is actively contributing to the growth and success of your childcare program.

Here are 10 effective ways to boost employee engagement in 2025,  ensuring your educators feel motivated, connected and happy:

1. Invest in Employee Recognition Initiatives

Recognition is one of the most effective ways to boost employee engagement. Acknowledging the hard work and achievements of your team members makes them feel valued and appreciated. Recognition programs and initiatives can range from simple shout-outs during meetings to more formal awards like gift-cards or treats brought into the center. Implementing a system where educators are recognized for their contributions not only boosts morale but also fosters a culture of positivity and appreciation.

Example: Example: Celebrate milestones, such as work anniversaries; simply  congratulate educators for their hard-work on a daily basis with small tokens of appreciation such as a gift card to a local coffee shop; or plan team celebrations like a Friday pizza party. This can enhance employee retention, motivate disengaged employees and create a sense of belonging within the workplace.

2. Prioritize Employee Well-Being

Supporting your team’s physical and mental health is vital for maintaining high engagement levels. Offering wellness benefits, such as discounts for gym memberships or access to local mental health resources can demonstrate your commitment to their well-being. When employees feel supported in all aspects of their health, they’re more likely to stay engaged, mentally healthy and committed to the success of the center. 
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Example: Bring in an expert to lead a mindfulness or yoga class during a team meeting or professional development day. These sessions can provide team members with practical tools to manage the demands of working in childcare, helping them maintain their mental well-being and cope with stress in a healthy way.

3. Create Opportunities for Professional Development

Employees who feel like they are growing in their roles are more likely to remain engaged and satisfied with their jobs. Offering professional development opportunities, such as online workshops, can empower employees to reach their career goals. These initiatives not only improve individual performance as educators feel more connected to their growth, but also contribute to the overall success and professionalism of the center.

Example: Provide access to online training on evidence-based child development strategies, or even leadership development for employees interested in advancing to higher positions within your center.

4. Foster Open Communication

Creating an open line of communication between management and employees is crucial for a positive work environment. Encourage team members to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Regular check-ins, pulse surveys, performance reviews and open-door policies can help ensure that employees feel heard and valued.

Example: Hold weekly or monthly team meetings where educators can discuss challenges, share successes, and offer suggestions for improvement, as well as monthly or quarterly 1:1’s with each staff member. 

5. Offer Work-Life Balance

A healthy work-life balance is critical for maintaining educator well-being and engagement. Childcare professionals often work long hours, and the emotional demands of the job can be overwhelming. Offering flexible schedules when needed, paid time off, and family-friendly policies (such as discounts for children of staff or healthcare plans that extend to dependents) helps employees manage their work and personal lives without feeling overburdened.

Example: Implement flexible scheduling options, such as allowing employees to choose shifts that accommodate their personal commitments.Educators within a classroom can take on the responsibility of having these conversations and making scheduling decisions to ensure the room is adequately staffed while still supporting their colleagues in meeting personal obligations. This collaborative approach fosters a supportive work environment and promotes work-life balance.

6. Encourage Team-Building Activities

Team-building is an excellent way to enhance communication and collaboration among your staff, especially when new employees join the center. Organizing team-building activities that allow employees to bond outside of the typical work environment can strengthen relationships and improve morale.

Example: Once a month buy a gift card to a local coffee shop and encourage two staff to grab a coffee together on their break, or organize a staff dinner to help strengthen team dynamics and provide a chance for educators to get to know each other outside of the daily routine.

7. Implement a Clear Onboarding Process

The employee experience begins from day one. A structured onboarding process helps new hires feel welcome, informed, and prepared for their roles. Onboarding should go beyond filling out paperwork; it should include training, introductions to team members, and an overview of the company’s mission and values. When employees feel prepared and supported from the start, they are more likely to be engaged and invested in their role.

Example: Childcare providers can use mentorship programs to pair new hires with experienced team members who can guide them through their first few weeks, making them feel more connected and integrated into the team.

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8. Create a Positive and Inclusive Center Culture

A center’s culture plays a major role in employee engagement. Foster an inclusive and positive work environment where educators feel like they belong and are part of something meaningful. When employees feel aligned with the company’s mission and values, they are more likely to engage with their work and contribute to the organization’s success.

Example: Implement company values that emphasize respect, inclusivity, and community on a daily basis. Regularly celebrate diversity through events such as cultural appreciation days or inclusive holiday celebrations, ensuring that employees and families from all backgrounds feel respected, valued, and heard. 

Conclusion

Boosting employee engagement is not just about offering perks or incentives; it’s about creating workspaces where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. Society does not always show early childhood educators the respect they deserve, making it even more important to create a workplace where they feel valued and appreciated for their critical contributions.

By implementing these 8 strategies, childcare owners, directors, and supervisors can create a workplace where team members thrive, reducing turnover and increasing retention.

For more resources on early education and best practices, explore our collection of blogs and resources tailored to educators and parents alike.