Simple Strategies To Prevent Turnover and Support Retention in Early Care and Learning

As a practice, we must first model the expectation and then create a system of accountability. Failure to do either can prove to be a very costly lesson for programs, including staff that are more apt to engage in unethical practices and high turnover. 

Here are a few strategies we can implement to support the growing issue.

• Creating a mentoring culture could prove to be financially beneficial, support continuity of care for children and families and support the mission of the agency providing consistency for generations to come.

Organizations that put into place a mentoring culture will have little difficulty in attracting quality young professionals to their organization. Providing these young professionals with a mentor who is focused on their personal and professional growth will ensure that these young professionals will stay with your organization for a long time. Source Growing up in an enriched neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois cultivating excellence became the model of successful program outcomes. Erie Neighborhood House has been consistent in the approach to providing for children and families since 1870. “Erie's commitment to service and education has never waivered. “

• Create an internal systems of accountability; early care and learning practitioners should be held accountable to the Ethical Code of Conduct, both through Human Resource documentation and the protection of safe environments created to include a whistleblower policy.
• We shall carefully check references and shall not hire or recommend for employment any person whose competence, qualifications, or character makes him or her unsuited for the position. Source[SG1] 

Based on the Harvard Business Review as much as 80% of employee turnover is due to bad hiring decision. Source 

• Create a program enriched in professional development, ethics training and program management supports competence and builds the confidence in the early learner practitioner.
• 40% of employees that receive poor job training quit within the year. Source

If employee turnover is high for your agency you may want to consider an Agency Culture Makeover. Enrich your program with professional development course to include the Code of Ethical Conduct, Internal accountability processes, foundation of Early Childhood Theory In Practice Strategies to support the professional responsibility and our commitment to children.

Visit our website