Poster #35 - Combating Turnover in Early Care and Education Programs: The Role for Instructional Leadership

• In Event: 75.043 - MTCC Poster Session 17
  In Poster Session: 75.043-7 - Human Development 1

Abstract

In light of research that shows teacher turnover is negatively related to children’s developmental outcomes, policymakers are interested in identifying the kinds of retention strategies that may be most effective at combating turnover. Using data from over 1,000 teachers and their directors working in 366 child care programs, this study examined retention strategies that aimed to improve wages, benefits, hiring practices, teacher development, working conditions, or instructional leadership. We found that strategies that improved wages and benefits were negatively predictive of teacher turnover rates, and strategies that improved benefits and instructional leadership were positively predictive of qualified teachers. We discuss ways in which policymakers can invest in leadership development to reduce turnover.

Authors

• Diana Schaack, University of California - Berkeley

• Vi-Nhuan Le, NORC at the University of Chicago

• Jennifer Stedron