Using Quasi-Experimental Evidence to Understand Workforce Experiences in Early Childhood Education and Care

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 9:45 am - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Workforce Experiences in Early Care and Education

Abstract

Efforts to increase access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) are hindered by workforce turnover and shortages. Thus, it is important to understand what might reduce turnover and bring educators who have left back. Evidence from a choice based conjoint experiment with a sample of 2047 Canadian educators and results found educators had strongest preferences for benefits, salary, and unpaid time spent working. We found differences in preferences based on sector engagement and educator demographics. Significant heterogeneity in ECEC related work place preferences was identified across educators and a latent profile analysis identified three unique profiles of educator preferences. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Samantha Burns, University of Guelph

• Elizabeth Dhuey, University of Toronto - Scarborough

• Linda White, University of Toronto

• Michal Perlman, University of Toronto - OISE