Early Childhood Professional Well-being as a Predictor of the Risk of Turnover in Early Head Start & Head Start Settings

Abstract

ABSTRACT Turnover is particularly worrisome in Early Head Start/Head Start (EHS/HS) where consistency in relational-care systems and stable environments are critical quality indicators. Key adults in EHS/HS settings including teachers, administrators, specialists, and auxiliary personnel impact young children and families by providing care, education, and essential resources. This study addressed risk of turnover (job satisfaction, intentions to remain in position or profession) in a nation-wide sample of EHS/HS professionals (N = 1,076) through the lens of early childhood professional well-being (ECPW). Research Findings: Three ECPW factors were identified: Community Belonging (CB; α = 0.90); Safety & Security (SS; α = 0.84); and Professional Identity (PI; α = 0.76). ANOVA results indicated administrators, and professionals with college and graduate degrees, and those over 20 years of experience in their settings and the field experienced the highest levels of ECPW. SEM confirmed that ECPW was predictive of risk of turnover. Practice or Policy: Results helped refine researchers’ earlier conceptualizations of ECPW. Implications of ECPW and risk of turnover in EHS/HS settings are discussed.