Keeping Kids and Staff Happy on Bainbridge Island
The preschool has surprised many by maintaining the same team for over a year—a rarity in early‑childhood settings where staff turnover is common. Nationwide, teachers change jobs about one‑quarter to almost half of the time each year.
- Age range: A few weeks old up to five years
- Hours: Full‑time infant care every weekday
- Enrollment: 91 pupils
- Staff: ~33 employees, making it the island’s largest provider for this age group
Leadership Roots
Executive director Emily Criss began as a part‑time student in 2003. She progressed to lead teacher before becoming director in 2019.
“Starting at the bottom gave me a deep understanding of every role, which helps when hiring and keeping people.” – Criss
Low Turnover Formula
Criss attributes the low turnover to treating staff like family:
- Shared goals and teamwork create a home‑like environment.
- Teachers stay with the same group they enjoy working with.
Additional strategies include:
- Partnerships with the local school district to let high‑schoolers try early childhood jobs.
- Participation in a state quality review program that evaluates the center every few years.
Takeaway
By prioritizing teacher well‑being and aligning staff with the age group they love, First Years Children’s Center demonstrates that high staff retention is possible—even in a field where churn is the norm.
