Posted: August 20, 2025
While some early learning programs operate year-round, others follow a fall-to-summer schedule mirroring that of K–12 schools—making late summer a prime hiring season, and we all know what comes next: onboarding!
An illustration depicting three phases of onboarding which are in the sequence "Preboarding, Orientation, Ongoing support." These words are accompanied by graphics of a welcome kit, a person asking a question at a presentation, and two people chatting.
Whether you are an experienced educator starting fresh, a first-time teacher, a hiring manager, or a program director, onboarding is a vital part of the employment process. It's more than paperwork and handbooks—it's your opportunity to make a strong, supportive first impression.
In developing the Better Kid Care course, "Onboarding for Educator Success and Retention," we learned how impactful a thoughtfully planned and intentionally implemented onboarding process can be. Research shows that effective onboarding can improve new hire retention by more than eighty percent (Laurano, 2015), and "employees who describe their onboarding process as exceptional are three times more likely to strongly agree that their job is as good, or better than expected" (Gallup, 2019, p. 7).
Retaining educators is essential. It allows educators to establish the longstanding collegial relationships needed for success in the field and gives children and families the benefit of consistent care. While we recognize that broader workforce-related challenges contribute to early care and education turnover, there are practical strategies that programs can implement to support success and career longevity.
Our understanding of effective onboarding has evolved at Better Kid Care because of the course. We now see it as a three-phase journey that starts when an employee accepts a job offer and continues through their first year. The phases—preboarding, orientation, and ongoing support—offer continual opportunities to build connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
We've also realized that great onboarding is a team effort—it's not just the responsibility of leaders. Everyone has a role to play in welcoming and supporting new team members.
This onboarding season, we're here to support your efforts! Our course includes customizable templates for creating a welcome kit and encourages fresh thinking about common practices. For example, what if you reimagined the standard building tour as a "Culture Walk," showcasing your program’s philosophy and values in action?
To learn more about how onboarding can lead to positive outcomes for staff, explore "Onboarding for Educator Success and Retention," and remember, better beginnings come from better onboarding.
References
Gallup. (2019). Creating an Exceptional Onboarding Journey for New Employees. Retrieved from Gallup, Inc.
Laurano, M. (2015). The True Cost of a Bad Hire. Brandon Hall Group.
