In early childhood education, your people are everything.
They're the ones who build connections with children, create safe and engaging classrooms, and hold the day-to-day heartbeat of your program together.
And while you may already show appreciation internally, there’s one simple, powerful shift that can have an even bigger impact: celebrating your staff publicly — and making sure parents see it, too.
Staff recognition isn't just a feel-good gesture — it’s a serious investment in the health and sustainability of your program. When teachers and caregivers feel valued, they’re more likely to stay, to show up fully, and to invest emotionally in your center’s future.
This aligns with what we see across the child care workforce more broadly: today's educators are deeply motivated by feeling respected, supported, and connected to their work. (You can read more about these motivators in this blog post.)
But often, recognition happens behind closed doors: a quick thank you in passing, a private note of appreciation, a small token at a staff meeting.
Those gestures are important. But public recognition amplifies the message — and it carries benefits you might not realize:
Parents gain trust in your team. When they see you celebrating the staff, it reinforces that they’re leaving their child with people who are respected, valued, and invested.
Staff take greater pride in their work. Public praise boosts morale, strengthens connection to your mission, and makes employees feel seen not just by leadership, but by the larger community.
Your center’s reputation grows. Families share what they see. Staff stay longer. And word-of-mouth becomes one of your most powerful recruitment tools — for both families and future teachers.
Here are a few actionable ways to put public recognition into practice:
Highlight team members on your social media, website, or newsletters. Share not just their titles, but their passions, their impact, and the little ways they make a difference each day.
Did someone complete a certification? Lead a successful classroom event? Step up in a time of need? Share it — in center-wide emails, family communication apps, or a visible "Wall of Wins" in your lobby.
When speaking with parents, casually lift up your staff’s hard work:
"Ms. Taylor has been doing an incredible job leading our literacy activities lately — you may have seen the new storytelling center she created!"
Moments like this build admiration and respect for your team organically.
Let families hear directly from the people who care for their children every day. Feature staff interviews, quick quotes, or short videos in newsletters or on your website. Ask things like:
What do you love most about working with kids?
What’s your favorite classroom moment this year?
What’s something families might not realize about your role?
Sharing these reflections helps families connect more deeply with your team — and helps your team feel truly heard and seen.
Recognizing your team behind the scenes is essential. But letting families see that appreciation out in the open?
It strengthens your entire community.
When parents trust and value your staff, when staff feel celebrated and supported, and when leadership fosters that connection intentionally — that’s when your center truly thrives.
Your people are the heart of your program.
Let’s make sure the world sees it.