Working in child care is incredibly meaningful — but let’s be honest, it’s also incredibly hard. The demands are high, the energy required is constant, and the pay often doesn’t reflect the level of skill or heart that goes into the job. It’s no surprise, then, that turnover in the field is among the highest in the U.S. According to Child Trends, annual turnover in early childhood education can reach as high as 30–40%, and the average national wage for child care workers sits at just $13.71 per hour, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Yet despite these challenges, the work you do is crucial. Children thrive when they have consistent, loving, and skilled caregivers in their lives — and that means we need to make this work sustainable for the people who do it. We think that that starts with flexibility.
Many child care professionals are navigating more than just the classroom. Maybe you’re caring for your own children or an aging parent. Maybe you’re in school working toward your next credential or degree. Or maybe you simply need a job that gives you room to breathe.
We get that. Flexibility isn’t just a perk in this field — it’s a lifeline. And it’s one of the biggest factors in keeping talented, passionate educators in the profession.
Studies have shown that flexible work schedules lead to higher job satisfaction, lower burnout, and ultimately, better retention. And that’s a win for everyone. When you build a schedule that works for you, you’re more likely to stay in the field longer, grow your skills, and deliver the kind of quality care every child deserves.
Flexibility can often be associated with instability. We believe that this does not need to be true. In fact, creating a sustainable schedule — one that honors your time, energy, and personal commitments — can be the foundation for a long-term career in early education.
Think of it this way: building a flexible career allows you to pace yourself, avoiding burnout. It’s not about working less — it’s about working smarter, in a way that fits your life and your goals.
At Tandem, we’ve seen firsthand how flexibility transforms the workforce. Our platform was built to help skilled child care workers like you find the right shifts at the right centers — on your terms.
You can choose when and where you work, and tailor your schedule based on what’s going on in your life. That might mean working full-time hours one month, then scaling back while you’re finishing school or taking care of a loved one. And that’s okay.
Flexibility does not mean inconsistency. Many Tandem workers find centers where they click and return to them regularly, even if they’re not working every single week. You can still build lasting relationships with centers, children, and families — even as your schedule evolves.