How Neighborhood Kids Schools Are Combating the Teacher Shortage

Neighborhood Kids Schools, the faith-based preschool concept that provides exceptional early education and foundational family values, recognizes that the nation is facing a troubling shortage of teachers and staff. Since the pandemic began, more teachers are reporting higher levels of burnout, ultimately leading to career changes and increased teaching vacancies.

“The turnover in this industry has been very difficult,” said Neighborhood Kids Director Krystie Solana. “Schools are reporting more no-shows for interviews and some new hires only working for a day or two before leaving. It’s been understandably challenging for the children and their parents.”

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 300,000 public school staff left the field between February 2020 and May 2022. A survey by the National Education Association indicates that 55% of teachers intend to leave education earlier than planned.

Neighborhood Kids is taking deliberate steps to combat the shortage and keep its schools staffed with talented, engaging teachers. By completing further due diligence during the hiring process and raising teacher salaries, the brand brings in exceptional talent and boosts morale with appropriate financial support.

“First, we’re offering higher pay to our teachers. Their services are critical, and they deserve to be adequately compensated for their amazing work,” said Solana. “We’re also looking closely at each candidate's credentials to be sure their experience and attitude align with our vision. Though our hiring process may take longer, we’re able to select the right educators to fit our schools.”

Neighborhood Kids also offers its educators an abundance of benefits, many of which are not commonly offered in the early education segment, including 401k benefits, health insurance, developmental assistance, paying in full or part of their education, and scholarships for continuing education. Many staff members with the brand have taken advantage of these educational opportunities, including Solana.

“At Neighborhood Kids, we understand the importance of education regardless of one’s age, experience, or skill set,” said Frank Toral, CEO of Neighborhood Kids Schools. “We encourage our educators to continue their education, whether in a graduate program, a certification program, or other practical and technical training. We want to become the school of choice for early childhood educators and prepare them to have the greatest possible impact on students.”

The preschool’s enhanced hiring practices are designed to foster a safe and consistent learning environment for students and peace of mind for parents. These practices also create a more desirable and simplified franchise concept, allowing franchise owners high ROI and the ability to make a far-reaching impact.

“We give franchise owners not only an opportunity to earn a good income but to make a huge difference — a generational impact — in their communities and in the lives of hundreds of kids,” said Toral. “So it's about creating a genuine community with a sense of purpose. We're looking for purpose-driven leaders to become future franchise owners..”

ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS: 

Neighborhood Kids was established in Wellington, Florida in 1978. Now a private, faith-based early childhood education organization, Neighborhood Kids provides exceptional early childhood education in a safe and happy learning environment. For more information, visit www.neighborhoodkids.com.