But doing that requires an investment in education for the staff. Longevity in the childcare business is unusual. A recent study found that one in four caregivers will leave their jobs in the course of a year. Erika McDermott worked in lee memorial's infant care center for 12 years, juggling two jobs to support herself. She made more working at a fast food restaurant than she did taking care of children.
Money's a big thing.
Daycare has never been a payer. People that work in daycare do it because they love kids. Without improving wages and benefits, caregivers will continue to leave for more enticing jobs. And benefiting the child is what daycare is supposed to be all about. Fortunately for parents in Southwest Florida, there are people in the childcare business who aren't in it for the money.