Become an Employer of Choice

Become an Employer of Choice: Resources to Attract Top Talent

In today’s competitive child care landscape, attracting and retaining top talent is more than filling positions it’s about creating a workplace where educators feel valued, supported, and inspired. Through Show Me Child Care Resources, child care providers across Missouri have access to a robust suite of tools designed to help them stand out as an employer of choice and strengthen their programs long-term sustainability. 

Why Becoming an Employer of Choice Matters 

Being an employer of choice means your program is widely recognized as a great place to work by current staff, job seekers, and even families. It requires a two-part strategy that focuses both on staff experience and how your program is perceived in the community.

1. Internal focus: Meeting the needs, wants, and expectations of your staff through strong communication, fair policies, and supportive leadership.
2. External promotion: Showcasing your program’s strengths to the wider community, including potential hires and families, so they see your program as a trusted and desirable place to work and enroll.

Tools to Build Your Strategy 

The Show Me Child Care Resources platform offers practical tools to help you reflect, plan, and implement strategies that elevate your recruitment and retention efforts.

✅ Quick Start to Becoming an Employer of Choice (available in English and Spanish): Begin your journey with clear, actionable steps and helpful prompts to assess where you are and where you want to go. 

✅ Recruitment and Retention Tips and Strategies (available in English and Spanish): Explore proven approaches to attract high-quality staff and keep them engaged, including communication, onboarding, and recognition ideas.

✅ Teacher Benefits and Compensation Templates: Use these templates during interviews or job offers to highlight the perks of working at your program from paid time off to professional development opportunities and more. 

✅ Workplace Culture Toolkit: Build a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace where staff feel heard, respected, and excited to come to work every day. 

Ready to Stand Out? 

By embedding a thoughtful HR recruitment and retention strategy—and using the tools available through Show Me Child Care Resources, you can position your program as a top choice for educators and caregivers across Missouri. Start building your reputation as an employer of choice now, because great programs start with great people. 

Check out our website for more information about Show Me Child Care Resources: 

Learn more: Email theteam@showmeresource.org with any questions.

Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources:

FREE Clock Hour Training
Scholarships for Educators
Child Care Health and Wellness
Family Child Care Network
Leadership Development Opportunities
Missouri Office of Childhood Updates
Show Me Child Care Resources
Support Child Care Aware® of Missouri
Community Data
Join Our Team
Resources to Build Your Business