Employee Benefits You Might Already Offer—But Aren’t Listing
(And Why You Should Be)
When hiring for a childcare center, pay is often the first thing applicants look at—but benefits are what make them stay. While you may not be able to compete with corporate salaries, many childcare centers are offering valuable perks… they just aren’t listing them as benefits.
The truth is, if it makes your staff’s life easier or improves their work experience, it’s a benefit—and should be treated as one. Beyond traditional benefits like health insurance and PTO, here’s a list of perks you may already offer (or could easily implement) to help attract and retain quality staff.
The “Hidden” Benefits You Might Already Offer
Work-Life Balance & Convenience
Predictable Scheduling – Your weekly hours are set in advance, so you’ll always know what to expect (with occasional flexibility when needed).
No Nights or Weekends – That’s right, work hours are limited to Monday-Friday between the hours of 7am-6pm.
Paid Breaks or Planning Time – Dedicated time for rest and lesson preparation during the workday.
Flexible Scheduling – Need to swap a shift? Adjust your hours? We always do our best to make it work!
Free Parking – No hunting for street parking- On-site or nearby parking available at no cost.
Easily Accessible Location – We’re close to public transit, coffee shops, and the essential post-shift Target run.
Workplace Lactation Room – A designated space for nursing parents on staff.
Inclement Weather Flexibility – Guaranteed closure pay or priority scheduling when the center closes due to weather.
Guaranteed Hours for Part-Time Employees – Minimum weekly hours even if attendance fluctuates.
Professional Development & Career Growth
Paid Training & Certifications – CPR, First Aid, and all required training covered. No out-of-pocket fees.
Tuition Reimbursement – Want to earn a degree in early childhood? We help with that! Financial assistance for staff pursuing a career in early childhood education.
Promotion Opportunities – Clear pathways for aides and assistants to grow into lead teacher or management roles.
Ongoing Coaching & Mentorship – We don’t just throw you into the classroom and hope for the best. You’ll have support from leadership to ensure you feel prepared.
Cross-Training Opportunities – Exposure to different age groups, special needs education, or administrative tasks for career growth.
Staff Support & Team Culture
Low Teacher-to-Child Ratios – Classrooms maintain appropriate ratios to support both staff and students.
Access to Floaters & Subs – We work with qualified substitutes so when you need an extra hand, we’ve got one.
Leadership Engagement – Directors and administrators provide hands-on support when needed.
Team Events & Recognition – Staff lunches, birthday shoutouts, and occasional coffee surprises.
A Collaborative Work Environment – We’re not saying it’s always rainbows and butterflies, but we value communication, teamwork, and like to have fun while doing our jobs!
Snacks, snacks, and more snacks!- We offer a fully stocked snack room, just grab and go!
No Uniforms (or Paid Uniforms if Required) – If your center allows casual dress or provides uniforms at no cost.
Birthday PTO – An extra paid day off during an employee’s birthday month.
"Work Anniversary" Gifts – Extra PTO, gift cards, or cash bonuses for long-term employees.
Childcare-Related Perks
Discounted Childcare – Save serious money on tuition for your little ones.
Priority Enrollment for Staff Children – No stressing about whether your child has a spot.
Curriculum & Resource Access – Need ideas for your own kids at home? Take-home materials included.
Paid Parent-Teacher Conference Time – Employees receive time off to attend their own child’s school meetings.
Financial & Wellness Perks
Free or Discounted Meals & Snacks – Meals provided during shifts at no cost or a reduced rate.
Paid Holidays & PTO – When we’re closed, you’re off. Simple as that. Not to mention paid time off for illnesses, personal days, and vacation.
Wellness Perks – Mental health days, yoga/stretching breaks, or just an overall sane work environment.
Bonuses & Incentives – Referrals, retention, and seasonal appreciation bonuses—because your hard work matters!
Gym Membership Discounts – Partnerships with local gyms or wellness centers.
Mental Health Support Stipend – Employees can be reimbursed for therapy, counseling, or stress management programs.
Talk to Your Team About What They Actually Appreciate
If you’re unsure what your staff really value, just ask them. At your next meeting, pose this question:
👉 “What’s something about working here that makes your job easier or more enjoyable?”
You might find that the things they love most aren’t even on your radar—but they should be.
If You Offer It, List It
The childcare hiring market is competitive, and while you may not be able to increase salaries overnight, you can make sure potential hires see the full value of working at your center. Many of these benefits cost you nothing but can make a big difference in attracting and keeping staff.
So, take a moment to review your job postings—are you actually listing everything you offer? If not, it’s time for an update. Because if you don’t market your benefits, candidates will assume you don’t have any—and that’s far from the truth.
