Who’s Taking Care of the Caregivers? Why HR Support Matters in Early Childhood Settings

In the world of early childhood, there’s no shortage of love, patience, and creativity. Caregivers show up day after day with open arms, open hearts, and an endless supply of bubbles and Band-Aids. But behind the scenes—between licensing paperwork, staff shortages, and last-minute call-offs—there’s often one big question no one is asking:

Who’s taking care of the caregivers?

A Personal Perspective

As a former nanny for over a decade, I know firsthand how rewarding and exhausting this work can be.

As a recruiter for Bright Horizons and the YMCA, I learned the ins and outs of hiring for early education roles.

And as an HR Business Partner with the JCC, I supported entire childcare teams with everything from compliance and onboarding to burnout and morale.

Now, as a new mom, I see it all even more clearly:

Childcare isn’t just about curriculum or credentials—it’s about people.

And those people need support.

The Invisible Load on Directors and Families

Many small childcare centers run without an internal HR team. Directors are often juggling everything:

• Hiring

• Scheduling

• DCFS compliance

• Parent communication

• Classroom coverage

Meanwhile, families looking for in-home care are expected to act as recruiters, interviewers, employers, and mediators.

It’s a lot.

And too often, it leads to rushed hires, high turnover, or worse—amazing caregivers walking away from a field they love because no one’s supporting them.

That’s Where We Come In

I started Little Ladder Consulting because I believe early childhood teams deserve better.

Whether you’re a daycare director overwhelmed with staffing or a family searching for a trusted nanny, you shouldn’t have to do it alone.

We’re here to take that weight off your shoulders—with practical, people-first HR solutions designed just for the childcare world. From recruiting and onboarding to training and long-term support, we help you build strong, happy teams that stick around.

Because When We Take Care of Caregivers…

• Children thrive

• Parents breathe easier

• Centers grow stronger

• And the people who give so much finally get the support they need

Thanks for being here. I can’t wait to grow with you.

Let’s Connect

Want to learn more about how we can help your center or family?

Book a free discovery call or email me directly at Iris@littleladderhr.com